326 



was keenly watched and contested, and several points were 

 lost, the most important being the definition of an aboriginal. 

 Still, great progress has been made, for hitherto many birds 

 which have been unprotected will now have full protection. 

 Many loopholes in the old Act have been rectified, and it will 

 be much easier now to bring offenders against the Act to 

 justice. At the time of writing this report the Bill is coming 

 forward for the third reading. 



The committee considered the seal question, for one 

 sealer admitted having killed 1,400 seals in the last six months. 

 The seal was placed in the totally protected list, but when 

 before the House the clause was lost. Action is now being 

 taken to declare both gulfs inside Kangaroo Island as a closed 

 area or sanctuary for seals. 



The Royal Society elected a committee, comprising the 

 chairman of the committee, as well as Messrs. S. Dixon and 

 J. M. Black, to arrange a deputation to the Government, 

 asking that Flinders Chase, Kangaroo Island, be constituted. 

 On Wednesday, September 10, 1918, a meeting of influential 

 citizens took place in the Mayor's parlour, Adelaide, and the 

 Hon. J. Lewis, M.L.C., presided. The question was discussed 

 in all its aspects, and a committee appointed, consisting of 

 Capt. S. A. White, Messrs. S. Dixon and J. M. Black, to 

 arrange for a deputation. A circular was printed, setting out 

 the objects of the Chase, and circulated amongst the members 

 of both Houses of Parliament, citizens, etc. On September 27, 

 a large and representative deputation waited upon the 

 Attorney-General (Mr. H. N. Barwell). Prof. Sir Edward 

 Stirling, the chairman of the committee, Mr. H. Robins, and 

 others spoke, and put the situation very clearly before the 

 Minister. The question has been before Cabinet, but the 

 results are not yet to hand. 



It can be said that much good work has been accomplished 

 during the year, and a great deal of additional protection has 

 been secured for our fauna and flora. Still much remains to 

 be accomplished. 



S. A. White, Chairman. 



