-penditure.
275
Moreover,
in none of the estimates is any reference made to demarcation. The survey now in process is not a survey pure and simple but survey and demarcation combined, whereas I am informed that in India the survey work is done separately and the demarcation is carried out by a special survey staff under the immediate control of the Collector or Commissioner of the District. Purely survey operations are more rapid but would be useless in the case of the New Territory. But surveyors whose rate of working is controlled by a demarcator cannot be placed on contract rates and thus one great stimulus to exertion is removed.
5.
The original estimate contemplated a 16" scale, but it has been proved that over most of the New Territory this scale is of no use and the scale has accordingly been doubled. The 32" scale is, of course, more costly,
6.
I enclose a report from Mr. Newland on this subject and I have further the honour to draw your attention to an interesting comparison which exists in the case of the Straits Settlements, where it was found in 1880 that the Land Office and land system generally were in confusion and the Surveyor-General (Major McMair, R.E.) estimated for a revenue survey which should restore order at a total cost of $55,960. However, writing in 1886, Major McCallum, R.E. pointed out that the estimate was founded on very insufficient data and stated that a more recent estimate founded on actual experience was $800,000 and that this estimate if anything
1901.
TAS