The Sun.
London, England, 1848-04-03 00:00:00

SU N, APRIL 3

ORDNANCE SURVEY OF THE
METROPOLIS.
A special Court of Sewers was held on Saturday, at
the House of Commons, Lord Ebrington in the chair, for
the purpose of taking into consideration a series of reso
lutions in relation to the Ordnance Surrey of the metro-
polis, and of hearing the report of Mr. Austin, consulting
engineer, read, respecting the desirableness of completing
the survey.
Members of the Commission present—The Dean of
Westminster, the Hon. F. Byeg, Sir 11. De la Beche,
Mr. Broderip, Mr. Buller, Mr. Leslie, Mr. Bidwell, Mr.
L. Jones, Dr. Southwood Smith, Mr. Chadwick, Mr.
Slaney, M.P., and the Rev. W. Stone.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, said the
best way to understand the objects which the Court had
in view would be by reading the report of Mr. Austin.
His Lordship then called on Mr. Hertslet, who read the
following document :
"METROPOLITAN COMMISSIONS OF SEWERS—PROCEED
INGS WITH RESPECT TO THE ORDNANCE SURVEY.
" Report of Mr. Austin
the meeting of the General consulting engineer, read at
Purposes Committee, March
28, 1848.
" Objections are raised to the execution of the Ord•
nance Survey of the metropolis, on the ground that it is
an unnecessary expense to the public, as there already
exist trustworthy surveys of the area, in detached parts,
which, by proper arrangement, may be made effectually
to answer the desired end, with little additional outlay.
"In the first place, there exists a general misappre-
hension as to the nature of the work undertaken by the
Board of Ordnance for the survey of the metropolis; and
in the second place, the objection to its execution, either
has its origin in motives unconnected with the public
interest, or in total want of perception of the immense
eventual economy and advantage that the immediate
prosecution of this work will be to the country at large.
" The present arrangement with the Board of Ord-
nance is for the preparation of a block plan of the me-
tropolis, with an efficient system of levelling, that is to
say, the complete triangulation of the site, by determi-
nation of points, whereby their relative distances are
fixed; a connected skeleton outline of the streets and
public ways, and the relative levels of the whole surface,
" This work, the foundation of a correct survey of the
metropolis, does not now exist in any shape, nor can a
trustworthy plan be possibly prepared until this pre-
paratory labour has been executed under the surest
guarantee of its perfect accuracy.
" It is true that many public and private surveys of
parishes and properties no exist ; some of them to a large
scale, and some, no doubt, accurate and trustworthy,
which, with rigid examination, and proper tests of their
correctness, might possibly be used in filling up the
foundation that is now in course of execution by the
Ordnance Department. But it is very questionable
whether any economy would result from such a course ;
for the cost and labour of examining and testing a num-
ber of plans, with the chance only of finding portions
that could be made use of, would most likely be as great
as that of the entire remeasurement. In any case, the
production of a correct plan, without the authentic
foundation now preparing, is an impossibility.
" The attempt to connect these different surveys into
a whole would be utterly futile, ending only in failure
and disappointment, and costing a large amount of money
and labour, which would be entirely thrown away; they
have been entirely executed totally independent of each
other, under different arrangements and different sys-
tems, and they never could be fitted accurately together.
The slightest discrepancy in the junction at one part
would throw the whole work entirely out at another,
and a work so put together would never possess the con-
fidence of the public.
" It appears, however, that an attempt at this erro-
neous method is being made on private speculation. In-
formation was received in February last at the office of
the Metropolitan Sanitary Commission, that access had
been granted to some parochial maps, on an application
that was erroneously supposed to have been made on
behalf of the Sanitary Commission. On inquiry, it was
ascertained that the request had been made by letter."
The letter alluded to the map of London and its en-
virons, completed by Mr. Wyld. The document then
proceeded to make some remarks on this map, of which,
otn t t
for sanitary purposes, it did not speak in terms of ap-
probation ; and having recommended economy, con-
cluded by advising a perseverance in the work which the
Court was now met to consider.
;to
emovedf
escool
untof
economy,
tnyhs
ho
oha adoption
heuoi
thought
h read.ofha the
ht
eNtvh
eireport,
sapnedl‘nitorit
oCagilic
seriesrAotndpiwos
in which they were engaged was one of the greatest
economy. Indeed, ho knew of no economy which could
equal it ; and to oppose such a work ho considered was
most unwise. There was an old proverb, that " for
want of a nail the shoe was lost ; for want of a shoe
the horse was lost ; and for want of a horse the rider
was lost." He did not know of anything more discou-
raging than the way in which this question of Ordnance
Survey was dealt with by Parliament. An engineer of
experience had stated that the rejection of the pain
would involve burdens on the land to an amount of up-
wards of 2,000,0001. —(Hear.) The loss to railroads
alone was upwards of 15,000,0001., and the loss in other
senses, for the want of security, was incalculable. There
was also a want of foresight in this narrow-minded
