1919.] 
New Zealand Institute Science Congress. 
299 
investigating limestone and phosphate resources, &c. Similarly it may 
help the roadmaker and the railway engineer both in obtaining supplies 
of macadamizing or ballasting material, and by indicating areas liable 
to slips or slumps, such as much of the “ papa ” country of this Dominion. 
The investigation of water resources is a highly desirable class of work 
for a Geological Survey, whether water be required for irrigation or for 
power purposes. The prompt answering of inquiries for information con¬ 
cerning geology, minerals, &c., is very desirable, and when this is done 
a heavy correspondence is likely to result. By means of its publications, 
by establishing a central museum, and by distributing rock and mineral 
specimens, a Geological Survey may do important educational work. 
One matter of importance may be emphasized, and that is the provision 
of proper accommodation for the indoor work of a Geological Survey. The 
office accommodation should include a separate room for each senior and 
his assistant. The offices should be of ample size, properly furnished, well 
lighted, and so situated that the inmates are not disturbed by street 
noises, &c. Surely men who for the greater part of the year endure the 
inconveniences of field life are entitled to good conditions when thev 
return to the town to write their reports and carry out necessary researches. 
A laboratory where chemical tests may be made is a necessity, and even 
with small surveys the attachment of a trained chemist to the staff is to be 
advocated. A petrographical laboratory and facilities for photographic 
work are also required. The draughting-room should be large, and contain 
or have attached to it ample provision for the storage of large numbers 
of maps. A library is, of course, indispensable, and space for books should 
not be stinted. Ample storage for mineral and rock specimens, together 
with space for sorting the accumulated material, is a necessity if the work 
of the Survey is to proceed properly, and if it is expected to distribute 
specimens to museums and educational institutions. 
A mineral museum is attached to the Geological Survey in most 
countries, but New Zealand since 1903 has been an exception to the rule, 
nor does the accommodation provided for its Geological Survey in various 
other respects reach a proper standard. 
Summary and Conclusion. 
The technical staff of a Geological Survey in a partly unsurveyed 
country should consist of economic geologists, topographers, one or more 
palaeontologists, a chemist, draughtsmen, &c. In practice its first duty is 
the thorough and detailed mapping of the whole country, areas of economic 
importance being given special attention. Concurrently with this the 
development of the country’s mineral resources must be given every 
attention; but prospecting is not part of a geologist’s work, any more than, 
say, collecting plants or insects (work which may be of a thoroughly useful 
character all the same). Palaeontology and other research work must be 
given due attention, and not allowed to be discarded owing to the cry for 
commercial results. The investigation of water resources, and to some 
extent of soils, may usefully be added to the activities of a Geological 
Survey. The Survey ought to endeavour to assist the miner, the prospector, 
and the engineer as much as possible, and this it will be able to do all the 
better if a broad view of its scope is taken. Its investigations are likely 
to be of service to agriculture and many other industries. A Geological 
Survey, if given proper facilities, may be of great educational value. 
Ample housing-accommodation for its various activities is a necessity. 
