A Pion er. ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, BOTANIST AND EXPLORER. Australia has never given freely of her gratitude to the memory of those pioneers who did so much for her in the dark days of her infancy. When the "Surrey," commanded by Captain Raine, reached our shores in 1816, she brought with her Allan Cun ningham, a botanist, whose mission was that of collector of Australian flora for the Royal Gardens of Kew, England. He set about his work with characteristic vigor, and traversed vast tracts of virgin country in his quest. In June, 1827, he discovered the famous barling Downs .in the now sister State of Queensland, so Australia's debt to him is a large one. Illawarra, one of our most beautiful districts, was a favorite hunting ground of Cunningham's, but his work took him over practically all the coastal areas, "Where whispering springs of pondering mountains flow, By lute-like leaves and many languaged caves, Where sounds the strong Hosanna of the waves." He paid a visit to Norfolk Island, and later spent some time in New Zealand. On his return he was appointed Colonial Botanist and superintendent of our beauti. ful Botanic Gardens, but his health was undermined, and he died in Sydney in 1839, at the early age of 48. He was buried in old Sandhills Cemetery in Devonshire Street, but in 1901, when this burial ground was resumed to make way for the Central Railway: Station, his remains were removed to the Botanic Gardens, where a.modest monument in an inconspicuous position, marks his last resting place. There is a sandstone statue of Cunning. ham on the Lands Office, near the corner of Loftus and Bent Streets, but neither of these monuments are in any way worthy of the man or his deeds. We have been sparing in our tributes to the memory of our pioneers in all spheres of activity, and their great work has never had adequate recognition. If our city is ever to be beautified by statues of Australia's benefactors, Allan Cunning. ham's should have an honored place. 1T. H. BARLOW. Sydney, January, 1923.

from NLA Trove