Zealand in 1862, I strongly urged its
adoption in this Province. At that time
I was not in a position to prove to demon-
strate the ultimate advantages of the
system: but now that it has been sub-
jected to the test of a fair trial, the
results show that it is neither fettered
with impracticable theories, costly in exe-
cution, nor unproductive of important
practical benefits. Although many of
the highest professional authorities have
commended this work, alike with respec-
to its principle and execution, yet there
are still to be found certain others holding
antagonistic views, who stigmatise the
precision claimed to have been attained,
as either the result of chance coincidences
or of a wilful and dishonest manipulation
of figures, in order to produce an apparent
coincidence in results.

Both those charges are absolutely base-
less, and can be readily overthrown. To
rebut the first charge, it is only necessary
to point out that "chance coincidences"
are not liable to repeat themselves, again
and again, with startling frequency, under
totally separate and different conditions, as
they do in the results of the work to
which I have been referring; while with
respect to the second, I simply challenge
those making it to offer one jot or tittle
of proof in its support. In order that
the means may not be wanting for this,
I am perfectly willing to submit to com-
petent inspection the whole of the original
field books and calculations of the work.

The successful completion of this work
will ensure a high degree of accuracy in
the execution of the sectional surveys—
a condition on which the secure tenure
of land in a great measure depends; and
when that, amongst many other important
results has been achieved, I may be
pardoned for expressing my deep satis-
faction that the views I advanced ten
years ago in favor of a trigonometrical
system of survey, have been so completely

justified by the logic of facts and experi-
ence. And this satisfaction is largely
enhanced by the reflection that the results
of the work referred to, justify that con-
fidence so generously reposed in me by
your Honor, when entrusting its execution
to my care; while it must also be said
that had it not been for your Honor’s
powerful and consistent advocacy of the
adoption of the trigonometrical system of
surveying in this Province—against strong
opposition from professional quarters—
and the hearty support which you afforded
towards the work during its progress, I
should never have been in a position, as
now, to report on its successful comple-
tion, and to indicate the many important
and beneficial results attendant thereon.

I cannot here refrain from strongly
recommending the adoption of the same
system in those Provinces where it has as
yet been neglected; because sooner or
later, this will require to be done, and the
longer it is delayed the more difficult the
solution of the problem of “adjustment
of surveys” will be found.

In conclusion, I beg to bring under
your Honor’s special notice the ability
and zeal which have been displayed by
Messrs. A. Dundas, and J. Mitcholl,
District Surveyors, in the performance of
the field work in connection with this
survey; and I also desire to express my
acknowledgement of the cordial support
which I have received from J. G. Holdsworth,
Esq., Commissioner of Crown
Lands, in furtherance of this undertak-
ing.

I have the Honor to be,
Sir,
Your most Obedient Servant,
HENRY JACKSON,
Chief Surveyor.

To His Honor
William Fitzherbert, Esquire, C.M.G.,
Superintendent.

Printed under the authority of the Government of the Province of Wellington, by THOMAS
McKENZIE
Printer for the time being to such Government.