Thursday, 19 August 1858.
Argus, Thursday 19 August 1858: 4

We are authorised to state that a gentleman of Melbourne [Ambrose Henry Spencer Kyte] proposes to give the sum of £1,000 towards the promotion of a judicious scheme of Australian exploration. With a modesty and unobtrusiveness which doubly enhance the value of his munificent offer, he desires that his name should remain unknown.

Tuesday, 31 August 1858.
On 19 August 1858, Ambrose Kyte anonymously offered to donate £1,000 towards exploration. A public meeting was held at the Mechanics Institute on Collins-street, attended by about 60 people, and it was agreed to form an additional committee, the Exploration Fund Raising Committee. This committee was ostensibly separate to the Philosophical Institute of Victoria and their Exploration Committee, yet six of the seven members of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee were also members of the Exploration Committee.

(Note: This meeting was reported in the press the following day, 1st September 1858, and subsequently the meeting is often referred to as having been held on this date.)

---
Argus. Wednesday, 1 September 1858: 4.
At the public meeting, held at the Mechanics' Institute yesterday afternoon, Sir Wiliam Stawell, as President of the Philosophical Institute, announced the condition upon which the munificent offer of £1,000 had been made by its anonymous donor, viz., that a sum of £2,000 should be raised within a year from the present time by public subscription; and a Committee was thereupon nominated to carry out the donor's views, and to concert measures for giving them practical effect.

Dr. Embling intimated, on behalf of the Government, that they were willing to place a sum of money on the Estimates adequate to the purchase and transport hither of twenty or thirty camels; and added that a military officer, who was about to proceed to India with horses, was willing to undertake the selection and shipment of the camels. Some months will necessarily elapse before these can arrive; but, in the mean time, the Committee will find ample employment for their time and energies in collecting the stipulated sum, in procuring the best and fullest information in reference to the season at which the expedition should set out, its outfit, its point of departure, the most eligible route to be adopted, and in studying those multifarious points of detail which incidentally arise while discussing and making provision for a scheme of exploration, to be conducted with novel means and under new conditions. The sum required to be raised by public subscription is so insignificant in comparison with the wealth of this colony and the magnitude of the object proposed to be accomplished, that we should imagine it will be speedily raised; while the limitation of the number of the Committee will have the effect of increasing the sense of responsbility felt by its individual constituents, and of impelling them to exercise to utmost caution and discretion in the expenditure of the funds entrusted to them. When the other colonies see that decisive action is being taken by Victoria in this matter, they will probably concert measures for combined effort, so as to extend the basis of operations, and multiply the chances of success. The honor of removing the veil of mystery which envelops the centre of this continent, and of opening up an overland communication between its southern and its northorn shores, is one in which New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria may equally participate, while the material advantages to be ultimate derived from the geographical discoveries made by the explorers will chiefly accrue to the adjoining colonies. For this reason, and bearing in mind also the spirit of enterprise exhibited our neighbours in connection with the expeditions of Mr. Gregory and of Mr. Babbage, we may naturally calculate upon their zealous co-operation, and anticipate something like a federal movement for the attainment of a really national end. In all probability the time is not far distant when we shall wonder at the timidity or the apathy, the ignorance displayed in the selection of means or the shocking indifference exhibited reference to the importance of results, by which we were actuated prior to our solution of the problem which has so long perplexed us. A ghastly blank will no longer stare us in the face when we bend our eyes upon the map of this continent, and the track of the explorers winding over that white plain, may become one of the highways of commerce dotted with centres of population, and vital with the ebb and flow of a periodical tide of travellers.

***
Ovens and Murray Advertiser
About sixty gentlemen interested in the exploration of the interior, met to-day, the Chief Justice Sir William F Stawell presiding. Mr W. Hull moved, and Mr Smith seconded tliat a Committee be appointed to procure subscriptions, control the funds, and have the generttl management of an expedition. The following gentlemen were, in accordance with the foregoing resolution, elected a committee : Messrs Hodgson. Mueller, McCoy, Smith, and the Donor of the £1000, who, it is rumored, is Mr Edward Wilson, of the Argus. Dr Macadam was appointed Secretary, and Mr Wilkie Treasurer.

