DR. HECTOR AND THE WEST COAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 987, 29 October 1870, Page 9

DR. HECTOR AND THE WEST COAST.

We publish below some extracts from official letters which will tend to shew the facts of the case with reference to the Weat Coast survey. We understand that Mr J. T. Thomson, the Chief Surveyor, wa3 not only the originator of the expedition, but that he would have personally undertaken it, had Dr. Hector not forestalled the intentions of the Government by settingoutin a small vessel sufficient only for his own peculiar department. The St. Kilda, steamer, was ordered from home on purpose, but on its arrival, all interest in the West Coast had subsided in consequence of the publication of Dr Hector's reports. Had the expedition gone out as originally intended, there would have been a surveyor and proper draughtsmen on board the vessel. It was intended that every part should be carefully explored and a complete topographical map executed — once and for all — all the sounds would have had their harbours and anchorages surveyed nauncally, and Dr. Hector and his party would have had better facilities for collections and observations in his department, than he could have had in a little sailing vessel. The non-fulfilment of the expedition in all its branches, was certainly a loss to the province. Extract from Report of Chief Surveyor to Superintendent, 12 h September, lßt>2. The West Coast still remains a terra incognita to this Department, and though I nave reason to suppose that there is not much country available for pasture, nor much for agriculture, yet from the reports of fine timber, coal, and copper that have reached ua, it would be well to have the mj steries of the locality cleared up, and its resourc; s made known. If a steam coal could be procured — and there is said ro be abundance of seams — the sea orne trade of this part of New Zealand (whether coasting or over se*) would be most beneficially affected. Possibly Dr Hector might find it convenient to accompany an expedition. A sketch map could < c completed in about three or four months, and if a steamer were placed at the service of this Department, I would be happy to execute it myself. The best time would be from December to March, for then the passes across the Southern Alps would be practicable. The Provincial Secretary to the Chief Surveyor, 28 th November, 1862. I have the honour to inform you that the sum of L4OOO having been appropriated by the Provincial Council in furtherance of an expedition to the West Coast for survey purposes under your guidance, accompanied by Dr Hector, the Provincial Geologise, it is the I wish of the Superintendent that you should put yourself in communication, with that gentleman and Captain Thomson as to the best mode of carrying out the object contemplated by the Government. Note. — The steamer St. Kilda was ordered from England, and arrived about sine month -> afterwards, but the vessel was sold, as Dr Hector had forestalled operations by proceeding alone.