| RefNo | MS/257/1/297 |
| AltRefNo | Sa.297 |
| Previous numbers | ES1/47/297 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy of a letter from Henry Barkly, Mauritius to Lord Carnarvon |
| Date | 3 November 1866 |
| Description | Barkly 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’. |
| Extent | 9p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA1327 | Barkly; Sir; Henry (1815 - 1898); colonial governor | 1815 - 1898 |