H.M.S. CHALLENGER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4142, 30 June 1874, Page 3

H.M.S. CHALLENGER.

The Challenger, now in Wellington harbor was fitted up in 1372 for a voyage of scientific discovery and deep-sea exploration in all parts of the world, with a view to furthering the cause of natural science as much as possible, and obtaining information desired by savants and the world of science generally, and so difficult to obtain, as to the number, formation, and characteristics of the denizens of the depths of the sea and tho different temperature at which they lived, as well as ascertaining the actual depth of water in various important regions of tho sea by means of soundings, and tire nature of tho ocean bottom. In order to carry out all these objects, the Challenger was specially fitted for the expedition with all the latest improvements and inventions, a most elaborate supply of instruments, and scientific accessories of every kind, -while her accommodation was specially conformed to the new purposes for which it would he required. Captain G. S. Nares, who is not altogether unknown in Australian waters, having been here so farback as 1852 in the Havanna, was placed in command. His scientific qualifications are of no mean order, and fit him well for the command of a slrip on srrch a cruise as the Challenger’s. The scientific staff is large and complete, and its members have carried out their investigations in a careful and painstaking manner, which has produced valuable results, in the shape of new and interesting discoveries in animal life, and in invaluable contributions to marine and naval science. Professor Wyville Thompson, who has the direction of the scientific part of the expedition, has a name and reputation which are second to none in the branch of natural science, and a foretaste of the valuable and interesting' additions to science which we may expect at the end of the voyage from his pen has been given in “The Depths of the Sea” and “Letters from the Challenger” which have been despatched to Home puhlicatians as opportunity offered. Mr. James Wild is secretary and artist to the expedition ; Mr. Henry Moseley, Mr. John Murray, and Dr. K. von W. Sulim act as naturalists ; Mr. John Young Buchanan is chemist and physicist. All these gentlemen have been specially selected for their high attainments in the several departments confided to them, and, so far as the expedition has progressed, each member of the scientific staff has done fully his own work in the peaceful cause in which they are engaged. The complement of the vessel’s crew, as she lies in harbor now, is not much above 200 men, who are officered as shown in the following list : Captain :C. S. Nares. Commander :J.E. L. P. McLear. Lieutenants ; George R. Bethell, A. C. B. Bromley, Pelham Aldrich. Navigating Lieutenant : Thos. H. Lizard. Sublieutenants : Lord George G. Campbell, Andrew G. Balfour, Arthur Chamier, H.C.E. Harston. Navigating Sub-Lieutenants ; Arthur Hanaga], H. Siore. Paymaster: Richard B. A. Richard. Staff-Surgeon ; Alexander Crosbie. Chief Engineer : James H. Fergusson. Surgeon ; George McLear. Assistant-Paymaster, John Hynes. Engineers : W. G. Spry, A. J. Allen. Assistant-Engineers : W. J. Abbot, W. H. Hewlett. Boatswain ; Richard Cox. Carpenter : E. W. Westford.