36 SCIENCE IN AFRICA 



and adjusted to the geodetic framework. The triangulation stations 

 were marked but unfortunately were not permanently beaconed, 

 and no arrangements were made for their protection or for keeping 

 the map up to date. When the Trigonometrical Survey of the 

 Union, organized in 1920, investigated the possibility of incor- 

 porating this triangulation, some fifteen years after it had been 

 surveyed, so many marks were missing, that, on that score alone, 

 the idea had to be abandoned and a fresh triangulation had to be 

 extended over the province — an area of 50,000 square miles. In 

 Kenya also, where land has been widely beaconed for cadastral 

 purposes, survey marks are unpopular with natives, and as they 

 cannot be expected to distinguish between triangulation and 

 boundary marks they are apt to remove both indiscriminately. 

 Much damage to the existing triangulation has already been done 

 in this way, and the question of maintenance will require consi- 

 deration before further geodetic survey is begun. 



At the Conference of Empire Survey Officers in London in 1931, 

 the following resolution was carried unanimously. 'In view of the 

 immense permanent value of a sound framework of primary survey 

 in the development of a country, and the proved difficulty of 

 financing the execution of such a framework out of revenue, arid 

 in order to avoid needless confusion and waste of public money 

 on surveys of a temporary nature which are being, and must inevi- 

 tably be, undertaken : consideration should be given to the employ- 

 ment of loan funds for the immediate provision of an adequate and 

 permanent controlling framework in all colonies where such does 

 not already exist, or is incomplete.' This resolution received the 

 approval of the Colonial Office which drew the attention of the 

 Colonial Governments to it so that the views expressed might be 

 borne in mind when schemes of development were under considera- 

 tion. It appears, however, that little practical effect has been given 

 to the resolution. 



Another problem, perhaps equally important, arises from the 

 difficulty of obtaining trained personnel at short notice. With 

 permanent branches to deal with the geodetic and topographical 

 work in a survey department, this difficulty does not arise in so 

 acute a form. When schemes of survey are sanctioned, finance 

 should be assured over a term of years in order to avoid these 



