The contrast between this statement, and those which he gives for the other Provinces in New Zealand, with one exception (Otago) only, is very striking, and it shows that although the process of surveying lands has not been as rapid here as elsewhere, more pains have been taken to ensure accuracy in the works, and that the lands which have been granted under this system, are secured against the baneful effects of a complication of boundaries.

The principle cause of the success in the surveys of this Province is the trigonometrical basis upon which the sectional work is founded. In 1862, when the question of the desirability of executing a trigonometrical survey was first mooted, there were many cavillers who disputed the efficacy of this mode of surveying for promoting any useful results, so that it was not until 1866, that this system was fairly commenced. From this date until its completion over the area of the Crown Lands of the Province in 1871 the sectional works were either unavoidably retarded or of necessity prosecuted under circumstances which held out but slight prospects of attaining any moderate degree of accuracy in the works; but since the completion of the trig. survey, the final surveys of lands for Crown Grants have been pushed on with a vigor keeping pace with the most rapid surveys in New Zealand. The results are such as to elicit from Major Palmer the very favorable statement of the condition of the Wellington surveys.

Although it cannot be expected that the survey of a new country should be commenced upon a system embodying highly scientific principles, (and, in the case of New Zealand, from Native opposition, the wooded nature of the country, and other natural impediments, this would have been altogether impracticable), still it is reasonable to suppose that so soon as these difficulties abated, steps would have been taken to improve the survey systems. Wellington alone, of all the Provinces where a make-shift system was necessarily first adopted, has at the first favorable opportunity taken this step by applying to its surveys the remedy now so urgently recommended for New Zealand generally, by Major Palmer, viz., Triangulation.

It is exceedingly fortunate that this change took place at the period before mentioned, viz., 1866, and before any large area had become granted, or the commencement of any large land sales; as the result of the labors of the Survey Department shews that it has occupied ten years to survey correctly 1,099,000 acres. If this area were now in arrears of survey, or worse still, incorrectly surveyed, and requiring revision, the highest professional skill, combined with a lavish expenditure, could scarcely be able to place the survey of such an area upon a proper footing.

The wisdom and forethought of the Provincial Government in sanctioning the commencement of the trig. survey, notwithstanding the strong opposition to it at the time, is highly commendable; and, had its example been followed by the other provinces in New Zealand, the cost of a re-survey of some 7,000,000 of acres—returned by Major Palmer as the area of incorrectly surveyed land in New Zealand, and which must obviously sooner or later, be undertaken—or, in other words, the saving of half-a-million of money would have been effected.

I could not do otherwise, in common justice, than embrace this opportunity of expressing my satisfaction at the recognition, tardy though it may be, of the high class professional services rendered by the Chief Surveyor of the Province, Mr. Jackson. That satisfaction is enhanced by the reflection that his reputation has been gradually built up amidst great difficulties and opposition from the date of his introduction by myself to the Provincial service thirteen years ago; and also by the further reflection that it affords a proof, resting on independent testimony, of the success which has resulted from Provincial administration.

A large amount of valuable work has been done in the Provincial Engineer’s Department. Through communication will be established between the Hutt and Pahautanui when the present line now under contract is finished. A considerable amount of work has been performed during the year on the line from Mungaroa to Waikanae; which was explored and partly graded last year. I attach great importance to this line, which will open up communication between Wellington and the West Coast, when the land north of Waikanae is purchased, and which will, I