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AND

CORRESPONDENCE

RELATING TO

LAND AND GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS OF BRITISH

COLONIES AND PROTECTORATES.

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 885

22 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

No. 1.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF COLONIAL SURVEY COMMITTEE, 25TH

Mr. READ,

Colonel CLOSE,

NOVEMBER, 1912.

PRESENT:

Lieutenant-Colonel HEDLEY,

Dr. TEALL,

Dr. EVANS, and

Mr. J. F. N. GREEN, with

Captain Cox and Mr. BOTTOMLEY, Secretaries.

The meeting was the first held since the enlargement of the scope of the Committee to include geological surveys, and the appointment of Dr. Teall, Dr. Evans, and Mr. Green as members. At the beginning of business Colonel Close proposed that Mr. Read should take the Chair, and the Committee agreed.

1. General discussion with regard to Geology.

Dr. Teall laid stress on the point that no final result could be obtained without a proper geological survey. The object of the work of the Committee in this regard would be the production of maps covered with colour indicating the geological forma- tion, and this could not be obtained merely by receiving and reporting on specimens collected by topographical surveyors or other non-geologist officials. He emphasised the view expressed in his letter of the 29th of August, on the subject of the small geological survey approved for the Gold Coast, that the proper course would be to run systematic geological traverses through the country which would indicate areas in which more detailed work might be undertaken.

Dr. Evans concurred, but considered that the collection of specimens by non- geologists under proper guidance would be a useful help and might as a preliminary to a proper survey prevent unnecessary waste of time. He pointed out that the reception and examination of specimens so collected would encourage the amateur to increase his geological knowledge and so to increase the use of the collection.

Dr. Teall agreed as to the value of such a collection, provided it was not regarded as a substitute for survey, and instanced the value of the collections made by Boundary Commissions. He pointed out, however, that there were no complete geological details regarding any Crown Colony or Protectorate.

2. Geological Appointments in the Gold Coast.

It was mentioned that a few names of candidates had been suggested, but that no applications had so far actually been received. Of those named, Dr. Teall con- sidered that either Mr. Lightfoot or Mr. Parkinson would be very suitable for the senior appointment, and that the latter was, on the whole, better qualified but might not be prepared to accept the post. Dr. Evans mentioned the names of two possible candidates, and agreed to sound them on the subject. The Committee recommended that no selection should be made until all the candidates available had been fully considered.

Mr. Green raised the question whether the tour of service should be the usual one of twelve months in the Colony followed by four months' leave in England (or

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