Gerald Walker to William Mackinnon. now back in London sends covering note to copy of Beardall's General Report & Roadwork Report. both dated 16 June 1879 (a) General report - routing problems avoiding forest at Warst, finding rivers fordable by elephants (which not yet arrived); Schlinko sick; materials problem, - stone, sand, scarce, & expensive, brick-making must be taught, woods vulnerable to ants - bungalow & bridges already collapsing; studies native customs, preparing paper thereon. (b) Road-making - bridges replaced by stone drifts; German assistant Schlinke better than Mayes; native superintendants hardworking but local labour unaccustomed to steady routine; travel difficult for them because lack of real villages; bullocks, bought previously, ill but local might serve; donkeys unaffected, but few & riding ones; carrying largely by men; soil seems fertile, much gum copal, little india rubber; notes no cattle, goats, sheep, even fowl scarce.

Order number:	PP MS 1, Box 76
Date(s) of creation:	23 July 1879
Level:	Item
Format:	Archive