RESEARCH WORK.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1925, Page 4

RESEARCH WORK.

‘ AUSTRAIJAX IXTKItIOR. MOTOR EXPEDITION'S. SYDX'KY, Aug. 7. That the exploration of Australia is not a dead letter is proved by the presence of several expeditions in the interior of the continent. But where tin* old-time explorer went on foot through unknown parts, the modern explorer makes his way in motor vehicles. The two most important expeditions are those commanded by Mr Michael Terry, of which Lord Apslcy. a British M.f’, is a member, and Mr Bailee le Soeuf. The Terry expedition is using cars with a caterpillar drive, and as it is mainly a ‘‘stunt" iournev to prove the elliviny of this type of car for the rough outback, much id the value of the expedition i> removed, although valuable discoveries might he made. On the other hand, the expedition commanded by Mr le Soeuf. is cute of pure research, and if the anticipated results are achieved, much valuable knowledge might be gained for the material advancement id the Oomuioiiweallh. MR LE SOI*HE’S PLANS. Mr le Sotted began this work in West Australia severed years ago. His present aint is to investigate the possibilities of developing the Central Australian regions mainly as regards woolgrowug. Evidence will l.e collected from stations already established in the area, and analyses of soil and witter will be undertaken. Mr le Souef will thoroughly test the territory from west io east, in the hope of finding subterranean water supplies. He thinks that there is probably a subterranean stream in these regions, and if such a stream is discovered by the expedition, it will have far-reaching effects on the development of an immense area. Plant life will be collected for classification, and the distribution of animal and t>ird life on the tableland will be viewed as having a direct bearing on the stock-carrying capacity of the country. Another of the studies of the expedition will bo the pests of the regions. such as the dingo and rabbit, together with their relation to stock. BTRDS AND AXJMAB STUDY Mr le Souof comes from a family which has devoted itself to the study of zoological and natural history. His father was for a quarter of a century Director of the Zoological Gardens in j Melbourne, and a brother. Mr Dudley le Souef. occupied this position front : 1902 until his death in 1923. Mr Dud- ! ley le Souef made a life-long study of . the birds and animals of Australia, j Another brother, Mr E. le Souef, is in charge of the Perth Zoological Gardens, l

and a third. Mr Sherbourne le Souef, is director of the Sydney Zoo at Tarotiga Park, and lie has played a large part in making it what is proclaimed as the finest of its kind in the world. Mr Lance le Souef spent some years in zoological and acclimatisation work in Vest Australia, and then set out on research work. He has made a careful study of his investigations, and intends, at some future date, to publish his experiences and the results of his studies.”