H.—34.

Several of the resolutions recommended the adoption in this region, from amongst various alternatives approved internationally, of codes and procedure most suitable to local conditions. Others dealt with such matters as reporting times for ships, forecasts for shipping, uniformity of charts, the study of ocean swell, &c. The majority of the resolutions, however, are concerned with the improvement of the weather-reporting systems, particularly from the islands of the south-west Pacific, and with details of the co-operation required between adjacent services in the actual provision of information for trans-ocean flights. So far as Australia and New Zealand are concerned, if advantage is to be taken of the modern methods of charting and analysing the weather, there must be a more frequent interchange of data ; the reports must be more complete and constitute a much closer network over the areas concerned, and they must be made available more promptly after the making of the observations. In Europe, where conditions are more highly organized, real progress is now being made towards developing weather forecasting as a process of calculation instead of, as in the past, having to depend as much on experience and practice as the application of physical principles. The sparse distribution of islands in the south-west Pacific makes it imperative that complete, regular, and reliable weather reports should be supplied from as many of them as possible. At the time of the Conference there was a good deal to be desired in this connection. In particular, there was a serious gap in the reports on Sundays and holidays. Considerable improvement is also aimed at in the rapidity with which the appropriate reports are gathered in and reissued as a collective broadcast message from the principal centres. Recommendations were made that pilot-balloon observations should be undertaken at Tulagi, Vila, Canton Island, Suva, Nukualofa, and Rarotonga, in addition to those already proposed at Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, and Raoul Island in the Kermadecs. The Conference also affirmed the recommendation of the International Meteorological Committee that the use of radio-sondes for obtaining aerological data should be introduced in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and the Society Islands, and, if possible, at one station on or near the Equator. The procedure to be followed in the exchange of forecasts and reports between terminal stations and also for messages to trans-ocean aircraft in flight was laid down in some detail. This scheme was based on that worked out by the International Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology, with particular reference to trans-Atlantic flights. The Conference was particularly fortunate in this respect in having as the British representative Mr. Entwistle, who is also Secretary of the International Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology. Throughout the Conference reference was continually made to the fact that the efficiency of the meteorological organization is entirely dependent on the provision of an adequate system of radio communication. So far as New Zealand is concerned this aspect of the work is in the hands of the Aeradio Committee, and it is understood that steps are being taken to provide the necessary communication facilities. The Conference was very successful and much useful work was accomplished. There is no doubt, too, that it was called at an opportune time. One important gain from it was that delegates representing civil aviation and those responsible for communications were able to appreciate thoroughly the meteorological problem. Their regular attendance and co-operation were greatly appreciated. Indeed, as is fortunately usual at meteorological conferences, a genuine desire for co-operation and a willingness to compromise where necessary was shown by all delegates. It is regretted that owing to the shortness of notice it was not possible for France and the Netherlands Indies to be represented. It now remains for the various administrations concerned to give effect, so far as may be possible, to the various recommendations which were made. By this means only can a really adequate meteorological service be made available for trans-ocean flying in this region. Staff. During the past few years there has been a demand for University graduates with special qualifications in mathematics and physics which, for New Zealand, has been unprecedented. At present the supply of first-class men falls short of the demand. Towards the close of the financial year Mr. B. V. Pemberton, who joined the Meteorological Office staff in September, 1910, proceeded on long leave prior to retiring on superannuation. Mr. Pemberton had throughout his service at the Meteorological Office taken a large part in the daily forecasting and the preparation of climatological data for the annual publications. In recent years he has prepared the great majority of the daily notes on the weather which appear in the Wellington press, as well as shared with the Director the preparation of the forecasts for the general public on Sundays and holidays, as well as ordinary week-days. Mr. Pemberton gave ready assistance to all inquirers for information, and was universally respected for his high character. The retirement, at this stage, of the only othe'r senior officer with long experience has thrown a great deal of additional routine work on the shoulders of the Director. It is a pleasure to record the loyal and cordial co-operation received from the staff during the present period of expansion of the service. A list of the professional staff with their location follows : — Meteorological Office, Wellington Kidson, E., Director, 0.8. E., M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.N.Z., F.lnst.P. Barnett, M. A. F., Senior Meteorologist, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Cantab.), F.lnst.P. Crust, A. G. C., Meteorological Assistant, M.Sc. Seelye, C. J., Meteorological Assistant, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Edin.). Gabites, J. F., Meteorological Assistant, M.Sc. (Hons.). Ewing, R. A., Meteorological Assistant, B.Sc. Robertson, N. G., Meteorological Assistant, M.Sc. (Hons.). Green, C. G., Meteorological Assistant, M.Sc. (Hons.). Watts, I. E. M., Meteorological Assistant, M.Sc.. (Hons.).

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