ConneLt.—On New Zealand Surveys. XXXili 
4th, That not less than twelve readings at twelve different parts of 
the lower plate be taken, if 5-inch instruments are used for 
azimuth angles. 
These, however, are mere details, calculated to insure a further 
improvement in the character of the Minor triangulation, which the greater 
experience and efficiency of the surveyors available make it now possible to 
carry out. 
I think it may now be taken for granted that, with due care, the 
measurement of bases and angular work, of the character I have shown, may 
readily be obtained by the careful use of instruments of good quality though 
small diameter, and that without in any way departing from the system 
of survey now known as the “ Otago System,” in use in this Province, a 
satisfactory knowledge of the true relative distance and directions of the 
stations, which it is proposed to use to check the detail surveys" by, and that 
without waiting the eight or ten years spoken of by Major Palmer, or, as 
I should be inclined to estimate it, the fifteen or twenty years sie for 
the completion of the standard triangulation. 
Before leaving the subject of the triangulation, and taking up the one 
which I conceive is really of more pressing importance viz., the detail sur- 
vey of the Colony, I would say a few words in connection with the cor 
of topographical maps. 
T have no hesitation in saying that no system of triangulation will either 
be economical (in the vulgar sense of the term) or suitable for this Colony, 
unless it makes provision for a topographical survey, to be carried on 
simultaneously with the observation of the smaller triangles. 
It is imperatively necessary that, for a considerable time before land is 
really wanted for sale, the Government should be in possession of a good 
deal of information about the land, such as its quality, adaptability for 
settlement, general altitude above sea level, and that the chief topographical 
features should be mapped out, enabling the Government, with a tolerable 
amount of accuracy, to determine the areas of large tracts which it is pro- 
posed to open for settlement. And inasmuch as the land laws of several 
parts of the Colony—our own Province amongst the number—admit of and 
provide for selection of lands prior to actual detail survey, it is evidently 
advisable further, that maps should be available, showing the position of 
natural features, such as rivers, creeks, forest, &c., &c., to enable selectors 
to identify, and the Land Department to understand, which particular por- 
tion of land it is proposed to apply for. 
When the present Otago system was initiated by Mr. J. T. Thomson, 
this want was felt and at once met, the surveyors who conduct the triangu- 
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