THE DESCRIPTIVE ATLAS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 774, 21 May 1954, Page 18

THE DESCRIPTIVE ATLAS

Sir.-One of the reasons why the centennial atlas was never completed was the fact that no adequate draughting staff was ever provided except in the earliest days. Responsibility for the atlas was shared by two departmentsthe Internal Affairs undertaking the research and letterpress, and the Lands and Survey the draughting. From 1938 until 1952 the Internal Affairs Department maintained a small but highly competent staff of graduates to fulfil its part of the bargain, but the Lands and Survey Department was not in a position to do the same. During the war years draughting on such a project was rightly curtailed, but it is unfortunate that since 1945 practically no draughting has been done. The bulk of the research work is now finished, and many maps are ready for the draughtsman. It has been estimated that given favourable conditions the research could be completed in about two years. But for reasons never made plain énthusiasm suddenly wilted in high official circles, and the Historical Branch of the Internal Affairs Department was allowed

te fade away. Now comes the astonishing announcement that a handy atlas on a different plan and plane will be undertaken by an‘entirely new staff without any acquaintance with the work done and the problems involved. It is not even clear whether any full-time research officers will be appointed. The new atlas will admittedly tax the resources of the Lands and Survey Department less, but it appears a meagre substitute for the excellent one formerly projected. Surely more time is needed to prepare the new than to complete the old? The Government has changed horses midstream, but hardlw for a better nag.

RUTH

ALLAN

(Wellington).