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-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER
+======The Sydney Bushwalker.======
-A monthly Bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, C/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.
- No, 1(13 FEBRUARY, 1950 Price 6d
-Subscriptions ar-, 1950 to Jan., 1951, 47e,
-Editor: Alex Colley, 55 Kirribilli Reporter: Jim Brown
-Av., Milsonts Point. Produotion Asst: Bill Gillam
-Production and Business Manager: Typed by tTe,ftlt.-.146i4aNzgy
-Brian Harvey
-CONTENTS
- Page
-Editorial - A Dying Continent? 1
-At Our January Meeting 3
+A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, C/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.
-Social Notes for February 3
-Some Activities of the Fauna Protection Panel,
+----
-), t ) by Allen A. Strom 4
-The Davey Trip, by Kevin Ardill 6
+===No. 183	February, 1950	Price 6d.===
-Notes on Era, by Kath McKay
-Letter from the Wild Life Preservation Society 17
+Subscriptions Mar., 1950 to Jan., 1951, 4/6.
-Federation Notes, by Brian G. Harvey 18
-How to Get to the Swimming Carnival 19
+|**Editor**|Alex Colley, 55 Kirribilli Ave., Milson's Point|
-The Mail Bag - Paddy's Advt. 20
+|**Production and Business Manager**|Brian Harvey|
+|**Reporter**|Jim Brown|
+|**Production Asst**|Bill Gillam|
+|**Typed by**|Jean Harvey|
+=====In This Issue:=====
+| | |Page|
+|Editorial - A Dying Continent?| | 1|
+|At Our January Meeting| | 3|
+|Social Notes for February| | 3|
+|Some Activities of the Fauna Protection Panel|Allen A. Strom| 4|
+|The Davey Trip|Kevin Ardill| 6|
+|Notes on Era|Kath McKay|15|
+|Letter from the Wild Life Preservation Society| |17|
+|Federation Notes|Brian G. Harvey|18|
+|How to Get to the Swimming Carnival| |19|
+=====Advertisements:=====
+| |Page|
+|The Mail Bag - Paddy's Advt.|20|
+----
+=====Editorial.=====
+===A Dying Continent?===
+Many years ago, in the early twenties, and even before that, bushwalkers were talking and working for conservation. In the early days the emphasis was almost entirely on the reservation of primitive and recreational areas, but it was soon realised that reservation of land was only a start. It prevented ringbarking and timber-cutting, but not fires, rabbit infestation, shooting, and other destructive agencies. Long before conservation had become popular with publicists, before we had Departments of Conservation, and before the intelligentsia placed it at the forefront of their "problems," bushwalkers were gaining a practical, if not entirely scientific, appreciation of the wastage and destruction of our native flora and fauna.
+It was not surprising, therefore, that amongst the hundred or so people who attended the Summer School of the Australian Institute of Political Science to discuss the provocative question of whether Australia was "A Dying Continent", there were 5 members of the S.B.W., one Adelaide Bushwalker and several non-attached walkers.
+The word "conservation" which we have been using for so long to describe our ideals for the preservation of bushlands, now has a very wide connotation. It covers erosion control on agricultural and pastoral land, forestry and even mines and fisheries. But bushland conservation is still a neglected cause. Bushwalkers and a few nature lovers are still the only people who are working for the preservation of our natural flora and fauna. It is well that as bushwalkers we should confine ourselves to this aspect, because we have more opportunities than others of gaining first hand knowledge of the subject and may therefore express ourselves with some certainty and confidence.
