TRANSIT OF MERCURY.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 916, 7 May 1878, Page 3

TRANSIT OF MERCURY.

Sib, — I would draw the attention of such of your readers as are interested m the science of astronomy to the transit of the planet Mercury across the sun's disc, which takes place on the morning of Tuesday, the 7th of May, and will then be observed by astronomers for the twentyeighth time, and anyone possessing an ordinary telescope may watoh the egress of the planet if the sky is clear. 'Jhe first contact will not bo visible lere as it occurs before sunrise ; the middle will be at Gli. 18m. a.m. (sun rises at Oh. 53m.) ; last internal contact at egress, lOh. 3m. a.m., and last external cont.ict, lOh. 6m. a.m., at which time the planet will pass off the sun's disc according to my calculation, The leaat distance of the centres of the sun and planet will be about 4m. of the arc. Coloured glasses must* of course, be used m the observations. — J. Stewabt.

Sir, — I recently had occasion to address to the Hamilton Highway Board an application m reference to an injury sustained .by me through the dangerous and defective state of the bridge on the Ohaupo Road, near Mr McNicholl's. I send you herewith a reply from Mr Samuel Stccle, the Chairman of the Board. I beg your insertion thereof — the words m inverted commas being underlined m the original — as I should like the public to know the very off-hand manner m which the Board treats an humble settler like myself, who ha 3no influence, but who, m bygone days, " has done the State some service " — and knows it. Will you further add to the obligation you confer upon me by informing me to what local body_ I should apply for compensation for the injury above alluded to ? — I am, eto., Robert Alexander.

Te Awamutu, May 4, 1878. [copy.] Hamilton Highway Board, April 20, 1878. Sib, — In reference to your letter of the 10th instant, respecting 1 an injury that occurred to your horse near the bridge at McNieholla, this Board wishes me to express their regret that an accident should nave happened to such a worthy settle? — more especially, the bruise or youy shoulder. Tkey fixc.oedin.gly deplore the accident to. the horse, which you value at £15, aud which I consider cheap ; I am aware that you always keep a good stud of them. They also desire me to say that they consider os per day, for loss of valuable time, very reasonable. With regard, to the valuable testimony of Messrs McNicholl, Burke, and. McOabe — m corroboration of yqu.r siatement — there is not the slightest necessity for the same, as the Board has every reliance on your veracity. Finally, "old man," Aye must again express ow regret at tho accident happening at this particular bridge, because "it is not m this district," a.n,d theroforo we cannot comj>Jy -vvith, your application. — I am, etc., &A34UEL STEELE.