INTO THE WILDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 30, 4 January 1927, Page 2

INTO THE WILDS

EXPLORING UNKNOWN TASMANIA. GOVERNOR JOINS PARTY. HAZARDOUS UNDERTAKING. SYDNEY, Dec. .24. One reason for the remarkable popularity of Tasmania’s Governor, Sir James O’Grady, is his sporting nature. This is evidenced by his latest decision —to accompany an exploring party into the wilds of south-west Tasmania. He is joining the French party, which sets out early in 1927 to penetrate a hitherto unknown portion of Tasmania. It will be a strenuous trip, and some surprise was occasioned when Si.r James O’Grady enounced his intention of making one of the party. Believing that valuable mineral deposits exist in the south-western division, Mr N. Freney, a well-known South Australian investor, recently organised the Bathurst Range Mining Company. The object of those interested is to test thoroughly the vast tract of country by boring and other methods. In addition to many prospectors and bushmen with extensive experience, geologists, botanists and other scientific men have signified their intention of accompanying the expedition, which, it is anticipated, will meet with wonderful success.

That section of Tasmania which it is proposed to* traverse has presented so many hardships to small prospectors that,- though the remainder of the island has been explored and charted, the country into which the large band will penetrate remains the same today as when aboriginals occupied it centuries ago. Some have nicknamed it the No Man’s Land of Australia, and portions of it bear a sinister reputation. Many earlier attempts to explore it, by small parties, have had tragic endings. In the light of that knowledge, it is all the more remarkable that Sir James O’Grady, who is not a young man, should have undertaken the trip. But he possesses the Irishman’s love of adventure, and, believing in the future of the State, is adamant in his intention. It is understood that the trip will occupy at least three months.