***
Bendigo Advertiser
"The Donor" of the £1,000 for exploration, in the Argus, denies that his name is Edward Wilson, and states that no one in the colony except Sir W. Stawell and the Editor of the Argus knows who he is.

[Thursday, 2 / Friday 3 ?] September 1858.
The Exploration Committee of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria met to consider the public meeting held to elect the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.

Monday, 6 September 1858.
First meeting of a committee [Exploration Fund Raising Committee] on the subject of Australian Exploration, held in the Mechanics Institute.
Present: Stawell (chair), Macadam, Mueller, McCoy, Hodgson, Smith. [Absent: Wilkie].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p.1. Minutes of the first meeting of the EFC, 6 Sept 1858.

Monday, 13 September 1858.
Second meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Stawell (chair), Macadam, Mueller, McCoy, Hodgson, Smith. [Absent: Wilkie].

Related archives:
SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1c, RSV EC minute book 1858-61, 1 bound volume, ms., pages not numbered.

• Minutes of the meeting of the EFC, 13 September 1858.
• [Another copy of] Minutes of the meeting of the EFC, 13 September 1858.

SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 9. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 13 September 1858.

SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1a, RSV EC minutes 1857-1858.

• Extract of minutes of the meeting of the EFC, 6 September 1858, signed Stawell and dated 13 September 1858. 1 p.

Tuesday, 14 September 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Stawell, Mueller, McCoy, Hodgson, Smith. [Absent: Macadam, Wilkie].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 9. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 14 September 1858.

Monday, 20 September 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Mueller, McCoy, Hodgson, Smith. [Absent: Stawell, Macadam, Wilkie].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 9. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 20 September 1858.

Monday, 27 September 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Stawell, Macadam, Hodgson. [Absent: Mueller, McCoy, Wilkie, Smith].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 11. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 27 September 1858.

Note: Between October and December 1858, the Exploration Committee and the Exploration Fund Raising Committee held a number of joint meetings:

Monday, 11 October 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Stawell, Hodgson, McCoy, Macadam. [Absent: Wilkie, Mueller, Smith].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1c, RSV EC minute book 1858-61, 1 bound volume, ms., pages not numbered.

• Minutes of the meeting of the EFC, 11 October 1858.

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 13. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 11 October 1858.

Wednesday 20 October 1858.

***
Argus, Thursday 21 October 1858: 5.
Yesterday a deputation, consisitng of members of the Philosophical Institute and of the Exploration Fund Committee, waited upon the Hon. the Chief Secretary, with the view of ascertaining what assistance the Government were disposed to afford towards supplementing the donation of £1,000 given by a private individual for the purposes of exploring the interior of the colony. The deputation was headed by the Hon. John Hodgson M.L.C., who in introducing the subject stated that £1,000 had been promised by a gentleman on condition that £2,000 more were subscribed. The Committee had not the least doubt but that such a sum would be easily obtained, but they were desirous of knowing whether it was the intentlon of the Government to assist the Fund, by coming forward and liberally supplementing the amount subscribed.

Mr. O'Shanassy stated that he would inform the gentlemen that the Government, in anticipation of an application being made to them, had placed upon the Estimates the sum of £3,000 for exploring purposes, the chief part of which sum, if not the whole, would be devoted to the purchase of camels, and a gentleman had been already sent to India, and was only waiting for the sum placed on the Estimates to be voted by the House, to proceed at once with the purchase of them. The course taken by the Government had not been decided upon hastily, but several inquiries had been made of the Zoological and other societies as to the expediency of it or otherwise; and even supposing the camels were purchased, several months would necessarily elapse before the expedition could set out. He was very glad to see that so much interest was taken in the matter, but felt that more of the geographical nature of the country should be ascertained than was at present placed before them. He should be very glad indeed if the amount set down on the Estimates wonld meet the requirements of the Committee, and he thought there would be no necessity for placing any farther sum on the Estimates in order to encourage the public to subscribe. He should be most happy to hear what had hitherto been done.