+Though the main emphasis of the Summer School was on the conservation of agricultural land and timber, the preservation of native flora and fauna for recreational and scientific reasons received quite a lot of attention. Some of the areas which we want protected for such purposes will, at the same time, serve other very important needs; Mr. Clayton's paper, for instance, described how conservation should start with catchment areas in the mountain ranges. These areas are very often scenic regions ideal for the creation of national parks. Mr. Lane-Poole proved that the reason why we are using our timber at a rate far beyond its rate of re-growth is not that forest areas are insufficient, but because bushfires are preventing regeneration and growth. Later on he advocated the creation of a large national park, away from the main tourist areas, where a tract of country could be kept as nature made it. In his paper entitled "Education for Survival" Mr. Crosby Morrison stressed the need for national parks in which "the public could see stretches of our country as it was before it was eroded and messed up." He urged the teaching of nature study by competent instructors schools and universities. Mr. Allen Strom made a strong case for the inclusitLn of nature study in the curriculum of The Teachers' College.
-EDITORIAL
-A Dying Continent?
-Many years ago, in the early twenties, and even before that, bushwalkers were talking and working for conservation. In the early days the emphasis was almost entirely on the reservation of primitive and recreational areas, but it was soon realised that reservation of land was only a start. It prevented ringbarking and timber-cutting, but not fires, rabbit infestation, shooting,
-and other destructive agencies. Long before conservation had become popular with publicists, before we had Departments of Conservation, and before the intelligentsia placed it at the forefront of their IIproblems," bushwalkers were gaining a practical, if not entirely scientific,appreciation of the wastage and do-struction of our native flora and fauna.
--
-.
-It was not surprising, therefore, that amongst the hundred or so people who attended the Sumer School of the Australian Institute of Political Science to discuss the provocative question of whether Australia was "A Dying Continent", there were/ 0 members of the S.P).W., one Adelaide 9ushwalker and several non-attached walkers.
-The word "conservation" which we have been using for so long to describo our ideals for the preservation of bushlands, now has
-a very wide connotation. It covers erosion control on agricultural and pastoral land, forestry and even mines and fisheries. But bush- land conservation is still a neglected cause. Bushwalkers and a few nature lovers are still the only people who are working for the preservation of our natural flora and fauna. It is well that as bushwalkers we should confine ourselves to this aspect, because we have more opportunities than others of gaining first hand knowledge
-of the subject and may therefore express ourselves with some certainty and confidence.
-Though the main emphasis of the Summer School was on the conservation of agricultural land and tiuber, the preservation of native flora and fauna for recreational and scientific reasons received quite a lot of attention. Some of the areas Which we want protected for such purposes will, at the same time, seve nther very important needs; Mr. Clayton's paper, for instance, described how conservation should start with catchment areas in the mountain ranges. Thee areas are very often scenic regions ideal for the creation og national parks. Mr. Lane-Poole proved that the reason why we are using our timber at a rate far beyond its rate of re-growth is not that forest areas are insufficient, but becauso bushfires are preventing regeneration and growth Later on he advocated the creation of a large national park, away from the main tourist areas, where a tract of country could be kept as nature :de it. In his paper entitled "Education for Survival" Mr. Crosby Morrison stressed the need for national i-arks in which"the public could see stretches of our country as it was before it was eroded and messed up. Ho
-urged the teaching of nature study by c,:Impet:mb schools and universities. Mr. Allen Strom made a strong case for the inclusitLn of nature study in the curriculum of The Teachers' College.
 Not everybody thought that erosion was primarily man-made. Mr. Boyer, for instance, defended the grazing practices of the Western pastoralists. His defence didn't look so convincing in the light of Mr. Crawford's statistical evidence that the Western Division now carries 7 million less sheep than it did at the end of last century.
-There were lots of figures, plenty of expert opinions, and some very disturbing facts presented to the School. Did they prove that Australia is hA Dying Continent"? Probably not. As bushwalkers we don't need to form an opinion on this. We need only rely on the evidence of our senses to realise that our bushlands are being despoiled, and will continue to deteriorate, until they are reserved and protected.
-AT OUR JANUARY MEETING.
+There were lots of figures, plenty of expert opinions, and some very disturbing facts presented to the School. Did they prove that Australia is "A Dying Continent"? Probably not. As bushwalkers we don't need to form an opinion on this. We need only rely on the evidence of our senses to realise that our bushlands are being despoiled, and will continue to deteriorate, until they are reserved and protected.
