13

A.—2

the Gold Coast to England and back during each intervening period of leave of absence. It should, however, be clearly understood that these arrangements refer only to the single passages of the survey or-himself, as under the rules of the West African services, passages are not provided by the Government either for the wife or children of an officer employed under it. 7. In addition to the emoluments mentioned in the previous paragraph, the surveyor would be granted an outfit allowance of £30. I enclose a list which has been prepared by Major Wathcrston, the Director of the Survey, of the outfit which has been found useful by the officers at present at work on the survey. I enclose also a copy of a list of stores, marked "A," with which each survey party would be provided in this country before proceeding to the Gold Coast. 8. It would appear from the inquiries which have been made upon the subject that the subordinate surveyors, two of whom are required for each survey party, will probably be less difficult to obtain from this country than the skilled surveyors; but, in case it should be decided to apply to you for assistance in the matter of subordinate surveyors also, I add the following particulars with regard to the conditions of their appointment : — 9. The salary offered to any civilian subordinate surveyors appointed from New Zealand would be at the rate of £25 a month from the date of landing in the Gold Coast (with half-pay for the voyage from New Zealand). The arrangements as to the length of the tours of service, leave of absence, and passages would be identical with those described in paragraph 6 of this despatch, except that the passages would be second-class instead of first-class. 10. As regards outfit, I enclose a list of the personal effects with which noncommissioned officers serving under this Department in West Africa are provided by the Government. In the event of any subordinate surveyors being sent from New Zealand they would be granted an outfit allowance of £15 each towards the expenses of providing themselves Avith an analogous kit. I enclose also a further list, marked " B," showing the additional general outfit which is provided in this country for each pair of non-commissioned officers or sappers, and which would be similarly furnished by this Department to any pair of subordinate surveyors sent from New Zealand. 11. As regards the qualifications required for this class of appointment, I should add that Major Watherston states, in connection with the selection of the non-commissioned officers and sappers at present serving in the colony, that the chief requisites were that they should be neat draughtsmen, of good intelligence, and capable of thinking for themselves, as they would often be working alone away from any officer. He added that they would be called on to display considerable tact and discretion in their dealing with Natives, and would be subject to a certain amount of temptation from the lower class of miners employed in the country. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 10. (No. 37.) My Lord, — Downing Street, 11th April, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 5) of the Ist February, forwarding copies of resolutions passed by various public bodies on the question of army meat contracts, and to inform you that the resolutions have been forwarded to the Secretary of State for War. 2. I have also to refer you to the telegrams and despatches which I have recently addressed to you on this subject. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, G.C.M.G., &c.

A.-l, 1902, No. 72.