policy. The execution of a proper survey would prove
a large eventual benefit to the rate payers, and it would
be worth their while to pay for this survey.
Mr. BRODERIP seconded the motion, which was
agreed to.
Mr. LESLIE thought that they were a little premature.
He had spoken to several influential Members of both
sides of the House, and they declartd to him that they
did not understand the resolution which they had come
to.—(Laughter.) He thosght that the proper course
for Government would be to proceed with the survey,
and to bring in a Bill to apportion the suns of 36,0001.
among the inhabitants. The money, compared with the
good to be effected, was the smallest consideration in
the world, and it would be shame to the inhabitants of
the metropolis if the work should be stopped for
36,0001. He then read the first resolution of the series,
comprising the preamble:—." That at the time when the
new Commissions of Sewers were issued, the several
Courts were not in a position either to raise the funds,
or to organize the force; nor had they the rights of
entry upon buildings, such as are possessed by the
Board of Ordnance, and as are necessary to execute a
survey adequate to the wants of the metropolis."
To a hat extent were the Ordnance to go—was it to
4,000/ ?
A MEMBER—Yes, for the triangulation.
Mr. SLINEY—One thousand pounds had been found
by Government, and the sum now required was some-
where about 3,000/. It would be a benefit far exceed-
ing the amount of cost paid. It would take in small
districts, over which they had no power to rate. But the
city of London would be eventtially benefited, and they
would be able to make them a present of the 130/., esti-
mated as the average cost of the block plan for a square
would mile of the town district, that being about the extent of
t t
the city of London. Ile hoped theyput
shoulders to the wheel. Parliament
be misunderstood the
matter, and he thought that it ought to fairly put
der they would
before them, that they might fairly cowork ns'
desisted from proceeding with the y
lose all the expense they had incurred: and the machi-
nery which they had in exercise. The expense would
not be a farthing it the pound in one year, and if spread
over twenty years,. would not be the twentieth part of
farthing.
Mr. LESLIE did not see his way under the Statutes,
to charge the inhabitants with that y had
no power. It was said that -the moneover which t hey
would be paid
out of the Consolidated Fund...-(No, no.) He thought
they ought to pause, and that the House of Commons
should hare the opportunity of reconsidering the subject,
for he believed that they had been entirely misled. is,
did not, however, see that they had the power to charge
the metropolis, taking it within the radius of eight miles
from St. Paul's. A short Bill to apply not only to the
city of London, but to Middlesex and Surrey, might be
passed through the House of Commons to meet the case,
and the whole might be paid by a rate. In the position
in which they stood at present, as to their powers, they
should be cautious how they acted, for they would find
plenty of people ready to take legal objection to their
proceedings.
[With respect to the cod at which the survey of
London may be estimated, it may here be remarked, by
way of illustrating the points at issue, that Colonel Hall,
Superintendent of the Ordnance Survey, has, in answer
to questions transmitted to the Office of Ordnance re-
specting a block plan for drainage .and other purposes,
required for this Commission, ferwarded to the Inspector-
General of Fortifications a communication, from which
it would appear that a block plan of the metropolis, and
of the suburban districts included within a radius of
eight miles of St. Paul's (the saute area for which a de-
tailed snap was given by 140y:or-General Colby) may be
executed, with a proper system of levels, for 24,215/.,
and that the cost of engraving the block plan upon a scale
of five feet to the mile, and upon 901 plates of double
elephant size, would be (including 3,6041. for the copper)
12,6141., making together 36,829/.]
Mr. LAMBERT JONES, with great submission, thought
that they ought to go on to
-the extent of 4,000 L, which
would aid the Ordnance. .As respected the costs of the
city of London, they were estimated on the one hand by
the quantity of acres; but the estimate of the Board of
Ordnance was that the expense would on an average be
2s. a house. He thought they ought to come to a reso-
lution to defray the expense.
The Hon. FREDERICK BYNG was quite sure that when
the public were aware of the endeavours of the Commis-
sion to save the money of the rate payers, they would
voluntarily submit to the proposed course; but they
could not go on with the survey if they could not gua-
rantee the money; to use an American phrase, they
were "in a fix," and all the expense incurred was in
danger of being lost.
A MESIBER—If the Commissioners had a right to make
a survey and plan, it was quite clear to his mind that
they had a right to make a rate.
Sir 11. DE LA BECRE considered it was of importance
that the Court should come to a decision without delay.
On that very day the Ordnance Staff was to leave
London, but, by order of the Surveyor General, the
sappers and miners were countermanded till the decision
of this Court be known. The Government had already
advanced to the Ordnance a sum of 1,000/.; the esti-
mated sum was 4,2701. f and, consequently, they had
only to raise 3,2701. He would, therefore, press upon
the Court to come to a decision with as little delay as