-The January General Meeting vied with its predecessor for the doubtful virtue of the most tranquil on record. Barry Frecker was welcomed to membership, and the familiar routine of Minutes, correspondence and reports followed. The meting just couldnit be provoked - there was no business arising.
+----
+=====At Our January Meeting.=====
+The January General Meeting vied with its predecessor for the doubtful virtue of the most tranquil on record. Barry Frecker was welcomed to membership, and the familiar routine of Minutes, correspondence and reports followed. The meeting just couldn't be provoked - there was no business arising.
 The President reminded would be jugglers with the Constitution that their amendments should be to hand by the end of January if they were to be considered at the Annual General Meeting.
-In stilly silence two valiant types, Roy Bruggy and Bruce McInnes succeeded to the uncherished duties of Room Stewards, and we reached the only item whih stirred the meeting, selection of the site of the Annual. Re-Union.
-There were five successful nominations, Euroka Clearing, Moorabinda, Menangle, Era and Bare Creek (at the head of Middle Harbour). A further nomination - the loathsome, overcamped, dingy sorubland of Macquarie Fields - failed for want of a second. We almost proceeded to vote on the question. Indeed hands had been raised in support of Euroka, when Rene Browne requested a stay of proceodings to point out that the old membero and those with families should be given some consideration. Was Euroka too inaccessible? What was the position concerning Bare Creek? After discussion the decision was shelved, and various members offered to investigate the possibilities and report to the next general meeting.
-It was resolved that the Annual Report this year would be disguised with a cover, a:respectable attire similarto the magazine cover, provided that the expenditure would not exceed 4.
-Brian Harvey reminded all and sundry that the annual subscription for the magazine was due, and Rene Browne added that she held a billy lost by someone at the Kiddiesi Treat. After which the meeting closed at 8.37 - about 3 minutes later than the December effort, leaving merabers to talk in large numbers instead of one at a time.
-SCCIAL NOTES FM FEBRUARY
+In stilly silence two valiant types, Roy Bruggy and Bruce McInnes succeeded to the uncherished duties of Room Stewards, and we reached the only item which stirred the meeting, selection of the site of the Annual Re-Union.
+There were five successful nominations, Euroka Clearing, Moorabinda, Menangle, Era and Bare Creek (at the head of Middle Harbour). A further nomination - the loathsome, overcamped, dingy scrubland of Macquarie Fields - failed for want of a second. We almost proceeded to vote on the question. Indeed hands had been raised in support of Euroka, when Rene Browne requested a stay of proceedings to point out that the old members and those with families should be given some consideration. Was Euroka too inaccessible? What was the position concerning Bare Creek? After discussion the decision was shelved, and various members offered to investigate the possibilities and report to the next general meeting.
+It was resolved that the Annual Report this year would be disguised with a cover, a respectable attire similarto the magazine cover, provided that the expenditure would not exceed £4.
+Brian Harvey reminded all and sundry that the annual subscription for the magazine was due, and Rene Browne added that she held a billy lost by someone at the Kiddies' Treat. After which the meeting closed at 8.37 - about 3 minutes later than the December effort, leaving members to talk in large numbers instead of one at a time.
+----
+=====Social Notes For February.=====
 by Edna Stretton.
-The slide night o n 17th is your night. The response to a
-similar night on a previous programme was very disappointing, so we appeal to those members who have slides not to be bashful and let us see so me of their good work. Even if three or four members brought twenty slides each, we would have sufficient entertainment.
+The slide night on 17th is your night. The response to a similar night on a previous programme was very disappointing, so we appeal to those members who have slides not to be bashful and let us see some of their good work. Even if three or four members brought twenty slides each, we would have sufficient entertainment.
-There will be a dance on the 24th with the usual good music, good fl oor and good fun.
+There will be a dance on the 24th with the usual good music, good floor and good fun.
 The Swimming Carnival will be held on the 18th and 19th. The camp site is a great improvement on Sandy Bend with plenty of wood and a good expanse of water. See page 19 for fall details.
