Pi-fra 6

16

INTERIM REPORT OE THE SELECT

yet been sufficiently surveyed geologically, either for scientific or practical purposes; indeed, we are now only approaching a correct appreciation of the natural classification of the formations which enter into the structure of these Islands, and of the indications on which we may rely when investigating its mineral resources. James Hectob. Note of Expenditure, by the Province of Otago, on account of Geological Survey. I hate not the full data beside me for giving the detailed expenditure of the Provincial Government for the Geological Survey, but the following, I believe, is nearly correct: — £ Preliminary expenses ... ... ... ... ... ... 580 Krst year —Salaries ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,650 Expenses ... ... ... ... ... ... 790 Second year —Salaries ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,500 Expenses ... ... ... ... ... ... 6.15 Third year —Salaries ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,750 Expenses ... ... ... ... ... ... 665 £7,550 Extra expense for West Coast expedition ... ... ... ... 1,162 £8,712 The above includes the preparation of collections for the Exhibition, and other extra expenses, which being deducted, I consider would leave £6,500 that may be fairly considered as having been expended by the Otago Government on the Geological Survey. James Hectob.

Eemabks on the Amount of Expenditure for the Geological Survey of Otago. I am not in a position to question this statement, and although I feel surprised at the amounts, I have no reason to doubt that they are correctly stated as they appear in the Treasury books. The reason for the discrepancy between this amount and the memo. I submitted to the Committee is in a great measure owing to the former containing sums that do not appear to me to be fairly chargeable against the survey, and of these I append a note. Although my attention has been only requested to the statement of amount, I cannot refrain from expressing my opinion that the memorandum attached to it does not correctly express either the letter or spirit of the agreement I entered into. I considered I was to work for three years at a geological rcconnoisance of Otago, and give the results I had obtained. Even with our present increased knowledge of the topography and geology of the country, I could not single-handed make a geological survey in three years. Owing to the excited state of the public mind at that period, from the constant fresh discovery of gold fields, I had to push forward my explorations rapidly, and to employ assistants for the purpose of collecting information and specimens, and, in fact, my individual exertions were replaced by a department. I cannot say that I was directed to do this, but I am sure that it would not have been satisfactory to the Government or public at the time if I had not. At any rate, the result was beneficial to the Province, as I never could have obtained the results I did in the time, had my operations been limited to the scale originally contemplated. It must be remembered that gold had not been discovered in Otago when it was first proposed to me to undertake the survey. Under these circumstances, the expenditure was greatly beyond what I previously estimated.

Items which should not be regarded as expended for the Survey. £ s. d. Mr. Wood ... ... ... ... ... ... 70 0 0 (This was presented to him when he was invalided, to enable him to seek recovery in Australia, where he died.) Instruments ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 17 (I (I do not know of this, as I brought all instruments, &c, with me.) Typical collections ... ... ... ... ... ... 46 8 5 (I was instructed to purchase them in London, as the nucleus of the Museum.) Extra hands and Museum ... ... ... ... ... 258 15 5 (I think must have been in connection with the Exhibition.) Interest on drafts ... ... ... ... ... ... 41 16 2 Buildings ... ... ... ... ... ...1,287 5 4 (The buildings I had were mere sheds, except the Laboratory, which was partly brick. This sum must include the Observatory and cottage. All those buildings are still in use at the present time.) West Coast expedition ... ... ... ... ... 700 0 0 (I cannot see how this sum is so large. The current expenses for hire of vessel and wages was under £120 per month for eight months. Marine stores, boat, &c., which were returned to the storekeeper, must be charged without a drawback. The difference between what I know to have been spent and the sum stated is about £700.) Eelief to West Coast expedition ... ... ... ... 371 11 8 (I know nothing of this. I never was relieved, or ever required it.)