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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4131, 17 June 1874, Page 2

It cannot be expected that the system o£ meteorological observations recently initiated with special reference to the safety of our mercantile marine will at once prove of extraordinary utility. The system of combining the indications of the barometer, the services of harbor officials, and the use of the electric telegraph, is not a now one, and, so far as those go, the arrangements made in the Colony for early information of weather changes may bo as ijorfoot as they are in other countries ; but it is questionablo'if, for some time, such information can be accepted as any accurate guide to mariners.

Naturally, it will take some time to collate particulars and to make comparisons which will enable tlie Meteorological Department to give weather warnings which can be depended upon. For a succession of seasons the system can only be looked upon as experimental, and it would bo ridiculous to - expect that, until a series of tests be made, anything like an efficient storm-signal service can be inaugurated. That the time will come when such a service may be established with safety, if not with perfect certainty as to its accuracy, there can be no doubt, fov timm ;» iW.hintf to lead one to suppose that the law of storms in New Zealand is essentially different from what obtains in other parts of the world. In view of the establishment of such a service, and of the efforts now* being made to form what should become its basis, it is interesting to note with what success steps in the same direction have been taken in other Colonies, and the good results which have arisen therefrom, so far as regards the avoidance or prevention of shipping disasters. On this subject statistics of value were recently published by the Toronto Globe with reference to the very considerable shipping trade on the American and Canadian Lakes. As quoted from the Globe by a contemporary, the following are some of the figures exhibiting results before and after the establishment of the storm-signal service. Prior to the system, the wrecks were—

The Storm-signal Bureau established stations along the Lakes in 1870, and the results were— For 1870 071 For 1871 750 For 1872 314 Total ... ... ... 2035

Naturally, the change for the better was not very marked during the first year, for information of the system would not get distributed in a day, nor would the conservative shipcaptain and sailor altogether admit its utility until thoroughly convinced by repeated practical proofs. In the third year, however, a very marked decrease in shipping disasters had taken place, representing, as the Glohe describes, an amount sufficient to repay the nation the whole expense of the bureau. That similar good service will be effected here there is every reason to hope, but it will bo a work of time, patience, and skill, and to achieve it thoroughly it is to be hoped that the Commissioner of Customs will not be impeded, but rather encouraged, to prosecute it satisfactorily by being granted the aid of men and means.

In 1807 .. ... 931 In ISOS .. ... 983 In 1809 .. ... 1002 Total ...'2910