Australian references to the Baker Street Irregulars and other scions

I wondered when the "Baker Street Irregulars" first appeared in the pages of Australian newspapers.

The first reference I can find was published in The Australasian in 1940 (6 July 1940):

It is surprising that such a typical Englishman as our old friend Sherlock Holmes should be so popular in America. Research work into his achievements is now being carried on over there by a society known as the Baker Street Irregulars and founded by the novelist, Mr. Christopher Morley. This society recently published a book of 15 essays by its members, which should throw interesting light on the famous sleuth's life and activities. Mr. Morley, for instance, attempts to trace a family connection between Sherlock and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Elementary . . .? 

The next article relates to the finding of an unpublished Sherlock Holmes story by Adrian Conan Doyle, and the announcement that it would NOT be published. Multiple Sherlockian scions are quote and referred to in this article 'By Dr. Watson, junr.' in The Daily Telegraph (6 Dec 1942). 

Select transcript: In Chicago, Vincent Starrett, Holmes' biographer, demanded in furious bewilderment, "In heaven's name, why?'" In Boston, the Speckled Band, a select society devoted to study of The Master's genius, solemnly denounced the ban. So did the Baker Street Irregulars (HQ., New York) ; Christopher Morley, chairman of the Sherlock Holmes Club; Ellery Queen and Dorothy Sayers; Father Ronald Knox, chairman of the Professor Moriarty Defence Society; and John Rhode, on behalf of the Detection Club. 

Bitter commentary on Australian culture is the absence of any equivalent authoritative body which could add a Commonwealth protest to this world-wide clamor."

I've bolded several people and societies above. One is left with several points: 

• First, the Speckled Band of Boston (a scion that still meets) is quoted along with the BSI.
• Second, WHAT WAS THE "Professor Moriarty Defence Society"??
• Third, while there was no Sherlockian scion/organization in Australia in 1942, there certainly is now - the primary one being the Sydney Passengers (http://www.sherlock.on.net).

I'll continue this occasional look at early references to Sherlockians in the canon soon. The next few articles - likely reprinted from British or American newspapers - are nonetheless intriguing!