e and to approach the Government with a view to obtaining
substantial help.

The three leading members of the committees were Professor Orme Masson
(President), Professor T. W. Edgeworth David (President Elect) and
Professor G. C. Henderson (President of the Geographical Section). All
were zealous and active in furthering the projects of the Expedition.

Meanwhile I had laid my scheme of work before certain prominent
Australians and some large donations** had been promised. The sympathy
and warm-hearted generosity of these gentlemen was an incentive for me
to push through my plans at once to a successful issue.

** Refer to Finance Appendix.

I therefore left immediately for London with a view to making
arrangements there for a vessel suitable for polar exploration, to
secure sledging dogs from Greenland and furs from Norway, and to order
the construction of certain instruments and equipment. It was also my
intention to gain if possible the support of Australians residing in
London. The Council of the University of Adelaide, in a broad-minded
scientific spirit, granted me the necessary leave of absence from my
post as lecturer, to carry through what had now resolved itself into an
extensive and prolonged enterprise.

During my absence, a Committee of the Australasian Association for the
Advancement of Science approached the Commonwealth Government with an
appeal for funds. Unfortunately it was the year (1911) of the Coronation
of his Majesty King George V, and the leading members of the Cabinet
were in England, so the final answer to the deputation was postponed. I
was thus in a position of some difficulty, for many requirements had
to be ordered without delay if the Expedition were to get away from
Australia before the end of the year.

At length, through the kindness of Lord Northcliffe, the columns of the
Daily Mail were opened to us and Sir Ernest Shackleton made a strong
appeal on our behalf. The Royal Geographical Society set the seal of
its approval on the aims of the Expedition and many donations were soon
afterwards received.

At this rather critical period I was fortunate in securing the services
of Captain John King Davis, who was in future to act as Master of the
vessel and Second in Command of the Expedition. He joined me in April
1911, and rendered valuable help in the preliminary arrangements. Under
his direction the s.y. Aurora was purchased and refitted.

The few months spent in London w