-- 7-
-SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE FAUNA PROTECTION PAN7,.
+----
+=====Some Activities Of The Fauna Protection Panel.=====
 By Allen A. Strom.
-Tho Fauna Protection Act was pushed through both 'louses of our State Parliament at the 11th hour of 'the last 1948 Session bringing with it the establishment of the Fauna Protection Panel,and,as Chairman of the Panel, the position of Chief Guardian of Fauna.
-The Act was gazetted on July 1st, 1949, and the Panel met for the first time a few days later when the writer represented the S.B.W. and the Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia. Since then the Panel has met at regular monthly intervals and two sub-committees (on which
+The Fauna Protection Act was pushed through both Houses of our State Parliament at the 11th hour of the last 1948 Session bringing with it the establishment of the Fauna Protection Panel and, as Chairman of the Panel, the position of Chief Guardian of Fauna.
-vou have representation) - one to deliberate on Koala Preservation, the other o n Faunal Reserves - have had meetings,
-The Panel is made up, largely, of persons representing various Governmental Departments interested in the Protection of Fauna - Education, Agriculture, Tourist, Conservation, Lands and Chief Secretary - but there are four seats for "outsiders" - one for a representative from the University and three for organisations interested in Nature Protection matters. I have been surprised at the sincere interest manif eat by the government officials and their readineSs to see vo to eye with our points of view. Whether this will continue as hthe plot thickens", is of course another matter.
+The Act was gazetted on July 1st, 1949, and the Panel met for the first time a few days later when the writer represented the S.B.W. and the Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia. Since then the Panel has met at regular monthly intervals and two sub-committees (on which you have representation) - one to deliberate on Koala Preservation, the other on Faunal Reserves - have had meetings.
-One should mention that Mr. E.J. Hallstrom is Deputy Chairman whilst Messrs. Kinghorn and Troughton, both of the Museum Staff and avid fighters for our Native Fauna, are members of the Panel. The Chairman ard Chief Guardian of Fauna is Mr. F.J. Griffith, a member of the staff of the Chief Secretary's Deprtment.
-The first important matter that the Panel had to deliberate upon was this direction from the Premier/s Department :-
+The Panel is made up, largely, of persons representing various Governmental Departments interested in the Protection of Fauna - Education, Agriculture, Tourist, Conservation, Lands and Chief Secretary - but there are four seats for "outsiders" - one for a representative from the University and three for organisations interested in Nature Protection matters. I have been surprised at the sincere interest manifest by the government officials and their readiness to see eye to eye with our points of view. Whether this will continue as "the plot thickens", is of course another matter.
+One should mention that Mr. E.J. Hallstrom is Deputy Chairman whilst Messrs. Kinghorn and Troughton, both of the Museum Staff and avid fighters for our Native Fauna, are members of the Panel. The Chairman and Chief Guardian of Fauna is Mr. F.J. Griffith, a member of the staff of the Chief Secretary's Deprtment.
+The first important matter that the Panel had to deliberate upon was this direction from the Premier's Department :-
 "The Premier and Colonial Treasurer desires that the question of providing Government Assistance for the development of Koala Park as a medium for the preservation of Koalas and as a tcurist attraction, be referred for consideration by the Protection Panel".
