Vlll. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



New Zealand and Antarctic Exploration. 



In connection with the movement for obtaining funds for a National 

 Antarctic Expedition it is of interest to note the fact, that so long ago as 

 July last the Legislative Council of New Zealand pronounced unanimously 

 in favour of the Colonial Government contributing to support the move- 

 ment. The Hon. Charles Bowen moved "That the Government be 

 requested to place a sum of money on the estimates as a contribution 

 towards the equipment of an Antarctic expedition which the Royal Geo- 

 graphical and other scientific Societies are promoting, and to provide for 

 a preliminary magnetic survey in New Zealand as far south as possible. 

 The motion was fully discussed in the Council, and received the hearty 

 support of all the speakers except one. The Hon. Dr. Grace thought all 

 Governments should be encouraged to follow previous impulses. People 

 must be worthy of their destiny. It was the destiny of New Zealand to 

 influence largely the history of the future of these seas, and it was un- 

 questionably our duty to be worthy of that destiny." It is to be hoped 

 that the other Australasian Colonies will follow the example of New 

 Zealand and no doubt the President of the Eoyal Geographical Society 

 will take steps to secure their co-operation. 



1 Savile Row, Burlington Gardens, London W. 

 November 19th, 1898. 

 Appeal for Subscriptions to a National Antarctic Expedition. 



Sir, — May I request permission to appeal through your columns for 

 public support towards a National Antarctic Expedition. 



A joint Committee of the Royal Society and the Royal Geographical 

 Society has been formed to promote this object; and there is absolute 

 unanimity among men of science with regard to the scientific importance 

 of the results ; while the magnetic survey will be of practical value to 

 navigation. 



This appeal has become necessary because Her Majesty's Government 

 is unable to supply funds for the Expedition or to lend officers; but 

 recognises its scientific importance. The Admiralty, on the part of the 

 Government, will aid the outfit of an expedition by a loan of instruments; 

 their Lordships will place at the disposal of its leader any experience 

 which may have been gained in the past; they regard the enterprise as 

 one which is important in the interests of science ; and will watch the 

 results with great interest. Subscribers will, therefore, be aiding a great 

 work approved by H.M. Government. 



This is strictly a naval enterprise, and we all must regret that the 

 navy is deprived of its right. But if naval officers on the active list 

 cannot be spared, there will be plenty of volunteers from among young 

 officers who have left the service, officers on the retired list, and officers 

 of the naval reserve. 