Mr. Hodgson suggested that it would be a great encouragement to the public if the Government would supplement the amount subscribed.

Mr. O'Shanassy thought that was already done, by the Government having placed a sum of £3,000 on the Estimates for the purchase of camels.

Mr. Hodgson stated that the sum of £3,000 would not be sufficient, if the purchase of camels were included in it. In his opinion, the public would be the more ready to subscribe if they saw that their subscriptions would be supplemented by the Government.

Mr. O'Shanassy stated that as yet no estimate had been made by the Government of the expense that would be incurred, as they had delayed doing so until after the arrival of the camels. He should be very glad if the gentlemen present could give him some idea of the probable cost of the expedition, taking into consideration the outfit, and what had been provided by the Government. Several offers had already been made to the Government by gentlemen willing to undertake the expedition, but they had considered that the wisest course would be to have the camels landed first.

Dr. Wilkie observed, with reference to the cost, that he believed from £6,000 to £8,000 would be required, in addition to camels being provided by the Government. The Committee had been promised £1,000 if they could collect £2,000, and they looked to the Government to give them £4,000 or £5,000 more. He had received a letter from Mr. Hopgood, of Echuca, promising to give £100, and he had no doubt that many other gentlemen would follow his example, as it would be quite impossible, in his opinion, to carry out the expedition satisfactorily without, at least, £7,000 or £8,000. There was only one month in which the expedition could start, namely, March; and they ought to be prepared by that time, as if they were not another year would be lost.

Mr. O'Shanassy stated that it would be impossible to have the camels landed by next March.

Dr. Wilkie said that the Committee had intended that the expedition should start without camels.

Mr. O'Shanassy stated that if the Parliament were assured that the expedition could be fitted out at once without camels, it would rest with them to decide what should be done: but the view taken by the Government had been that, as no satisfactory results had attended expeditions where mules and pack-horses had been alone employed, it would be much better to wait for the camels to arrive.

Professor McCoy stated that there was one point whioh he thought it would be as well to ascertain, namely, the extent to which the Committee might expect the co-operation of the Government; for, as camels would be very expensive, it was highly important for the Committee in applying for subscriptions to know whether the money voted by the Government would be spent in conjunction with the amount collected by the Committee. He might also remark that if it was supposed that the expedition was merely for geographical discoveries, a certain lukewarmness might be shown by the mercantile classes, but if they were informed that one of the principal objects of it was to find the safest route for laying down telegraphic communication to British India, and from thence to London, it would be a great argument in its favor, and would most probably induce the House to increase the sum at present placed on the Estimates for providing the beasts alone. It would, he thought, be very desirable to state that all the sums would be spent in connection with each other.

Mr. O'Shanassy stated that the present was the first interview with the Government on the subject of exploration, and he should have been very glad if he had been provided by the Committee with a written statement of their views on it, in order that he might have laid such communication before his colleagues; it certainly was a national affair, but at the same time many persons might be found willing to contribute towards it in the neighboring colonies.

Dr. Mueller stated that the last expedition of Mr. Gregory had cost nearly £3,000, although every thing had been done on the most economical scale. It had been proved that the work of exploration could not be performed without the aid of camels; and therefore he thought it would not be prudent to start on any expedition without them. Still, however, camels should not be used exclusively, as it might be seen by Mr. Gregory's report that there were vast plalns which were sometimes flooded, and over which camels conld not travel; consequently it would not be wise to depend upon that class of animal alone. In order to lift the veil from over the fate of the unfortunate Leichardt, it would be necessary that the party should be divided into several small parties, for which camels would be required. Last year, when the subject of fitting out an exploring-party was brought before Her Majesty's Government, it was proposed to confine its operations to the River Darling; but as Mr. Gregory had since gone over that ground, the necessary information had been obtained from him, and therefore they could extend the exploration much farther. The cost of the expedition fitted out by Government had been £21,000, and that was at the lowest rate of wages, and after a most favorable sale of many horses that had been brought back.

