OBSERVATORY FOR GENTRAL OTAGO

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1920, Page 3

OBSERVATORY FOR GENTRAL OTAGO

YALE UNIVERSITY OFFER. DUNEDIN, August 4. u At a meeting of the astronomical branch of the Otago Institute, the r most important business dealt with was c the consideration of the recent valu•l able offer of the Yule University to > provide astronomical instruments for an observatory in New Zealand. Professor Jack said the committee set up in Wellington to investigate the ' question oF the most suitable observar tory site lit New Zealand had unaniB tnously reported in favour of Central B Otago as possessing astronomical and *’ geophysical conditions unique in the 3 southern hemisphere, He indicated > that in the proposed observatory might J lie concentrated the woyk of the Hector observtory at Wellington, and the Christchurch magnetic observatory. Certain work from the Samoan obser- ' vatory could be carried out there, and the new Milne, Shaw seismograph now on order could be housed there. The committee had estimated that the complete housing of the observatory and staff would cost £7,000 and that its upkeep would be about.£s,ooo a year. From that must Toe deducted the cost of running the Hector observatory, the work of which would be transferred to the now institution. The strong feeling among those to whom he had spoken was that this observatory ought to be secured for Central Otago. If they succeeded in raising £7,000 or £IO,OOO, the Government he thought would lx? compelled to provide the upkeep. They 1 were already proceeding to gather ox- i act Observations in Central Otago. Dr j Adams, the Government astronomer, ] was keen to come to Central Otago, and he hoped to organise scientific tests of 1 various sites there. The securing of tlm observatory was of importance, because f of its general influence on the out- i look on life, and it would certainly mean < | a great revival of local interest in as- 1 tronomy. They could get observations i here that were of use to the whole world 1 and so it became almost a. duty to do so. : It would bring scientists to New Zea- . t land fro mmnny lands and its import- t ance in the interests of the university [ would be very great. The committee ! which was considering the best practical steps to be taken to secure the observe- | tory, would shortly be in a position to J make an announcement of policy. ]

A motion was passed expressing the branch’s hearty appreciation of the offer, and strongly urging its acceptance.