ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 July 1919, Page 3

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.

FORMED IN NEW PLYMOUTH. A very representative meeting of those interested in the formation of an Astronomical Society in ew Plymouth was held at the Soldiers 1 Club last night. The Rev. 0. Blui-jell presided, and there were about 22 present, including several ladies, while apologies for absence were received from some eight other equally representative citizens.

Ihe chairman outlined the aims, and also stressed the need for the formation of such a society in New Plymouth, and particularly the establishment of an observatory in the district. He then moved that a society, to he called the New Plymtoivth, Astronomical Society, be formed. Mr. A. H. Johnstone seconded the proposal and expressed liia opinion* that there were sufficient people interested in the matter in the district to ensure the establishment of an observatory.

After some disoussfon as to the probable cost of equipment and other incidental matters the motion was carried unanimously.

The election of officers was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows: President, Mr. S. Percy^mith; vicepresidents, Messrs W. W. Smith and M. Fraser; treasurer, Mr. A. H. Johnstone; secretary, Rev. 0. Blundell; committee, Miss Drew. Messrs G. H. Bullard, W. H. Moyes, P. Burrows, and W. Lang. It was decided that the annual subscription should be half a guinea, and that a subscription of five guineas entitle to life-membership. Those present handed in their names as members of the society, and the chairman announced that some offers of donations in addition to subscriptions had been received.

Other matters relative to t.lie general financial position, the acquisition of instruments, and the erection of an observatory were referred to the executive ■to report to ti subsequent meeting of the society.