Great Barrier Reef Committee.

Eight meetings of the Committee were held during the past year.

Boring Proposals.—The sub-committee appointed to report on the costs and difficulties of boring, furnished a statement giving details regarding the boring required, the estimated cost of purchasing the plant, and the monthly cost of running it. After various suggestions and correspondence, it was finally decided that the tender from the Goldfields Diamond Drilling Co., wherein it undertakes to bore with the calyx drill and chilled shot, be accepted, and that the Mines Department of Victoria be asked for a loan of a complete calyx drilling plant. The Sandbank, Oyster Cay, on the S.W. end of Michaelmas Reef, was agreed to as the site for boring operations, the work not to be commenced until April, 1926.

Investigations.—The scientific director, Mr. Chas. Hedley, was absent on leave for four months, during which time Mr. R. C. Mundell was temporarily appointed to carry on the work. Mr. F. Jardine was employed for a time to examine the Hichinbrok Channel. Mr. G. Stanley will accompany H.M.A.S. “Geranium” on her survey. Mr. P. C. Morrison has been collecting at Yarrabah, near Cairns.

Personnel of Committee.—Sir Matthew Nathan resigned the chairmanship of the Committee, as he was returning to England, and was appointed a Patron. Professor H. S. Richards was appointed Chairman, and Mr. Hedley, Secretary.

Publications.—Thirteen papers were, during the year, published in the Transactions of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, Queensland.

Credit Balance in Hand.—£2,328/14/10.

Publication Committee's Report.—This report was read, discussed, and adopted. A letter was read from Messrs. Thos. Avery and Sons, Ltd., New Plymouth (11th December, 1925), giving an estimate for printing the Transactions.