SURVEYS IN THE WAIRARAPA DISTRICT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4227, 7 October 1874, Page 3

SURVEYS IN THE WAIRARAPA DISTRICT.

TO THE EDITOIt. Sin, —Whether the intended abolition of the Province is due to the incapacity or extravagance of our officials it is almost too late now to inquire into; but as it is said that "economy is the soul of the army," it may be taken for granted that it woidd be found to work equally as well in any other department, if judiciously practised; and I am free to maintain that, at least in one particular branch of the service, it has been overlooked. I specially refer to the Survey Department. In a large district like the Wairarapa it seems monstrous that it should never have occurred to the Chief Surveyor to have, under the immediate control of the District Surveyor, an office open to the public, where all district maps might be consulted and information obtained by intending purchasers or others. As tho matter stands at present the loss of time and money is incalculable which is entailed upon those residing in the Wairarapa, when compelled to proceed to Wellington to procure information, which cannot always be given, from the fact that the draughtsmen are either practically unacquainted with the

physical features of the,, country, or that the plans have not been received into the Wellington office from the surveyors in the fields. Had there been such an office in Masterton during the late winter, when all work in the field was out of the question, owing to the inclemency of the weather, it would not only have been hailed as a boon by the officersv themselves, but it would have resulted in the compilation of authentic sketch maps, immediately on their return from their labors, when everything was fresh in their minds, and all information would have been given on the spot. But, by the present system, it is not only locked up, but sometimes irrevocably lost to the country. There may be good and sufficient reason for objecting to change the system, but we fail to see it, for if the alteration can only be effected by the removal of some pet but incapable officer, and the substitution of a more competent one, the Chief Surveyor should not hesitate to do so, when the interests of the public demand it. I earnestly hope the Government will take -this matter into their serious consideration, for the outlay would be insignificant as compared with the advantages to be derived, not only by the public, but by the junior members of the service, who would thus, having some other place besides the precincts of an hotel to resort to, only be too glad to employ their time in a manner which would be alike profitable to themselves and to the country.—l have, &c, REFORM. Masterton, Oct. 6.