ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22987, 16 September 1936, Page 4

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Astronomical branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Otago branch) was held last night, Professor R. Jack occupying the chair. There was a small attendance of members. ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report contained the following clauses:— While the attendances generally at the meetings have been good, the committee feels that increased public interest in the aims and objects of the society is desirable. The meetings are not merely confined to members and associates, but a general invitation to all interested is always featured in the announcements during the course of the syllabus. From May to September the observatory was open to the public on Wednesday and Saturday nights when conditions permitted. The' special opening night on May 2 was marred by extremely bad weather, thunder and lightning of exceptional severity being experienced. Generally the public nights have not been of the best for observational purposes, consequently attendances at the Observatory have been somewhat under the average. The planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury have been well placed for observation during recent months. The moon, as usual, came in for a good deal of attention at the telescope, being a source of interest to visitors., During the month of August, Peltier's comet appeared as a nakedeye object in the constellation, Indus, later moving southward into Pavonis. While it was on view the public attended in large numbers to observe it. It is with extreme regret that we place on record the resignation of Mr J. S. Begg as honorary director of the Observatory and secretary of the branch. For many years Mr Begg has carried out these duties in a capable manner, and has always been a tower of strength in the activities of the branch. The roll now stands at 64 full members of the institute and 12 associate members of the branch. During the year the question of the branch allotment came up for discussion with the parent body, and it was arranged that the present rate of £lO per annum be continued, with the right to apply for, and receive, an increased grant to meet any,extraordinary expenditure on Observatory equipment The chairman briefly moved the adoption of the report, stating that the year had been a most successful one.

The motion was seconded by Mr W. D. Anderson, who referred to the balance sheet. • The arrival of the comet had resulted in increased collections at the Observatory. The society had now a fund of £53 3s Bd. and had in view the addition of a driving clock to the observatory telescope. This would be of great advantage. Under arrangement with the parent body they could apply for an increased allotment, and would probably have no difficulty in obtaining it. The report and balance sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—Chairman, Mr J. C. Begg; vice-chairmen, Professor White and Mr J. W. Mills; honorary secretary and director of the Observatory, Mr W. H. B. Hobbs; honorary treasurer, Mr W. D. Anderson; committee—Dr Focken and Messrs W. Gardner, E. G. M'George, G. M. Beaumont, and W. A. Drew; representative on Council of Royal Society, Mr W. H. B. Hobbs. GENERAL It was decided to place on record an appreciation of the services of Dr Jack as chairman over a number of years, the hope being expressed that Dr Jack would still be able to take an interest in the affairs of the branch.