Homepage

Record

RefNoMS/257/1/297
AltRefNoSa.297
Previous numbersES1/47/297
LevelItem
TitleCopy of a letter from Henry Barkly, Mauritius to Lord Carnarvon
Date3 November 1866
DescriptionBarkly discusses the establishment of a new observatory [in Mauritius], and Mr [Charles] Meldrum’s visit to England. Barkly draws Carnarvon’s attention to the annual proceedings of the Meteorological Society which includes what has passed on the subject for fourteen years. Discussion on matters regarding the transfer of the old observatory building to the purchasers, arrangements with the Mauritius Dock Company to secure various pieces of land wanted for the central railway terminus. After legal difficulties the transaction has been closed with payment of £10,841 by the [Mauritius] Dock Company to the Colonial Treasury.

Barkly discusses the value of the old observatory and buildings, and construction costs to build the new observatory. Barkly has not yet heard from the Lord Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Treasury regarding this, and does not have in his possession any detailed plans for the new observatory. therefore using estimates has come to the conclusion of £4,200 for this purpose. However Barkly will wait for Carnarvon’s instructions regarding this, and hopes Mr Meldrum will be able to acquire designs for the building with assistance from General [Edward] Sabine, Professor [George Biddell] Airy and other scientific leading authorities in England.

Barkly discusses other objectives for Mr Meldrum’s visit to England, and the Meteorological Society’s suggestion that Meldrum should be authorised to purchase necessary magnetical instruments and engage an assistant from England.

Barkly discusses the amended programme of salaries from the Society when the new observatory is established.

Discussion regarding the recovery of colonial finances from their ‘present state of depression’. Barkly intimates that funds made from the sale of the old observatory should be used for the promotion of scientific objects rather than meet the ‘ordinary requirements of the colony’.
Extent9p
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
Fellows associated with this archive
CodePersonNameDates
NA1327Barkly; Sir; Henry (1815 - 1898); colonial governor1815 - 1898
Add to My Items
    Papers of Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance

    Papers of Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance

    Useful Links

    Collection highlights

    Browse the records of some of our collections, which cover all branches of science and date from the 12th century onwards. These include the published works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society's activities since our foundation in 1660.

    Papers of Howard Florey
    Papers of Howard Florey
    Classified Papers
    Classified Papers
    Papers of Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance
    Papers of Elsie Widdowson and Robert McCance
    Photographs of British algae: cyanotype impressions
    Photographs of British algae: cyanotype impressions
    Browse Collections

    The Royal Society

    The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of
    the world's most eminent scientists and is the
    oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
    Registered charity number 207043

    Website design ©CalmView



    CONTACT US

    + 44 207 451 2500
    (Lines open Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00. Excludes bank holidays)

    6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

    Email Us →

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the
    latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

    Subscribe →

    © CalmView