The Group held its first meeting in April. It was a success and aroused much interest in exploring new countries.

The first session was about Kazakhstan and was presented by Lorna. Kazakhstan is a fascinating country about which we knew nothing and now we know quite a lot. It is a country the size of Western Europe with a population of about 17 million. It has similarities with Australia in being a large area with few people, being rich in minerals, having similar problems of extreme climate, drought and salinity, having had nuclear testing against the will of the local inhabitants, and having a multi-ethnic population, tolerant of all religious beliefs. There are also many huge differences especially being surrounded by five different countries, not sea, and having been invaded so many times in history rather than being isolated.

The next meeting on 9 May will be about Ethiopia and will be researched by Margaret Murray. For further information, call Lorna on 8948 0411.