Mr. O'Shanassy asked Dr. Mueller whether he considered the expedition should start before the camels arrived? Dr. Mueller stated that until short marches could be fixed a swift kind of camel should be used, In order to ascertain how fixed depots could be established at the end of every hundred miles. The part of Australia proposed to be explored consisted principally of timber and low, scrubby land, consequently making it very difficult to preserve any marks by which exploring parties might be guided, and which would be most useful to caravans hereafter. Were a direct line of communication established between Bonwiok's, Warburton's, Sturt's, or Mitchell's farthest points, that country would soon be travelled - if those points could only be ascertained; but for that purpose a considerable number of pack-horses would be required, and also a large party - sufficiently so to allow of it being divided. It was impossible for Mr. Gregory to do more than he had done, for he could not at the present time know whether he was to the right or the left of the track of Dr. Leichardt, as that could only be ascertained by sending parties to traverse the whole of the country.

Dr. Macadam said he thonght it would be unnecessary to detain Mr. O'Shanassy by entering into any details, and tt would be better to adopt the suggestion that had been thrown out by that gentleman - that the Committeeshould furnish him with their views on the subject in such a form that he might place them before his colleagues. There was one point, however, he should like to be informal upon - namely, what position it was the intention of the Government to take in conducting the exploration, supposing that funds to the amount of £3,000 were subscribed; whether the Government would be inclined to nominate certain members of the Committee.

Mr. O'Shanassy said the Government had intended to provide only the first element - namely, the camels; and, supposing there had been no extraneous aid, they had determined upon making some use of them, and therefore had postponed arriving at anything definite. The question was still an open one as to whether the Government should conduct the expedition solely, or in connection with the Committee, or extend a share in it to the neighboring colonies, but at present the Government had not done more than send a suitable agent to India to purchase camels.

The deputation then retired.

Monday, 25 October 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Hodgson, Mueller, Wilkie, Macadam. [Absent: Stawell, McCoy, Smith].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1c, RSV EC minute book 1858-61, 1 bound volume, ms., pages not numbered.

• Minutes of the meeting of the EFC, 25 October 1858.

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 15. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 25 October 1858.

Monday, 8 November 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee, held at 3.00 pm at the Mechanic's Institute.
Present: Stawell (chair).

Charles Whybrow Ligar was appointed to the Exploration Committee to replace Clarke who was out of the colony.

Hodgson read a list of names of members of Parliament and other interested people who should be appointed as Committee members. Seconded by Bleasdale. Carried unanimously.

It was agreed that meetings would be held three times a week, and that meetings would be advertised in the press.

***
Age, 9 November 1858:5.
Yesterday afternoon the Exploration Fund Committee held a public meeting in the Mechanics' Institution, for the purpose of increasing the number of the members of committee, with a view to facilitate the collection of subscriptions to the fund. His Honor Sir W. F. Stawell, president, occupied the chair.

The Chairman said that the object of the meeting was simply to increase the number of the present members of committee, so that a sufficient sum of money might be collected to carry on the development of the country. He thought that after a sufficient amount of money had been collected, it would be then time enough for the contributors to decide how it should be expended. He thought that a larger committee would be the moans of exerting a greater amount of interest than at present existed.

Dr. Macadam read the following Circular.

The Hon. John Hodgson said that, with a view to remedy the difficulty which had been experienced by so small a committee, he had succeeded in obtaining a list of names of gentlemen wishing to be added to the present existing committee. He had been met by every one with good feeling, and with an expression of anxiety to see the exploration of the country carried out. The first gentleman to whom he spoke of the subject had at once subscribed his name for the sum of £20. He thought that the mercantile community were particularly interested in the objects of the committee. The Hon. gentleman then read a large list of names of gentlemen of both Houses of Parliament and others wishing to bo added to the present committee. He moved that the names be added to the committee. Rev. Mr Bleasdale seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The Hon. J. Hodgson moved:

That meetings of the committee be held three times a week, and that the first meeting be held on Thursday next, the 11th inst., at two o'clock, in the Mechanics' Institute.

This resolution was seconded and carried unanimously. The Chairman said that notice of the meetings would be given in the newspapers.

After a vote of thanks had been given to the chairman, the meeting terminated.