possible, in order to save the triangulation of the city of
London, which had already contributed to the extent of
32,0001., being upwards of ono-sixth, according to the
proportion, of the rental of the metropolis, which is
upwards of 10,000,000/.; and, in relation to the city of
Westminster, ho also thought that the Court ought to

come to a decision.
After a few words from Mr. BIDWELL, to the effect
that it was necessary to the metropolis that they should
_ .•

continue the survey,
The Rev. Mr. :.TONE drew the attention of the Court
to the following resolution:—" That it be recommended
to the Court, that if her Majesty's Governmeent shall
not sanction the continuance of the survey of the metro-
polis out of its regular turn by the Ordnance out of the
Consolidated Fund, the Committee recommend the Court
to request the Ordnance to continue the triangulation,
which they alone have the means of doing effectively, the
Court undertaking the repayment of the expense of the
same, if necessary."
Mr. LAMBERT JONES would propose that resolution,
ith the addition of the words " not exceeding 4,0001.,
if Parliament would consent."
Sir H. DE LA BLUE seconded the resolution, which,
in its amended form, was carried unanimously.
The Court, on the suggestion of the Chairman, then
proceeded to the preamble of the Bill, the first resolution
of a hich, as given above, was carried.
" Second.—That for the reasons set forth in the first
report of the Metropolitan Sanitary Commissioners in
the passage hereunto annexed, such surrey is of pars-
mount and pressing necessity."—Carried.
, "l'hird.—That the views of the Metropolitan Sani-
tary Commissioners, as to the important influence which
the drainage works of the metropolis is likely to exercise
over the drainage of the provincial towns, are corrobo-
rated by the continued inquiries from various parts of
the country as to the progress of the works under the
Nietropolitan Sewers Commission,—inquiries which
render it probable that the plans adopted by the metro
polis will be followed by provincial towns."—Carried.
" Fourth.—That the assistance already afforded by
her Majesty's Government has already advanced the
period for the execution of the works requisite for the
sanitary improvement of the metropolis, by which works
a large pecuniary saving, and a corresponding saving of
health and life, will be effected."—Carried.
vey for te
that• 42 3
upwards eyi d n e e
of o f Clonel
Hall 200,0001.
have been expended from the Consolidated Fund to-
wards
Colonel
" Fifth.—That it appears from the evidence of the
officers of the ordnance survey (First Report of the
Sanitary
and
Commissioners,
Captain
y o!a n d
)p;
work s theof
ant
completionary improvement s
been done, where
part of England which has already
not more urgent
than in the metropolis."
Mr. HUMK, M.P., who here entered the
that money was not paid out of the Consoldated Fund,
of a n 0r dn
area nce Sur
but by a grant of Parliament.
The resolution was agreed to.
Court, said
i
" Sixth.—That of this extra outlay beyond the pro-
portions which would have been expended if the survey
had been completed in these towns at the same cost as
the survey of the southern counties, the metropolis, ac-
cording to the proportion of its rental, which is upwards
of ten millions, has contributed 32,0001., or upwards of
one-sixth ."—Carried.
" Seventh.—That on this ground the request was jus-
tified that the expense of the triangulation and a block
survey of the metropolis should be paid for out of the
Consolidated Fund—namely, for the triangulation and
for the block survey, 24,2151., that is, less than one-
fourth the estimate of General Colby for making and
engraving a plan and survey of the metropolis on the
same scale and style as that for Dublin; a low rate of
return for the contribution of the metropolis towards the
surveys of other towns."
Mr. LAMBERT JONES suggested that they should stop
in this resolution at the words-24,000/.
Dr. SOUTHWOOD SMITH considered it absolutely in-
dispensable that the resolution should be taken as a
whole.—Carried.
"Eighth.—That nevertheless, under the circumstances
(including those of the disturbance of the several
drainage works in the metropolis), and the necessity of
consolidating the work as early as possible, the saving
of time in commencing works for the advancement of
drainage and other sanitary works in the metropolis
was of the highest moment."—Carried.
" Ninth.—That, from all the information which has
been collected on the subject, it appears that the pecu-
niary loss involved by the delay is enormous ; and that
one week's delay of sanitary measures involves a loss of
as large a sum as that which has been requested of the
Government as the equivalent to the metropolis for its
contrib4ion towards the survey of other towns."—
lerriedr
"Tpenth.—That greater loss than gain ibe in-
gurredaby any delay upon any question raised as to the•
extent of contribution from the Consolidated Fund."—
C srried.
Mr. L. JoxEs suggested that they should stop at this
resolution.
The two following resolutions were then postponed
with the concurrence of the Court:—