-The special sub-committee investigated this natter and decided to recommend the use of a portion of Ku-ring-gai Chase (in the vicinity of Mt. Colah) in lieu of the site at Pennant Hills. It will be under direct control of the Chase Trust, but the Panel will be responsible for the safe keeping of the Bears. Of course, from the angle of Koala regeneration, I can hold no (7(-)timistic opinions about the new sanctuary. It will serve to keep the Bears from fires and predatory animals and supply them with a skre food source, The public will, maybe, want to have money expended upon the animals when they see their unique importance; this is being done at Taronga as Well. But I was pleased to notice that other members of the Panel realised that this sanctuary (and others too of a similar kind) was no real answer to the problem of the Koala's imiAnent extinction. It was merely a reply to the direction from the Premier/3 Department. subsequently these step p have been taken in the real path of
-regeneration :-
+The special sub-committee investigated this matter and decided to recommend the use of a portion of Ku-ring-gai Chase (in the vicinity of Mt. Colah) in lieu of the site at Pennant Hills. It will be under direct control of the Chase Trust, but the Panel will be responsible for the safe keeping of the Bears. Of course, from the angle of Koala regeneration, I can hold no optimistic opinions about the new sanctuary. It will serve to keep the Bears from fires and predatory animals and supply them with a sure food source. The public will, maybe, want to have money expended upon the animals when they see their unique importance; this is being done at Taronga as well. But I was pleased to notice that other members of the Panel realised that this sanctuary (and others too of a similar kind) was no real answer to the problem of the Koala's imminent extinction. It was merely a reply to the direction from the Premier's Department. Subsequently these steps have been taken in the real path of regeneration :-
-. A_Koal_a_ Census: has been comnenced in an effort to deternThe where stocks of Koalas am not located, the extent of the colonies ard where Koalas once existed 4n numbers. Wireless
-' broadcasts, the assistance of various govrnment officials and the co-operation of the general public have been brought into this field.
+. __A Koala Census__: has been comnenced in an effort to determine where stocks of Koalas am not located, the extent of the colonies and where Koalas once existed in numbers. Wireless broadcasts, the assistance of various govrnment officials and the co-operation of the general public have been brought into this field.
-. Breeding Koalas: 15r. E.J. Hallstrom has established a private
--N.S.Ma y .
+. __Breeding Koalas__: Mr. E.J. Hallstrom has established a private sanctuary for Koalas at Mona Vale where he has been carrying out experiments in breeding and food habits. Scientists from the University and the Museum will continue this work for the Panel and if stocks are increased, such increases will be taken to controlled reserves and natural sanctuaries particularly where the animals once existed and where fire and predatory animals can be reasonably controlled. The Forestry Commission wi11 co-operate in raising suitable food trees.
-sanctuary for Koalas at fona Vale where he has been carrying out experiments in breeding and food habits. Scientists from the University and the - ifuseum will continue this work for the Panel and if stocks are increased,-such increases will be takon to controlled reserves and natural sanctuaries particularly where the animals once existed and where fire and predatory animals can be reasonably controlled. The Forestry Commission wi 11 co-operate in raising suitable food trees.
-It has been agreed amongst menbers of The Panel that our - fundamental tasks are :-
+It has been agreed amongst menbers of The Panel that our fundamental tasks are :-
-. The establishment of Faunal Reserves (called Wild Life Refuges in America) whidh should be properly managed and controlled.
+. The establishment of Faunal Reserves (called Wild Life Refuges in America) which should be properly managed and controlled.
 . Education of the Public generally, to the appreciation of our Native Fauna.
-The latter question has not yet been broached and it will be a tremendous task, nobody denies. On the matter of Faunal Reserves wo have had scme discussions. These Reserves must be large and varied in their representation of ecological habitat. They must be well managed. Numerous organisatio ns have been asked to make suggestions as to suitable areas such organisations including the Federation of
-Bush Walking Clubs. Henbers of the S.B.W. are asked to give donsiG.era - tion to the matter. Type areas could be :-
+The latter question has not yet been breached and it will be a tremendous task, nobody denies. On the matter of Faunal Reserves we have had some discussions. These Reserves must be large and varied in their representation of ecological habitat. They must be well managed. Numerous organisations have been asked to make suggestions as to suitable areas such organisations including the Federation of Bush Walking Clubs. Members of the S.B.W. are asked to give consideration to the matter. Type areas could be :-
-. To represent Snowline and Rain Forest Habitats: The Barrington
-==ar- ,.[ -4. J
+. __To represent Snowline and Rain Forest Habitats__: The Barrington Gloucester Tops Area.
