Approaching a Dig Tree: reflections on our endangered expedition.

Geography, whose future progress will be influenced by awareness of past achievements, has reached a critical stage of development in Australia. The colonial heritage and its secular and scientific aspects are examined before attention is turned to the period from 1888 to 1945. During this time the 'new' geography gaining ground in England had an important impact on school education in Australia. Research was taking place, but the extent to which it was independent or metropolitan in character is discussed. Griffith Taylor and the controversy he engendered is given prominence followed by a brief account of the work of Holmes and Price. Suggestions for the future of the Institute of Australian Geographers are offered. -D.G.Price