NEW ZEALAND COAST SURVEY.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume I, 3 September 1842, Page 102

NEW ZEALAND COAST SURVEY.

We rejoice to learn, that the attentio^i of Parliament has at length been directed to this important subject. It is quite notorious that every chart of the coasts of tbtfise islands hitherto published is grossly incorrect, and calculated rather to endanger the safety of shipping than to be serviceable ;in assisting navigation. We have repeatedly heard masters of vessels assert this to bh the case, and many well acquainted with the coast have pointed out to us; t some most remarkable inaccuracies. The following extract gives us hope that this *vil will be speedily rectified : — In the House of Commons, on the 28th of April, Viscount Ingestre moved that an humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying that she will be graciously pleased to order a maritime survey of the coasts and harbours of the islands of New Zealand. At this late period of the night, the noble lord said he would not enter into the subject; but he believed it was generally known that the greatest necessity existed for this survey to facilitate navigation about a very valuable colony. He begged, however, to qualify bis motion by the addition _of the words " when vessels can be spared for that duty without inconvenience to the public service." The charts at present were most incorrect, and some wrecks had occurred already.

Captain Pechell was glad the noble lord had brought this motion forward, but he thought it discreditable that no such survey had taken - place before. The hydrographical department" of the Admiralty was very valuable and meritorious, but shabbily paid and provided for [hear]. Money was well laid out in maritime surveys. The motion was then agreed to.