ASTRONOMY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1920, Page 6

ASTRONOMY.

NEW PLYMOUTH OBSERVATORY. _ COUNCIL'S ASSISTANCE SOUGHT. A deputation from the New Plynfouth Astronomical Society waited on the Borough Council last night seeking support for the furtherance of the society's wants.

The first speaker was Rev. 0. Blundell, who recalled that about a year ago it was decided to form nn Astronomical Society having in view primarily the educational advantages that would accrue. They desired to know if the council could extend some financial assistance or help in other directions, The council might see its way clear to give a grant to the society or an annual subsidy, or to help in improving the gfounds where the Observatory had been placed. They had been more successful than originally anticipated in getting instruments. As councillors would know the times were exceedingly difficult in this connection owing to the advanced costs but they had succeeded in getting an instrument which would shortly be housed an Marsland Hill. Another instrument had also Been obtained which was second to none in New Zealand. There were decided advantages in having two instruments, especially where the Observatory had been raised by public subscriptions and where there would necessarily be a largo attendance at times.

Tlie society proposed to set aside two nights for the public and two nights for the senior scholars of the educational institutions, and they believed full opportunity would be taken of utilising these privileges. Mr. M. Frnser explained that during the transit of Venus a number of years ago an astronomical party visited Australia. with every appointment necessary for that work. At the conclusion of the visit the instruments were left behind, and the society hud been able to buy them from three to four hundred per cent, cheaper than they could have been imported from England. To get the main instrument, the refractor, however, they had to purchase a reflecting telescope also. The latter was a very much easier instrument for'the general public to observe with. It was one of the best instruments in Australasia. The society had sufficient funds to pay for a doifl; and the refractor, but with the reflecting telescope coming another dome would bi: necessary. The previous collection had been very successful, and as one of tlv canvassers he found that the Astronomical Society was not. so unpopular as it might be. There were over 100 members at the present time, with prospects of more.

The Mayor said he was pleased to see an Astronomical Society ill existence, but doubted if the Council was in a position to give much assistance. The matter of the subsidy was referred by the Council to the Estimates Committeel, and the Streets Committee was delegated to report regarding the asphalting find other matter*.