" I h:it it b' recommended to the Court to order rates
to be raised for defraying the expense of completing the

survey."
"That powers be sought to complete the work, and
to replace the requisite immediate outlay by money
borrowed at interest, and to repay by equal annual
instalments of principal and interest the money so
borrowed."
The CHAIRMAN said he was anxious that the public
should understand that it was not any anxiety on the
part of this Court for the consideration of getting new
works that caused it to press the Government to go on, for
that it had now come to a resolution to defray the sum in
question. Statements had been made that the great ex-
penses were incurred in mapping; but he believed that
the report of Mr. Austin was sufficient. If doubt were
thrown on the testimony of some engineers respecting
the mapping and survey of London and its environs, the
answers of Captain Dawson, to the questions put to him,
to,Here n quite u
ti conclusivehe answ e r s
given
ov thecun hy subject.captin ai'he questions put
Dawson, should be
put on record and made known to the public, because
statements had been made entirely calculated to mislead
the public. The Chairman then read the following ques-
tions put to Captain Dawson, R.E.:—
thatthe Tlithe am Commission,
aware of,
fora parochial
roncohtia more
o as-
sessment. " I. Within an area of sixteen miles of the metropolis
what proportion has been surveyed for tithe, or paro-
chiale
valuations?—None of the parishes in London have
sbt
ehe
saesnnmoemappedanet-
or
r forOoiv oth suburban and rural parishes within a,
circle of sixteen miles radius from St. Paul's, about five-
sixths of the whole surface has been mapped—probably
about
thhathose
s 3 e
e been
purposes 2 5 , Oc Oo 0m pacres.lwhiche
ir youom
phr ae vv ei examineeus
ly existing d Tdhoc
documents,
eeanttesr,
"2. What is the general character of the maps for
d
portion of these maps, probably about 225,000 acres,
and made to represent the several tenements and closes
of lands as they appeared at the date of the Tithe Com-
mission. Those maps are sufficient for identifying the
lands on which specific rent-charges have been appor-
tioned. The remainder of maps, probably about 100,000
acres, have been made from recent survey. These will
be found accurate and satisfactory for the particular pur-
pose for which they were made, and for any other pur-
pose where their combination with extreme accuracy is
not required.
" 3. Would those maps admit of being combined into
a general map applicable to practical measures of
sanitary improvement?—They would not, because they
have not been constructed on the basis of an accurate
general triangulation; nor have they been measured
collectively, but separately and without concert. Errors,
therefore, which might be considered unimportant, and
which would probably escape detection in a single map,
would become apparent in the combined map by the
distortion which they would produce; and that distor-
tion could not effectually be overcome without a re-
measurement of the entire district.
" 4. Are any lines of levels shown upon these maps,
or has any system of levels been carried out with refer-
ence to them?—Nothing of the sort is shown upon
them, no system of levels being required for the purpose
for which the maps were made.
" 5. Were the persons who made these maps engineer
officers, or persons connected with any public works?—
Theso maps were made by surveyors in private practice,
unconnected with any public works.
" 6. Is the character of the maps such as that an en-
gineer might be required to use them for any public
work without making any new survey of the district?—
Those of the first class are, I have no doubt, fully as ac-
curate as the generality of maps now in use, because,
though not made under the immediate direction or su-
pervision of the Tithe Commission, they have been ex-
amined and checked in the Tithe-office when made.
Some of the other maps may also be good, but I have
not had the means of examining them, and their accu-
racy would require to be tested by further measure-
ments upon the ground before they could with safety be
used for purposes for which great accuracy was ro-

quired.
" 7. What has been the expense of those maps al-
ready obtained ?—The cost of these maps may be esti-
mated generally at from one to two shillings per acre.
The cost of mapping the parishes in London woitld pro-
bably be 2s. per house.
"ROBERT K. DAWSON, Captain R.E.,
" Assistant to the Commissioners.

" March 29, 1848."
On the motion of Mr. CHADWICK, a resolution was
agreee to, to the effect that the General Purposes Com-
mittee be allowed to make payments, if necessary, and
that the Committee be requested to communicate with
the Ordnance.
Mr. LESLIE here drew the attention of the Court to
the defective construction of a very large sewer in
Regent- street.
Mr. HumE said he had come to the Court for the pur-
pose of knowing what the rule-was on this subject in
other towns—with respect to the surveys, what was the
money voted ? lie wished to know ; for in the House
of Commons, a few nights ago, they seemed to know
nothing at all about it.—(Laughter.) He took blame to
himself for opposing this question without clearly un-
derstanding it. All he understood was, that there was a
staff and power of survey. As he understood, Lord
Morpeth recommended to the Government the propriety
of having a survey made. But it was when they
asked what had been done in this way by other towns, that
they failed. He rode down that day to get information on