| Reference number | NLB/14/414 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/14 p231 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to Professor Archibald Liversidge, Fellow of the Royal Society |
| Date | 6 March 1897 |
| Description | At a meeting of the Council of the Royal Society on 4 March, it was resolved that, if an effort were made at Sydney to complete the boring of a coral reef, left undone by the late expedition, the Royal Society should contribute £100 from its own resources for the purpose. From Foster and Liversidge's conversation when they were in England, Foster thought such a sum would be adequate, but if inadequate possibly a larger sum might be provided.
Foster was directed by the President and Council to make inquiries into whether the Lords of Admiralty would be able and wiling to assist such an effort from Sydney in some way, by means of a man or war et cetera, as they assisted the late expedition.
There has not been time to obtain any reply from the Admiralty, but it will perhaps be of use if Foster states the following which he has learnt privately: the season from December to March which he understood from Liversidge would be convenient for Professor David and others, would not be convenient for Her Majesty's vessel; the Lords would probably be more likely to provide a vessel for a reef other than Funafuti, which has not yet been accurately surveyed; any promise of a vessel must be contingent on the demands which may be made at the time for a vessel for cable work.
When the Society hears from the Lords, Foster will send Liversidge an official statement, the above is informal and given only to save time. The whole of this letter is written to Liversidge on account of his and Foster's frequent talk about the matter. If Liversidge gives Foster instructions, Foster can write officially to whomsoever Liversidge indicates as the proper person to address. |
| Extent | 1p |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA6646 | Liversidge; Archibald (1847 - 1927); chemist and promoter of science in Australia | 1847 - 1927 |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |