THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4252, 5 November 1874, Page 2

THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

As the time for the transit of Venus approaches, the arrangements of the scientific parties of observation become more perfect. The various local observers will, of course, note the phases of contact, &c., with more or less accuracy ; but, as is well known, there are two parties of scientific gentlemen in the colony who have circumnavigated the globe to make authoritative observations, and at the disposal of these parties the Government have placed every facility. The English party, in charge of Major Palmei - , are located at Burnham, eighteen miles from Christchurch, near the 11 olios ton railway station. The American party, in charge of Professor Peters, originally took up their position at the Bluff, but a more suitable position has since been selected at Queenstown, Lake Wakatip, where the party now are. During the last fortnight Mr. Lemon, the Superintendent of Telegraphs, has been busily occupied in linking these two stations into the telegraphic circuit of the colony, and the arrangements are so far completed that on the 2nd inst. Professor Peters compared time with the United States corvette Swatara, at Port Chalmers, Major Palmer intends establishing another station in the neighborhood of Timaru,'to be placed in charge of Lieutenant Crawford ; and Mr. Thomson, late Chief Surveyor of Otago, will assist the Burnham station by taking observations at the Rockyside Observatory at Dunedin. In the absence of Archdeacon Stock (who is at present in Melbourne), no arrangements can be made for making observations here ; but Archdeacon Stock will also observe the transit in connection with the Burnham station, should he return in time. The observations at the Thames will be conducted under the superintendence of Mr. Severn. So far the arrangements are all that can be desired, Major Palmer and Professor Peters (who are now in daily communication) expressing themselves as highly pleased with the completeness of the arrangements made for their convenience by the Telegraph Department.'