STORM SIGNALS.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1176, 15 May 1874, Page 4

STORM SIGNALS.

[WESTPOBT EVENING STAIt.] A kecent telegram gave intimation that the Colonial Government had sanctioned the adaptation of a system of storm signals based on telegraphic reports sent from various parts of the colony to a common centre at Wellington, where tho information might be systematically deduced and circulated a& a guide to the despatch of vessels seaward from any harbor, or their detention iu safe anchorage. Weatherwise authorities who heretofore have placed their faith in theories based upon lunar changes, have so often deceived themselves that their opinion is now held as worthless, and in its stead has risen up, and is approaching perfection, a system based upon observation of atmospheric phenomena. The results of practical value arising from the adoption of a system of storm signals in Britain have been attended with marked success, and the Now Zealand Government will do good service in following so good an example. Already the experiment has been made of issuing instructions to weatherreporting officers at the principal ports, and in a short time hence daily reports will be forwarded from points along the entire range of the New Zealand Coast. The code of instructions issued is lengthy, and mainly comprising technical details, but from it may be gleaned the general points of the system. Daily barometical observations are to be made, the instrument being placed in such a position that the sun will not shine on it or the wall near it, and any rapid fall must be carefully noted and at once telegraphed to the central office, with a note also of the then preTailing direction and force of wind taken from observation of the lowest clouds. Ordinary daily observations are to be made between 8.30 a.m. and 9 a.m., and reports transmitted of the height of barometer and thermometer, direction and force of wind, state of weather prevailing, and of sea or bar at river ports. Such data being more minutely noted than the ordinary weather reports now posted at the various telegraph offices. When the system is perfected, storm signal telegrams will be sent to every port whenever impending bad weather is indicated, and signals will be hoisted and kept up for twenty-four hours after receiving telegram, unless bad weather sets in; such signals to be always taken down upon the commencement of bad weather.