CO129-245 - Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [5-7] — Page 110

I had a conference with the Acting Colonial Secretary (Mr. Lister) and the Registrar and Land Officer (Mr Ackroyd) and I certainly understood from Mr Ackroyd that in his official capacity (either Registrar or Land Officer) he was in possession of information of this nature. I would only add that acting on the expression that information was thus procurable, I have ventured to suggest that it may be made accessible for the Government service and especially for the use of the Dept. especially interested in questions relating to the value of land.

In my letter of 15th February (C.A.O.4890) I pointed out what appear to be very serious objections to the proposal to make the new Survey of the Colony independently of the Surveyor General. Further reflection and experience only tend to confirm the opinion I have formed after such consideration and full knowledge of the facts of the case. Had the Director of the Ordnance Survey been fully informed as to the requirements of the Colony here, I believe he would not have made such a proposal.

I consider it important that I venture to suggest to His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government that it is desirable that a further communication should be addressed to the Secretary of State on this important question. My views as regards the necessity for a new Survey of the Colony were first given in my second report on the reorganisation of the Public Works Department. For facility of reference, I annex an extract of that portion of my report which bears upon the subject. It would appear...