W.J. Wills,
Dr. Herman Beckler, Dr. Ludwig Becker, etc.
The Expedition starts from Melbourne on the 20th of August, 1860.
Progress to Swan Hill.
Discharge of Mr. Ferguson, the Foreman.
Advance to Menindie.
Resignation of Mr. Landells and Dr. Herman Beckler.
Mr. Wills promoted to second in Command, and Mr. Wright to third.
THE Exploring Expedition of 1860 originated thus. A gentleman,
whose name is still concealed, offered one thousand pounds as an
inducement to the Government and other parties to come forward and
raise funds for an exploration of the island continent, now known
as Australia, but formerly as New Holland; the vast interior of
which had been supposed to be a desert, an inland sea, or anything
that a poetical imagination might suggest. Attempts had been made,
but always with insufficient means, and on too contracted a scale,
to solve the problem. It was now for Victoria to take up the
question in earnest. The 1000 pounds of the unknown contributor,
increased to 2200 pounds by private subscriptions, with 6000 pounds
voted by the colonial legislature, supplied in all a sum of above
9000 pounds for the prosecution of this great national enterprise.
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