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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O.885
18 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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196
plished. The filling in by aneroids has, of course, been carried on en route; the sporadic state of the rainfall and flooded rivers and swamps has prevented con- tinuous work in either of these two last-mentioned sheets, and I have had to move the surveyors from one sheet to the other, in order that the work might proceed economically.
8. I am of opinion that these two sheets should be completed by the end of this year, unless the wet season continues for a longer period than is usual; one sheet will doubtless be finished before the other, and an attempt will be made to complete Sheet 73 D first. This, however, will depend upon the rainfall, state of rivers and swamps in the locality represented by these sheets.
9. I may mention that a fairly accurate census has been taken of some 2,600 towns and villages in the Western Province, which will enable me to represent on the sheets the relative size of the larger towns. The result of this census has already been forwarded to you.
10. A revised plan of the town of Lagos has also been issued, and a contour plan of Ibadan will be completed in less than a fortnight. A very complete and accurate plan with contours of the town of Sapele will be forwarded to-day, and a plan of Onitsha and Abeokuta should be furnished during the present year. A complete horizontal survey of the Egba territory was also carried out by the Deputy Director of Surveys during my leave of absence.
11. The spelling of the names of towns, &c., will conform to the Royal Geographical Rules, and the method of distinguishing the roads and tracks will be altered to conform with His Excellency's wishes.
In
12. In conclusion, I would point out that I am of opinion that the complete survey of the Western Province will be accomplished during my present tour, unless this Department be called upon to carry out a large amount of extra work. this connection I may mention that Professor Simpson informed me that he had requested that I should carry out a considerable amount of work in connection with his visit to Lagos. Professor Simpson intimated to me the lines on which he required the work to be done. Being a scientific man, he wishes the surveys to be conducted in great detail and in a scientific manner. This involves more work than is apparent to the layman. If I am to carry out this work, it is hoped that an adequate staff will be provided. I also learnt, from a conversation with Mr. Wilson, of the Harbour Works, that I may be shortly called upon to carry out a considerable amount of work in connection with his Department.
13. I have also to mention the important fact that the staff of this Department has not been, and is not at present, at its full strength. It was hoped that the two European surveyors, who arrived less than three months ago, would have been added to the staff much earlier in the year; great inconvenience is likewise felt from the fact that the post of Senior Surveyor is still vacant. The presence of this officer would have been of great value during the absence of the Deputy Director of Surveys. The increasing demands on this Department and the present incomplete state of the staff force me to request that all vacancies be filled as soon as possible.
14. This matter is of vital importance to me, and I shall be much obliged if you would bring it to the notice of His Excellency, and that he would be good enough to place these facts before the Secretary of State. A certain amount of work has been demanded of me by the Secretary of State-vide his letter to me, No. 5066/ 1908, under date the 18th of March, 1908-and it would seem but fair that if I am expected to carry it out the staff of this Department should be maintained at full strength.
15. I trust that His Excellency may be good enough to forward a copy of this letter to the Secretary of State, for which reason I am forwarding it in triplicate.
I have, &c.,
E. P. COTTON,
Director of Surveys.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
Lagos.
35421
(No. 498.)
197
No. 136A.
EAST AFRICA PROTECTORATE.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.
[Answered by No. 140.]
SIR,
Downing Street, 7 October, 1908. WгTH reference to your despatch, No. 421, of the 25th of August,* I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a lettert from the Hydro- grapher of the Navy, together with the original drawings in connection with the survey of the southern portion of Lake Victoria, and to enquire what reply should be given to the Hydrographer's question with regard to return of the drawings.
I have, &c.,
CREWE.
39165
No. 137.
SOUTHERN NIGERIA.
THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 4.42 p.m., 26 October, 1908.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by No. 138.]
Referring to my despatch, No. 350, 9th June,‡ paragraph 3, is anything settled about European Instructor, Survey School? Local candidate in view.-EGERTON.
39165
No. 138.
SOUTHERN NIGERIA.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.
(Sent 1.5 p.m., 29 October, 1908.)
TELEGRAM.
[Answered by 762/09 in Miscellaneous No. 235.]
Referring to your telegram of 26th October,§ no objection to appointment of local candidate, but before he is definitely appointed send full particulars as to qualifications, &c., and report asked for in my confidential despatch of 26 August.|| -Crewe.
43480
No. 139.
COLONIAL SURVEY COMMITTEE.
Meeting of 26 November, 1908.
PRESENT:
Colonel Grant.
Major Close,
Mr. Read, and
Mr. Bottomley (Secretary).
1. Southern Nigeria Surveys.
Major Close reported that the map recently sent home by Mr. Cotton (Sheet 73 J. and part of Sheet 73 I.) had not yet been completely examined, but that so far as could be seen it showed a very considerable advance, especially as regards the amount of detail shown, on any work previously received from Southern Nigeria.
† No. 135A.
• Not printed.
‡ No. 118.
No. 137
| No. 130.