ASTRONOMICAL ACTIVITIES

Evening Star, Issue 22445, 16 September 1936, Page 3

ASTRONOMICAL ACTIVITIES

LOCAL SOCIETY'S WORK REVIEWED AT ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Astronomical Society last night at the Museum unfortunately attracted only 11 members, as, in addition to the formal business, two informative and highly interesting addresses dealing with the moon were given by members of the society. The 'meeting was presided over by Dr 11. Jack. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that, while the attendances generally at meetings had been good, the committee felt that increased public interest in the aims and objects of the society was desirable. Meetings were not merely confined to members and associates, but a general invitation to all interested was always featured in announcements during the course of the syllabus. From May to September the Observatory open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday nights when conditions permitted. The special opening night on May 2 was marred by extremely bad weather, thunder and lightning of exceptional severity being experienced. Generally the public nights had not been of the best for observational purposes. Consequently, attendances at the Observatory had been somewhat under the average. The planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury had been well placed 1 for observation during recent months, 'lhe moon, as usual, came in for a good deal of attention at the telescope, being a source of never failing interest to visitors. During August Peltier’s comet appeared as a naked eye object in the constellation Indus, later moving southward into Payonis. While it was on view the public attended in large numbers to observe the strange visitor through the 12iti reflector. Apparently there was nothing like a comet to stir up public interest in matters astronomical. It was with extreme regret that the society placed on record the resignation of Mr J. C. Begg as the hon. director of the Observatory and secretary of the branch. For many years Mr Begg had carried out these duties in a capable manner, and had always been a tower of strength in the activities of the branch. A suitable record of Mr Begg’s services had been entered in the minutes of the society'. Mr W. 11. B. Hobbs had been elected to fill the positions vacated by Mr Begg. The roll now stood at 64 full members of the institute and 12 associate members of the branch. During the year the question of the branch allotment came up for discustion with the parent body, and it was arranged that the present rate of £lO per year bo continued with the right to apply for, and receive, an increased grant to meet any extraordinary expenditure on Observatory' equipment. The committee extended its thanks and appreciation for the liberal publicity afforded the society’s activities in the columns of the Press. Thanks were also due to the City Council for providing a good cinder track round to the Observatory. Next year, when the. work on the grounds was finished, a permanent path would be laid down which' would improve the approach to the Observatory and render it more attractive to visitors. Thanks were also due to the hon. treasurer (Mr W. D. Anderson) for his valuable services to the society and careful management of the finances resulting in such a favourable balance sheet. SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The Chairman briefly moved the adoption of the annual report, remarking that the year had been an eminently successful and notable one, both from the_ viewpoint of public interest and activity... The report was seconded by Mr Anderson, who also presented the balance sheet, which disclosed that the society’s funds amounted to £53 3s Bd. He said that the advent of the comet had benefited the society’s finances, and mentioned that the installation of a driving clock for the Observatory telescope was a scheme he warmly commended. Modern machinery would be much more satisfactory than the present equipment, and would cost in the vicinity of £6O. The report and balance sheet were then adopted. OFFICE-BEARERS ELECTED. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year Chairman, Air J. C. Begg; vice-chairmen, Professor White and Mr J. W. Mills; hon. secretary and director of the Observatory, Air W. H, B. Hobbs; hon. treasurer, Air W. D. Anderson; committee—Dr Focken and Alessrs W. Gardner, F.. G. AUGeorgo, G. M. Beaumont, and W. A. Drew: society’s representative on the council of the Royal Society, Air AV. H. B. Hobbs. CHAIRMAN’S SERVICES EULOGISED, Appreciation of Dr Jack’s valuable services to the society during his term of office as chairman was expressed by Air Anderson, who said that it was to bo hoped he would continue to take an active interest in the society. On his motion it was decided to place on record the work of Dr Jack.