British Scientific Expedition on Great Barrier Reef (1928-29)

The British Scientific Expedition On The Great Barrier Reef 1928-29: Official original photographs by Charles Leslie Barrett (1879 - 1959: A collection of twenty-five original photographs, most with Barrett's notes affixed verso and several with the official 'Herald Feature Service' hand-stamp. All personnel are included and named and several show interesting scenes and activities. (25 items, all 16.5 x 22 cm.), The four (4) images illustrated are: The entire party, in tropical garb, outside their quarters on Low Island. Dr. Russell in his diving helmet, preparing to explore the beauties of the bed of a coral lagoon. Dr. Stephenson and his wife, with Mr. G. Tandy, and Mr. Moorehouse, selecting an area for the intensive study of corals, etc. Two aboriginal children, son and daughter of Andy, aboriginal helper to the expedition, and Grace his wife, who is cook. The Great Barrier Reef Expedition was a scientific study suggested by Sir Matthew Nathan & Professor Henry Richards who led the Australian Great Barrier Reef Committee from its establishment in 1922. With support from the British Barrier Reef Committee & the Association for the Advancement of Science in England, there was considerable interest in conducting zoological studies of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, to investigate theories put forward by Charles Darwin and others. It was also planned to determine the economic importance of the reef's marine life.This largely British expedition of scientists sought financial support from the Australian government, universities and the public to fund the expedition and study biological and geological life in a number of sections of the Reef.