THE THAN SIT OF VENUS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4228, 8 October 1874, Page 3

THE THAN SIT OF VENUS.

(From the Lyttdton Press, October 3.) We learn that, after minute inquiry into the advantages and disadvantages of the various places in and near Christchurch which mignt be suitable for the Transit of Venus Observatory,' and after a personal examination of most of them, Major Palmer lias decided in favor of Bnrnham, eighteen miles from Christchurch, as that which best combines the chief desiderata. The main object of course was to choose the spot which offers the best possible prospect of a clear view-of the sun between the hours of about 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 9th; and the evidence of the most trustworthy authorities in this matter appears to have been in favor of some point in the vicinity of Burnham or Rolleston. The site chosen for the observatory is a short distance north-west of the industrial school, within the Government reserve. Experiments were made here on Thursday to ascertain whether the gravel of the plain offers perfect stability as a foundation for the piers of the astronomical instruments. A basin of mercury was placed on the gravel at a depth of three or four feet below the surface. No tremor could be detected during the passage of a luggage train at a tistance of -100 yards, nor while persons were moving about in the vicinity. The site has now been marked out for inclosure, and excavations for the piers were begun yesterday morning. Besides the advantages of climate and good foundation, Burnham also offers those of railway accommodation for conveyance of the apparatus from Lyttelton, easy telegraphic communication, and an uninterrupted view of the sky and horizon, and accommodation for offices, &c, in the Industrial School building. The risk of deflection of the spirit levels of the instruments.by the hill masses of Banks' Peninsula has led Major Palmer to decline the offers of sites on their estates, which were kindly made by the Hon. E. W. Stafford and Sir J. Cracroft Wilson. The site in Hagley Park, which had also been proposed, fails from want of stability for foundations, and from other defects. In the course of his enquiries Major Palmer has received the utmost help from His Honor the Superintendent, and from Messrs. Jollie, Hamilton, Bray, Haast, Cass, Hewlings, and other officers of the Government.