Thursday, 11 November 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Hodgson, Wilkie, Macadam. [Absent: Stawell, Mueller, Smith, McCoy].
Also present were as Messrs. Becker, Thomas Dickson and Woods.

Collection books were issued to Committee members with the following memo typescript on the inside page:

Central Committee Exploration Fund Committee Melbourne, 11 November 1858. Sir, I have the honor to inform you that, at a Public Meeting held in the Mechanic's Institution, on the 8th Inst., you were elected a Member of the above Committee, I enclose you a Collecting Book, and the Committee at a meeting held this day, considered it very desirable that each Member would use his every endeavour to secure the sum, at least, of Twenty-Five pounds. Your aid in the accomplishment of this is earnestly requested. The Committee will meet every Monday and Thursday at two o'clock pm precisely in the Mechanic's Institute, Collins-street, at which your presence, when convenient, would be esteemed a favor. Subscriptions may be paid to the Hon Treasurer, viz: The Hon Dr Wilkie MLC, Collins-street, or placed to the credit of the Committee's account with the Bank of Victoria. The Committee will also be glad to receive Subscriptions at their meetings. In whatever way the sums be paid, a list of the contributors, for publication, is requested to be forwarded to _______. Sir, Your obedient servant, John Macadam MD., Hon Sec.

***
Argus
Yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, a public meeting of citizens of Melbourne was held in the Mechanics' Institution, in connection with the fund collecting for the exploration of the interior, and for the purpose of adding to the members of the Committee.

Sir W.F. Stawell, President of the Institute, occupied the chair, and stated that it had been proposed to "increase the numbers of the Committee, as the best means towards collecting a larger sum for incorporation with the fund for the discovery of the interior. The Committee wished to make such an effort as should not be unworthy of the colony. Delay would probably prove fatal to the enterprise; but after the collection should have been made they would certainly be in a position to come before the Government with a stronger claim. They wanted a larger committee, and it was to facilitate this object that the meeting had been convened.

The Hon. J. Hodgson, M.L.C., said, with a view to get over the difficulty which had been felt in adding a desirable number of names to the Committee, he had prepared a list of persons who, he thought, might be procured as co-operators, and with some of whom he had already communicated, and knew that they were willing to act. One gentleman to whom he had spoken had promised the &um of £20 towards the purposes of the Committee. The list comprised the members of both Houses ot Parliament and a large number of the principle citizens. He begged leave to move that their names be added to the Committee, with power to add to their number.

The Rev. Mr. Bleasdale seconded the resolution, which was carried. Mr Hodgson said it was proposed to hold meetings of the Committee three times a week, and moved that the first should take place on Thursday next at 2 o'clock, in the Mechanics' Institution.

The Chairman saia it was most desirable that as many members as possible should attend the Committee meetings. The resolution waa carried, and the proceedings terminated.

Related archives:
SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1c, RSV EC minute book 1858-61, 1 bound volume, ms., pages not numbered.

• Minutes of the meeting of the EFC, 11 November 1858. Circular to be distributed with collecting books to enlarged committee, from 'Central Committee'.

SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 18. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 11 November 1858.

SLV MS13071, Box 2075/4a, Collecting booklets. Including 7 booklets recording the names of subscribers and the amount subscribed. 7 bound volumes.

• Volume 1. Dr Wilkie, Number 118.
• Volume 2. Dr Macadam, Number 108.
• Volume 3. Dr Wilkie, Number 31.
• Volume 4. James Anderson.
• Volume 5. J Judd Esq, Number 10.
• Volume 6. W O Hodgkinson, Number 16?
• Volume 7. John O’Grady & W O Hodgkinson, Number 45.

Saturday, 13 November 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Hodgson, Wilkie, Macadam, Woods. [Absent: Stawell, Smith, Mueller, McCoy].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 19. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 13 November 1858.

[c. Monday, 15] November 1858.
A joint meeting of the Exploration Committee and the Exploration Fund Raising Committee was held.

