REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. xlix 



" The importance of maintaining the sequence of the observations in the 

 Mauritius Observatory, of further collating the logs of ships, and of con- 

 tinuing the inquiry into the periodicity of cyclones, has induced the British 

 Association to urge upon your Lordship the necessity of affording additional 

 assistance to Mr. Meldrum, to enable him to pursue these labours and perform 

 his duties in a satisfactory manner. 



" It may be assumed that such assistance, to be efficient, will cost about 

 ^300 a year beyond the present cost of the establishment ; and if it is to be 

 of value for the purpose of the investigation into the periodicity of cyclones, 

 this additional allowance will have to be continued for a period of about 

 ten years. 



" I trust that the scientific importance of this subject will induce your 

 Lordship to give this matter your favourable consideration, and to place Mr. 

 Meldrum in a position to complete the inquiries he has commenced with so 

 much success. 



" I have the honour to be, 

 " My Lord, 



"Your most obedient Servant, 

 (Signed) " William B. Caepenteb, 



President of the British Association." 

 " The Rhjht Hon. the Earl of Kimherley, 

 Secretary of State for Colo7iies." 



" Downing Street. 

 19th December, 1872. 



" Sir, — I am directed by the Earl of Kimherley to acknowledge the 

 receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, urging, on behalf of the British 

 Association, the necessity of affording additional assistance to Mr. Meldrum in 

 his labours at the Mauritius Observatory. 



" The Colonial Government is well aware of the value of the Meteoro- 

 logical researches now carried on at their Observatory by Mr. Meldnim ; but 

 the state of the finances of the Colony is such that no increase can be made 

 to any of the Government establishments except on urgent grounds. 

 - " The Secretary of State will, however, in deference to the wish ex- 

 pressed by the British Association, forward a copy of your letter to the 

 Governor for his consideration and report. 



" I am, Sir, 



" Your obedient Servant, 

 (Signed) " E. M. Meade." 



" Downing Street, 

 18th February, 1873. 



" Sir, — With reference to my letter of the 19th December last, I now 

 forward to you, by the Earl of Kimberley's desire, the copy of a despatch 

 which has been received from the Governor of Mauritius on the subject 

 of affording assistance to Mr. Meldrum of the Mauritius Observatory. Lord 

 Kimherley regrets that he cannot authorize any further charge for this 

 service on the Colonial llevenue. 



" I am, Sir, 



" Your obedient Servant, 

 (Signed) " H. T. Holland." 



1873. fl 