-Gloucester Tops Area
-. To represent Open Forest and Allie d Features: The -Morton Primitive Area extended south of the Shoalhaven through Yalwal and the Budawangs to Clyde Mountain.
+. To represent Open Forest and Allied Features: The Morton Primitive Area extended south of the Shoalhaven through Yalwal and the Budawangs to Clyde Mountain.
-The matter of Faunal 7,eserves is very extensive and cannot be fully discussed in this brief treatment of the work of the Panel.
-Numerous other natters have come up for discussion, with decisions made or pending whilst awaiting enquiries. These include :-
+The matter of Faunal Reserves is very extensive and cannot be fully discussed in this brief treatment of the work of the Panel.
-. Open Seasons,
-. Fixing Royalties on Skins,
+Numerous other Matters have come up for discussion, with decisions made or pending whilst awaiting enquiries. These include :-
-. Review of Schedule of Unprotected Fauna (p&rticularly the Wedge-tailed Eagle),
-. Services of a biologist,
+  - Open Seasons,
-. Exportation of birds.
+  - Fixing Royalties on Skins,
-One other point in recent activities recpires mention. This is the Interstate Conference on the preservation and protection of native fauna which was held at Hobart from 7th to 10th December, 1949. N.S.W. was represented by Messrs. Griffith and Hallstrom of the Fauna Panel and there were representatives from S.A., W.A., Vic., and Tao. An extensive agenda was covered; I'can do litt13 else but mention some of the eighteen matters discussed:-
+  - Review of Schedule of Unprotected Fauna (particularly the Wedge-tailed Eagle),
-. Uniform policy regarding control of Marsupials in portions of States which adjoin.
+  - Services of a biologist,
-. Co-operation with International Organisations.
+  - Exportation of birds.
- Re-afforestation Projects and their influences on Bird Life.
-. Co-operation of States with the C.S.I.R.O. Wildlife Section.
+One other point in recent activities reeqires mention. This is the Interstate Conference on the preservation and protection of native fauna which was held at Hobart from 7th to 10th December, 1949. N.S.W. was represented by Messrs. Griffith and Hallstrom of the Fauna Panel and there were representatives from S.A., W.A., Vic., and Tas. An extensive agenda was covered; I'can do litt13 else but mention some of the eighteen matters discussed:-
-. Relation of Fauna to Agriculture and assessment of actual dame ge.
-. Game Kangement.
+  - Uniform policy regarding control of Marsupials in portions of States which adjoin.
-. Steps taken to conserve l'ative Fauna.
+  - Co-operation with International Organisations.
- Sanctuaries and National Parkes.
+  - Re-afforestation Projects and their influences on Bird Life.
-. Faunal Reserves.
+  - Co-operation of States with the C.S.I.R.O. Wildlife Section.
-. The use of Traps and other means of taking anillials.
+  - Relation of Fauna to Agriculture and assessment of actual damage.
-A further :meeting of the conference has been planned for Adlaide in
+  - Game Management.
-.
+  - Steps taken to conserve Native Fauna.
-Finall y in this very abort review I must stress the importance of the task undertaken by the Chief Guardian of Fauna (Mr. F.Jo
+  - Sanctuaries and National Parkes.
-and to drAw your attenUon to the weakness of the Act, No provision is made for an Annual Grant to the Panel from the Treasury. All fi nance I should imagine will have to come from special grants made for specific purposes or from the long list that already is made to the Chief Secretaryis Department,
+  - Faunal Reserves.
+  - The use of Traps and other means of taking anillials.
+A further meeting of the conference has been planned for Adelaide in 1951.
+Finally in this very short review I must stress the importance of the task undertaken by the Chief Guardian of Fauna (Mr. F.J. Griffiths) and to draw your attention to the weakness of the Act. No provision is made for an Annual Grant to the Panel from the Treasury. All finance I should imagine will have to come from special grants made for specific purposes or from the long list that already is made to the Chief Secretary's Department.
+----
 TEE DAVEY TRIP'.