Proceedings for the month of September, 1866

The usual monthly evening meeting was held at the Society rooms on Monday, September 13, Mr. Jas. Barnard in the chair. There was a large attendance of Fellows, and many visitors, including a number of ladies.
Fellows were elected, donations to the Library were announced and a letter was read from the Premier covering a communication received from the Premier of Victoria, enquiring whether the Government of Tasmania would be disposed to join in the cost of dispatching an expedition to the Antarctic regions in the interests of science and commerce. The Premier noticed that the subject would engage the attention of the Fellows, and desired an expression of their views theron. Mr. C. P. Sprent then read a paper on the subject. Much debate ensued and the members agreed wholeheartedly that an expedition would be most beneficial.
A woodcut engraving of Sir John Hooker, the botanist of the Erebus, ln his study at work, was handed round for inspection.
Also, the Secretary drew attention to some specimens of Fijian pottery, presented by Sir Henry Wrenfordsley.
A special meeting of the Royal Society was held on Monday evening September 27, for the purpose of continuing the debate upon Mr. A. Mault's paper on an underground drainage system for Hobart.
Mr. Jas. Barnard occupied the chair, aud there was a large attendance of Fellows, besides several visitors from the other colonies.
The official report to which Mr. Mault refers contains an elaboration of an extended system of sewerage, which, if it could be carried out, would undoubtedly be an immense improvement on the existing state of affairs.
Mr. Mault said he knew there were many points for consideration about which he was desirous of knowing more; but he advocated it as the best that could be adopted for the health of the city.