WEATHER RECORDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1922, Page 4

WEATHER RECORDS.

NEW PLYMOUTH OBSERVATORY

QUESTION OF A SITE.

The Dominion meteorologist (Mr. «>. C. Bates) haa been on a visit to New Plymouth in connection with the choosing of an observatory site for meteorological purposes. Yesterday Mr. Bates met representatives of the Borough Council and spent the morning in traversing the borough in company with the engineer (Mr. W. H. Cook), when a number of proposed sites were visited.

Mr. pates stated last night that he had two or three localities in view, including Fort Niger and Marsland Hili. In regard to the former, however, he thought there were too many trees enclosing the area. Speaking of Marsland Hill, he said it appeared that previous objections on account of extreme exposure to this site were not as severe as he had thought. It was the most representative spot for the whole of the borough. Whether anything was done towards placing the observatory on Marsland Hill, however, would depend on what measure of assistance could be given by the Borough Council in the matter of erecting a suitable enclosure. He did not think that the Government would be prepared to vote any expenditure at the present juncture, and if nothing was done the department would make temporary provision by accepting a private offer. It was practically certain that the observatory would be removed from Kawaroa Park. Mr. Bates stated that there was a further difficulty in regard to Marsland Hill, namely, the securing of an observer. as it was necessary to make a visit to the site every morning. In this connection Mr. W. W. Smith had offered to undertake the work if the instruments were placed on the hill. In regard to the general question of records, Mr. Bates pointed out that it was important from the point of view of the town that meteorological statistics should be compiled, as the department received frequent enquiries from outsiders as to the weather and temperature of a town. It was desirable that New Plymouth should not be omitted from the records of the department. Mr. Bates intimated his intention of placing the matter before the Borough Council for the final decision.