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PBOPOSED EXPEDITION FOR AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATION. [From the Spectator, May 28.]

The proposed expedition to explore (wo important sections of tbe Australian continent hitherto untraversed — a project which was mentioned by Sir Roderick Murchison at the annual meeting of the Geographical Society on Monday last — posseises many features of interest. The portions of the globe as yet untrav-eraed in some way or other by scientific travellers are now very few and limited. Even the Arctic regions have been trodden so often, and to such an extent, that tbe shape of the region of magnetic intensity can be traced on the map. Yet, while tegions of perpetual ice and snow, which can neVer in the common sense of the word be rendered useful to us, have been rendered so far familiar) tbe Northern and North-western portion of our Colonial continent is unknown. Even the nature of the land in its interior is a matter of conjecture. From circumstances connected with the resemblance of the coast in one part to that in another — from the character of tbe rivers which pour themselves into (he waters of the Indian Archipelago, and from the timber borne oh their streams' — it is conjectured, with grteat probability, that those rivers are coast rivers, and that tbe interior of the Nortb-western quarter of Australia is occupied by an elevated plateau, having its principal height towards the North) and gradually sloping towards that interior where a retreating sea has left relics of itself in the central Australian desert. Should this conjecture prove true, it would probably be found that the Tropical climate of that pait of Australia is corrected by the elevation of the land, and a n?w region of agriculture would be addfed to the varied industry of Australia. This part of tbe continent ought to be peculiarly interesting to the inhabitants of Western Australia' who have hitherto sustained the comparison with other colonies under great disadvantages, and who would find far more profit and dignity in annexing to their territory one such as we suppose to exist, thafl in adulterating their population with convict labour. After having made themselves acquainted with tbe principal towns on the Australian continent, the feelings of its inhabitants, and the information to be thus collected, the members of the expedition would rendezvous at Perth ; and wouM start from that town, making their way •in tbe first place to the Gascoigne rivpr. That stream they propose to trace to its source ; and thence they would pass across the interior, until, following tbe course of a Northern river to a point iv the Cambridge gulf, they would thus make their way to the mouth of the Victoria river, on tbe Northern coast. Here a vessel would meet them, with refreshments, and would afford ihe opportunity of communicating with the world* By this line tbe quarter of Australia which has hitherto remained unknown would be brought within the range of positive geography. Tbe course of the Victoria in doubtful, and the probable conjecture is, (hat in tracing its source upwards it would be found to bend, behind the heights parallel with the Northern coast, to a far more distant interior range, watering a large and fertile tract of land* The expedition proposes to trace this river, and then to traverse j the interior downwards towards the South, proba- | lly striking the Murray, and either passing it, > or returning to society by its comparatively wellknown stream. This route again would connect the discoveries of Leichardt, Mitcbel, Sturt, Grey, Roe, and others, with tbe Northern coast, and would supply tbe principal defect in tbe j preliminary survey of tbe continent to the East of Lake Torrena parallel. This very rough sketch of the route proposed by tbe expedition will show its importance aod interest. The projectors propose to avail themselves of the ordinary means of travelling in the interior, but to add to them the facilities afforded by tbe use of mules and camels.- Indeed, the experiences and resources of Australian discovery will be all turned to account, with any new suggestions that judgment may approve. The soggester and proposed leader of tbe expedition is M. liaug ; a man who has had experience already iv military service, and in travelling. M. Haug forfeited a commission in the Austrian service by his sympathy with the patriots } he is known and esteemed, for his personal qualities and bis attainments, by many persons of influence in this country. He is of a nature peculiarly suited to the taskr— of tried courage, strong bodily constitution, eminently cheerful disposition } he has keen observing faculties, bas been a practical as well as a theoretical geographer, and is acquainted with cognate branches of science.- It is not probable that an exploring expedition could find a leader better suited to sustain its spirit or to direct its steps. The plan was stated in general terms by Sir Roderick Murcbison, (himself the test of judges in a ( question of 'Australian 'geography,) at the anniversary of tbe Geographical Society ; "and it ■'cannoVfail to creste'considerable interest among tbe friends of « Australia in this country* and amongst the colonists.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZSCSG18531008.2.14

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 854, 8 October 1853, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
850

PBOPOSED EXPEDITION FOR AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATION. [From the Spectator, May 28.] New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 854, 8 October 1853, Page 4

PBOPOSED EXPEDITION FOR AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATION. [From the Spectator, May 28.] New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 854, 8 October 1853, Page 4

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