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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 296, 15 December 1874, Page 2

The following extracts from Cinterbury and Wellington papers fchow how complete was the failure of the observations in those two places : — (Lyttelton Times.) The comparative failure of the observations at Burnhamaud the sub-stations will be learned with regret by all who have taken an interest in this rare phenomenon. The weather for the past faw days had been unsettled, acd the morning of the eventful 9th ot Dec. . broke dull and cloudy. Considerable improvement took place a* the day advanced, but it was not till the planet was actually on the sua that any distinct view could be obtained. Between Iwo and three o'clock, however, the clouds dispersed and the eun shone brilliantly. At this time the transit could be witnessed, the black spot on the sun being easily made out by the aid of a smoked glass aloue. As the day wore on clouds began to roll up from the southwest, and at 4 o'clock ell chance of further chance of observation seemed hopeless. At 5 o'clock the sun was still obscured, but it was hoped that a break in the clouds would occur about the time of egress; this hope was, however, unfortunately not realised, and the sun was completely hidden until the critical moment had passed.