Present EC: Hodgson, Macadam, Wilkie. (3 of 6).
Present EFC: Hodgson, Macadam, Wilkie, Iffla, Knaggs, Mackenna, Mueller, Bleasdale, Rawlinson, Gillbee, Dobson (11 of 25).

Wilkie moved, seconded by Iffla, that Hodgson take the chair.

The joint meeting discussed drafting a statement for the Government asking for money to set up an expedition and advising the expedition waits for the arrival of the camels.

Wilkie thought the expedition could start in March 1859 before the camels arrived as it was too much to wait until March 1860. Bleasdale thought the depot could be established in 1859 ready for the great expedition of 1860.

Mueller thought the camels would arrive in May 1859 and moved, seconded by Macadam, that the expedition be delayed until the arrival of the camels and in the meantime the Committee raise funds and proceed with arrangements. -Carried.

Bleasdale moved, seconded by Dobree, that depots should be established with the least possible delay so that the expedition could move into the unknown country once the camels arrived. -Carried.

Rawlinson moved, seconded by Knaggs, that NSW and SA be invited to co-operate. Wilkie opposed this amendment and moved that the expedition be undertaken by the colony of Victoria. Mueller seconded this and was sure the Government would aid the expedition liberally. Iffla thought the wealthiest colony should be able and willing to carry out the expedition alone. Mackenna referred to the overland telegraph from India to Victoria and thought co-operation was advisable, Knaggs agreed although he did not expect other colonies to provide funds. Rawlinson thought they should provide funds, but withdrew his motion. Amendment carried.

Mackenna moved, seconded by Iffla, that a committee of Wilkie, Macadam and Mueller draft a statement of resolutions to present to the government. -Carried.

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1c, RSV EC minute book 1858-61, 1 bound volume, ms., pages not numbered.

• Minutes of the joint meeting of the EC and EFC, not dated. (c. Nov 1858)
• Minutes of the meeting, 15 November 1858.

Thursday, 18 November 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Hodgson, Macadam, Wilkie, Woods. [Absent: Stawell, Smith, Mueller, McCoy].

Related archives:
SLV MS13071, Box 2075/1c, RSV EC minute book 1858-61, 1 bound volume, ms., pages not numbered.

• Minutes of the meeting, 18 November 1858.

SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 20. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 18 November 1858.

Monday, 22 November 1858.
Meeting?

Thursday, 25 November 1858.
Meeting?

Friday, 26 November 1858.
Argus, 27 November 1858:5
A deputation from the Committee of the Exploration Fund commenced the canvass of the city yesterday, and obtained contributions to the amount of £140.

Monday, 29 November 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Hodgson. No quorum. (See Argus, 30 November 1858, p4 col. 5). It was decided that meetings would be held bi-weekly.

Thursday, 9 December 1858.
Meeting of the Exploration Fund Raising Committee.
Present: Hodgson, McCoy, Wilkie, Smith, Macadam and Dr Brownless. [Absent: Stawell, Mueller].

Related archive: SLV MS13071, Box 2088B/1, RSV EFC and RSV EC minute book, 1858-1873. 1 bound volume, ms., 295 numbered pages.

• p. 21. Minutes of the EFC meeting, 9 December 1858.

Tuesday, 26 July 1859.
Related archives:
SLV MS13071, Box 2075/4b: Theatre Royal tickets, including 13 tickets for a Dramatic Performance in aid of the Exploration Fund, 26 July 1859.

Related archives:
SLV MS13071 Box 2075/4a: Collecting booklets. Including 7 booklets recording the names of subscribers and the amount subscribed. 7 bound volumes.

• Volume 1, Dr Wilkie, Number 118.
• Volume 2, Dr Macadam, Number 108.
• Volume 3. Dr Wilkie, Number 31.
• Volume 4, James Anderson.
• Volume 5, J Judd Esq, Number 10.
• Volume 6, W O Hodgkinson, Number 16?
• Volume 7, John O’Grady & W O Hodgkinson, Number 45.

SLV MS1071 Box 2075/4c: Bank of Victoria pass book. Passbook of the Exploration Fund, 9 December 1858-10 March 1863. Dr Wilkie, Treasurer. 1 bound volume.