SECRETS OF THE SUN.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1923, Page 4

SECRETS OF THE SUN.

XEW XEA LANDER’S SC 1 ENT! FIC INVESTIGATIONS. There strolled into the ‘N.Z. Times" office ;i gentleman who proved to be -Mr ]•'. It. Field, of Wanganui, brother of Air W. 11. Field, ALP. for Otaki. To him ate due the wonderful solar discoveries of the last eighteen months which have stirred the scientific world to its depths. Air F. R. Field has already delivered several addresses to scientific gatherings, and spoke tor eighteen nights in Auckland, and is now to give a series ol lectures at the concert chandler at the Town Hall. Air Field was motheiiiaties master at AVangnnui Collegiate School at the age ot sixteen, but owing to a breakdown in lionllii. and acting on medical advice, he gave up the appointment and went in for engineering with a view to living a more outdoor life. He was deep)v interested in astronomy in those days, but lie threw it all oil one side About eighteen months ago lie again began to interest himself in astronomical work, contributing articles to an Auckland paper. Like Oliver Twist, the people asked for more, and lie agreed to write three articles upon astronomy, dealing with the earth « atmosphere and meteorites, comets and selcnogi apliy (The last concerning the moon). KEY TO s<>L VR PROBLEM. Whilst following up tho last subject, v n king out questions in reference u> the moon's markings, lie was led up to the si.lar problem ilsofl. New A ork was involved m tin* articles, and lie Led in delve into matters hitherto onlc partiullv explained by scientists. It Li tame neeessarv to look into s—l.ii problems, nltlmugh lie did not expect In succeed. To bis astonishment be hit upon the key to the solar problem straight, away, ft was due to the fact that, a few years hack lie had gone deeply into hydro-dynamic -s, and this paved the wav to the solar solution. Mr Field eoiitinue.l that he could ml say how fur tho discoveries would Inkthem, but they would Le very farreaching. IiELEIVEI) WITH INT'R KDC I.IT'A . When .Mi Field iii-'l made his discoveries, hi, ,t:itemenl> were rm'ivnl with utter ineredulily• H "as ' 1 nI> when some .J the tilings which he had announced ;is lhe result ol his calculations were actually observed that credence began to he given to his work, lie cabled Home to England a statement as in the discoveries he had made, ami this resulted in inquiries being made in all parts m the world. In t lie I mil's.' of the next few mmil Its Ail- Field will be visiting seietilliie contics in various parts of the world. In i he mean)into, his object is to make ihese things known in New /ealunders. for the work opens up new Helds lor r--rare!: which are praetleallv boundles*. a lid ma v even lead to I tie -'l'M' c the problem of I lie (treat I ’ey mill. le. Ibe ordinary way. astronomy does not appeal in a -real number ol people as a -eieiiee. but AI ]■ Field deals with his subject ill so simple and faseina I in- a wav that anyone of ordinary intelligence will follow him with the deco.'si interest. Hi- greatest pleasure is that tlie honour of the discovery- will cm”o lo New Zealand.