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DISCUSSION. Geodetic Survey of Australia. Mr. Mackenzie.—ln New Zealand it was looked upon as a necessity to have a trigonometrical survey. Mr. J. T. Thomson started the work in the early fifties, and when he became Surveyor-General of New Zealand, in 1876, it was vigorously pushed forward well in advance of settlement. I regard it as impossible to carry out survey work satisfactorily without a trigonometrical survey, and our successive Dominion Governments have always approved of it without question as being the first essential in all settlement operations. It has never been claimed for the New Zealand triangulation that it possesses the high scientific status of the geodetic surveys of other countries, but it has always been practical, and was also sufficiently accurate to govern all classes of detail surveys. The outstanding difference between our Dominion work and that of the Australian States, excepting perhaps South Australia, is that we bring it into everyday use, our reconnaissance and trigonometrical surveys being the real forerunners of settlement, whilst in Australia, though the surveys are often highly scientific, there has been much less practical application, neither have these surveys been a factor in the settlement problem. I cannot help thinking that had New Zealand's way of keeping the practical uses of triangulation more to the front been adopted, Australian legislators would have looked upon the work more kindly, and any resolutions we pass should voice this side of the question. Mr. Spowers.—At the present time there is no trigonometrical vote in Queensland, and only a very small area is covered by the major triangulation, which was carried out about 1890. In addition to other reasons, we are greatly in need of this survey to assist us in the correct compilation of our maps : much time is now lost and expense incurred in endeavouring to make accurate maps from information that is faulty or altogether wanting. We are in the unenviable position of being about the only civilized nation that has not an accurate trigonometrical survey. The work is rightly one for the Commonwealth Government to undertake. Mr. Mackenzie.—There is no doubt as to the necessity for it. The Chairman.—Victoria is covered to a great extent, by triangulation carried out under the direction of Mr. Ellery, but unfortunately settlement preceded that survey and little use has been made of it. Geodetic lines have also been run to afford a check on settlement surveys. Mr. Smith. —In Smith Australia the trigonometrical survey was commenced in 1839, and was continued until 1892. It, to a great extent, preceded settlement, and has been found extremely useful in determining the positions of run-boundaries, and as a check upon settlement surveys. Mr. Counsel. —Triangulation was in Tasmania commenced in, 1833, and continued for some years. The major triangulation extended over the greater part of the State. Doubts were expressed as to the accuracy of the survey, which was never connected with the cadastral or block surveys, and it has never been made use of except in the compilation of maps, though some expense has been incurred in establishing new and re-establishing old stations. Much accuracy is claimed for the work. Mr. Poate. —In New South Wales a geodetic survey has been Carried out more or less intermittently since 1867. Last year a 10 in. Repsold theodolite was purchased, and an observer has-recently been appointed to continue the survey. Settlement preceded the triangulation, and, as the latter advanced, the ordinary surveys for alienation purposes were connected to it, one result-of which was that accurate maps could be produced. I have had a short history of the geodetic survey of New South Wales compiled, which may interest members: The Chairman. —Victoria carried out an extensive and accurate triangulation, but the demand for land for settlement was so great that, all the surveyors available were required to meet the demand, and settlement surveys were pushed on without being connected with the triangulation. The trigonometrical survey has been of immense value in the compilation of maps and in correcting errors. With regard to the question of a geodetic survey of Australia, there cannot, I think, be two opinions as to the desirableness of it from the scientific standpoint; and, further, it will permit of an accurate determination of the coast-line, and so aid navigation. Mr. Spowers.—lt would be useful in connection with defence. ' The Chairman. —Yes. Mr. Spowers.—ln all the States topographical information is insufficient. The Chairman.—We need, I -Chink, a trigonometrical survey of the whole Continent; it would be of great value in the future. Mr. Scrivener. —The information afforded by such a survey would be available to all the States and would be utilized in their minor work. The Chairman. —The Commonwealth would carry out the major triangulation principally. Mr. Spowers.—lf the Commonwealth conducts the primary, would it not be better also to do the breaking-down ? Mr. Scrivener. —It would be cheaper not to reoccupy stations, but observe both primary and secondary stations at the same time. Mr. Spowers.—That is, if the stations were ready for observation. Mr. Poate. —Would the States do the breaking-down? Mr. Spowers.—Some would and some would not. Mr. Poate. —Would it be done with sufficient accuracy by the States? Mr. Smith.—-It is absolutely necessary that the Commonwealth Government should undertake a trigonometrical survey of the Northern Territory, if only to control surveys for settlement purposes. Mr. Counsel suggested that it would be well, perhaps, that the Commonwealth should only carry out the major triangulation within the States, though he would like to see the whole of the work undertaken by the central authority.