ASTRONOMY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 830, 31 May 1910, Page 4

ASTRONOMY.

TO FOSTER LOCAL STUDY. 'Steps are likely to be taken to encourage the study of astronomy in Wellington. At the meeting of the Philosophical Society last evening, the president (Mr A. Hamilton) said it had been suggested that a local society should be formed for the study of" astronomical questions. Personally, he thought thai there, was no need to form a separate society; tho work could bo done by an astro-physical or astronomical .section of the Philosophical Society, which formerly included a microscopical section. Dr. Hector said it was a pity that the Carter bequest for a telescope should ba left dormant any longer. He did not think they should do anything definite that night to form ail astronomical society, but they should decide to cooperate with the object of seeing whai was the tost thing to be done, and of making some use of the Carter beqnest. Mr. C. P. Powles said he was very glad that the question had come up. A branch of the British Astronomical Association could bo established if ten members of the association formed the nucleus and applied for affiliation. He would like to move that steps be taken to form a branch of the British Astronomical Association in connection with the ■ Philosophical Society. Hγ. Hamilton asked if a section of the Philosophical Society could be affiliated with the British Astronomical AssociaMr. Powles was not certain on this point, and Mr. Hamilton moved thai a committee be appointed to investigate the matter. This was unanimously agreed to, and the fallowing were appointed members of the committee:—The president (Mr. Hamilton), secretary' (Mr. C. B. Adams), Dr. Hector. Dr. Kennedy, Professor Eaeterfield, and Mr. A. C. Clifford. Professor Bickerton expressed the hope that the subject of cosmic physics worJd be included in the scope of the new section, if- such was formed. The committee will report to another, meeting of the society at an early data,