PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
PELE C.O. 885
106
Annexure.
MEMORANDUM ON THE PROPOSED RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY OF BRITISH HONDURAS.
1. The object of the work is to fix certain points and provide a framework on which any existing or future surveys undertaken may be fixed; also to instruct local surveyors in the methods of reconnaissance survey, in order that the work may carried on locally in future years.
be
2. The character of the survey required is that of a good reconnaissance survey, based on triangulation when possible, or otherwise on points fixed by traverses, checked by azimuths and latitudes.
3. The data available for preparing a scheme and estimate are:-
(i) Cost not to exceed $5,000.
(ii) The country covers an area of some 8,000 odd square miles, flat and swampy along the coast, and rising towards the interior with hills up to 5,000 feet in the southern half. The greater part of the country is covered with dense forest, with very few tracks leading into the interior, and the only means of progression is, as a general rule, by means of canoes along the various rivers.
An experienced surveyor required in order to start the work on a systematic basis, and it is proposed that two local surveyors be attached to the party to assist and to learn the methods of reconnaissance survey.
4. The scale of the map to be 1/250,000, or about inch to 1 mile.
5. The framework should, as far as is practicable, be trigonometrical, the detail being fixed, where possible, by plane-table and otherwise by perambulator and compass or time and compass traverses along tracks and rivers, closing on fixed points.
It is not possible to lay down any strict standard of accuracy, but the following should not be exceeded :—
(i) Base
(ii) Main triangles (iii) Azimuths
1/50,000
10 seconds. 10 seconds.
Owing to the difficult nature of the country and the shortness of the time, it would not be possible to do any comprehensive work.
It is suggested that a base be measured on the sea shore, near Manatu Lagoon, and from this base an extension be made on to the cays and the hills to west, and from there fixing points somewhat as shown on accompanying map, and in addition a traverse be run down Jno. Young's Pine Ridge track from Bilza to El Cayo. This work would probably take some six months, leaving two months for instruction in practical topographical work.
It is understood that, owing to climatic conditions, it would not be economical to start work before December.
The amount voted for the commencement of the survey would not permit of an adequate salary for an officer with the necessary assistance to undertake the work; it is, therefore, proposed to employ an ex-non-commissioned officer, Royal Engineers, who is a thoroughly competent surveyor, and to have as assistant a non-commissioned Officer, Royal Engineers. The estimate would then work out as follows:-
A
107
The above estimate is based on the assumption that the instruments required will
be lent out of store by the Colonial Office. These are available as under:
Two plane-tables and stands, &c.
Two 5-inch theodolite (Troughton & Sims).
Three thermometers.
Three 1,500-foot aneroid barometers,
Two 100-foot steel tapes.
Two 4-inch prismatic compass and stand.
One astronomical telescope.
Three heliographs.
One circular protractor.
Two perambulators.
Stationery and other instruments to be supplied by Local Survey Department.
The estimate can be only taken as an approximate one, as so much depends on
the amount necessary for cutting tracks and transport, and the length of the survey will be dependent on this.
31778
No. 55.
CYPRUS.
THE ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 30 September, 1911.)
(No. 186.)
SIR,
[Answered by 31778: not printed.]
Government House, Troodos, 21st September, 1911.
IN my despatch, No. 143, of 13th July, 1911;* I stated that certain proposals with regard to the organization of the staff required for carrying out the provisions
of Law 12 of 1907 would shortly be laid before you, and I asked for the appointment
of an Inspector at a salary of £300 per annum. In your despatch, No. 114, of 11th August, you replied that it would not be possible to proceed very far in the matter
*
of obtaining the services of such an official until the proposals under which his employment would be necessary had been submitted to you.
2. I have the honour, therefore, to submit a copy of the proposals to which I alluded, together with a memorandum by the Registrar-General explaining at length the conditions which the proposals are intended to meet.
3. I need hardly point out that a scheme for surveying, valuing, and regis- tering every plot of land in the Island is one of considerable magnitude, and necessi- tates the employment of a large, efficient, and well organized staff. No pains have been spared to formulate a scheme which will combine the maximum of efficiency with the minimum of expense, and every detail received the closest scrutiny at the hands of the Chief Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Registrar-General.
I have, &c.,
C. W. ORR.
$
£
One surveyor in charge at £400, 8 months
1,280
Half salary on voyage ...
Outfit allowance, £30
240
346
144
One corporal, Royal Engineers, at £240, 8 months
768
Half salary on voyage
144
195
Outfit allowance, £20
96
Two passages, 2nd class return, £90
432
90
Transport
Staff: 5 men at $20 for 8 months
Miscellaneous
800
166
650
136
450
94
$5,004
1,027
• Not reproduced.
Enclosure 1 in No. 55.
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO
20 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE Government,
I HAVE now discussed this matter at great length with the Treasurer and Registrar-General at four meetings, each lasting close on three hours. The following are our conclusions and recommendations :-
1. We consider that the revaluation under Law 12 of 1907 will entail a permanent increase in the staff of the Land Registry Department We therefore recommend that the present staff of that Department be reorganised, and that the persons at present engaged for revaluation work and paid out of the open vote of
24078: not printed.