STUDY OF ASTRONOMY.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1920, Page 2

STUDY OF ASTRONOMY.

NEW PLYMOUTH OBSERVATORY. THE OFFICIAL OPENING. Yesterday marked , the official opening of the new observatory on Marsknd Hill, introducing one of the moat interesting innovations that have favored New Plymouth for some time. Of all studies, astronomy Is perhaps one of >the moßt fascinating, and the observatory will provide a splendid opportunity for people to become interested in a subject now some distance from their thoughts. The educational influences of astronomy were recognised by the promoters of this observatory, and especially to the 1 Rev. Oscar Blundell the citizens of New Plymouth owe a debt of gratitude for taking the initial part in the formation of the Astronomical Society. The Society has been very fortunate in securing some very fine instruments, including a 12-inch speculum mirror, and a six-inch equatorial telescope. There was a large and representative attendance of the public at the opening ceremony, and great interest was displayed when Mr. Blundell explained the working of the telescope. In declaring the observatory open to the public, the Mayor, Mr. J. Clarke, said that this was a great day in the history of the Society. He spoke eulogistically of the services of the promoters of so worthy an object, and hoped that the public would continue their hearty and practical support to the movement, as considerable additional expense would be incurred to mount the other instruments and house the 12-inch speculum mirror. He then asked Mr. S, Percy Smith, president of the Society, to speak. Mr. Smith spoke of the educational value of the study of i astronomy, and expressed the hope that the young people would take a lively interest in the study. "Who knows." he said, "that there may not be an inspiring genius in our midst, who may one day make his mark in the astronomical world." Mr. Blundell then outlined the activities of the Society since its inception, and thanked the public for the support they had offered the movement in its infancy. On behalf of the Society he thanked Mr. Burrell, of Stratford, for his invaluable assistance in constructing the observatory. He said that, although the building was unpretentious in size, there was no better constructed building in New Plymouth, and it housed some very fine instruments indeed. Mr. Blundell expressed gratitude that the Society had been fortunate enough to secure two fine instruments for the price that they would now have to pay for one. He then went on to explain the mechanism of the telescope and the revolving dome, and invited those present to take a glimpse of the summit of Mount Egmont.

Unfortunately, visibility was not good, a haze obscuring the sun and moon, but a fairly clear view of tho mountain was obtained, and it proved highly interesting. Mr. Blundell cordially invited everyone to use the telescope when the weather was more favorable for observing the celestial bodies.

The keen interest evinced by all present at the ceremony augurs well for the future prosperity of the Society.