402 REPORTS ON. THE STATE OF SCIENCE, ETC. 
AppENDIX D (2) (f). 
THE MOTOR BOAT ASSOCIATION 
(83, Patt. Matt, Lonpon, S.W. 1). 
ABSTRACT FROM A MEMORANDUM ON INLAND WATER SURVEY. 
1. INTRODUCTION. 
The Motor Boat Association’ appreciates the request of the British 
Association Committee to put forward views in connection ‘with «the 
organisation of water level survey records on rivers and lakes. 
The M.B.A. is representative of owners of motor boats used solely for | 
pleasure purposes. Its membership embraces owners in every part of the 
British Isles as well as owners on the Continent. 
The Association understands that the terms of reference to the Committee 
are ‘ To inquire into the position of Inland Water Survey in the British 
Isles, and the possible organisation and control of such a survey by central 
authority.’ 
Whilst the Association not unnaturally visualises the benefit of such a 
survey from the point of view of navigation of such waterways, it is also not 
unaware of the extension of the benefits to such interests as power houses, 
fisheries, drainage, etc. 
It is aware of the immense bearing which a comprehensive survey and 
official and regular collation of results must also have on the important 
subjects of industry and research. The latent power inherent in many of 
the inland waterways of the country can only be effectively harnessed and 
adapted to the best possible service of industry if those responsible for 
commercial undertakings can have recourse to some central body from 
whom they can secure up-to-date and comprehensive information as to the 
potentialities of waterways in areas in which they may be considering 
erecting factories, power houses} etc. 
On the aspect of research little need be said. Thei importanca, of continued 
study into the inland waterways, conducted over a regular and duly notated 
period of time, will be apparent. There is opened up, by a comprehensive 
survey, a vast field for useful research into the changing conditions and 
influences of the inland waterways of the country. 
Therefore, in putting forward suggestions as to the organisation for dealing 
with such a survey, the Association does so bearing all such interests in mind. 
2. NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY 
3. WATERWAYS TO BE SURVEYED 
4. RECORDING STATIONS (not abstracted). 
5. RECORDING INSTRUMENT 
6. RECORDING AUTHORITY 
7. THE M.B.A. AS THE RECORDING AUTHORITY. 
. . . the further point emerges that the Association has at the moment 
the nucleus of the organisation required for the regular and systematic 
collection and tabulation of water level data. In its service arrangements 
it has, at many centres, its own official boatmen and honorary local 
representatives. 
8. THE STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRAL AUTHORITY (not abstracted). 
