Rationally weighted Hurwitz numbers, Meijer $G$-functions and matrix integrals

The quantum spectral curve equation associated to KP $\tau$-functions of hypergeometric type serving as generating functions for rationally weighted Hurwitz numbers is solved by generalized hypergeometric series. The basis elements spanning the corresponding Sato Grassmannian element are shown to be Meijer $G$-functions, or their asymptotic series. Using their Mellin integral representation the $\tau$-function, evaluated at the trace invariants of an externally coupled matrix, is expressed as a matrix integral.