Australia Exploration - A Public Meeting

The Proceedings of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 31st August 1858
at the Mechanics Institute, Collins Street, Melbourne.

At a Public Meeting held at the Mechanics Institute, Melbourne, on the 1st inst., Sir W F Stawell in the chair, the undermentioned gentleman were appointed a committee to take the peccary steps for raising £2,000 by public subscription to be applied to the purpose of exploring the interior of the Colony; a donation of £1,000 having been made for that object, coupled with the proviso that double that sum should be subscribed by the public within twelve months from the present date.

The committee consisting of Sir W F Stawell, the Hon J Hodgson, MLC, Professor McCoy, Dr Mueller and Mr Jas Smith, to which Dr Macadam has been appointed Honorary Secretary and Dr Wilkie Treasurer, was limited in number for the sake of securing a greater amount of individual responsibility as regards its financial administration; but as soon as it has discharged the first duty of delegated to it, that of collecting the sum specified above, it is pledged to co-operate with the Exploring Committee of the Philosophical Institute, in concerting measures for the prudent economical and efficient expenditure of the Exploration Fund.

That Fund there is every reason to believe will be augmented by a grant from Government; and the aggregate amount, it is confidently hoped, will suffice to prosecute the enterprise to a thoroughly successful issue.

In the mean time I have to solicit on behalf of the Committee, the exercise of your local influence (either by the formation of sub-committees, or otherwise) in procuring subscriptions

I am, Sir,
your obedient servant,
Jno Macadam, MD
Honorary Secretary

Melbourne, September 15th 1858.

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