MR WRAGGE'S LECTURE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7817, 9 June 1909, Page 2

MR WRAGGE'S LECTURE.

/The public rarely has an opportunity of hearing men of Mr Wragge's standing as a scientist. Little wonder, then, that last night, when he lectured at the Oddfellows' Hall upon astronomy, and revealed, with the aid of many excellent lantern views, some of the wonders of .the universe, he had a large audience, and one which followed him with the closest attention to the conclusion of his address, which lasted for nearly two hours. Mr Wragge took his audience on a voyage through the universe, and they very soon caught the enthusiasm of the speaker, as he. dwelt upon the marvels of that great system of which the earth is only an atom. Photographs of many constellations, taken at the Lick and other great observatories, _ were shown and explained to the audience. The origin of the numberless suns and bodies of lesser degree of importance, was clearly; explained, and the latest knowledge that had been gathered by j the foremost students of, astronomy, was given. The sun spots, which have so long been associated by Mr Wragge with, disturbances on this planet, were shown on the screen; and, aptly using as an illustration Marconi's wireless telegraphic system, Mr Wragge demonstrated the effect of the fierce fire storms m the sun upon a responsive body like this earth. The sun storms ; (said Mr Wragge) were the cause of volcanic disturbances; they affected the sear sons, and even caused shipwrecks by influencing the compass. In racy language, which was alluring and fascinating, Mr Wragge led his listener^ on from wonder to wonder. He gave figures and quoted facts, the significance of which could be only faintly understood, and all his hearers could do was to inwardly re-echo i the oft repeated word of the lecturer— Marvellous 1 ■• .'.'■■ The speaker laid it down from the commencement of his address that science and religion were one, and could not. be separated; God was m everything—in the tiny snowdrop, as well as m the all but immeasureable sun. He filled the universe. The relationship between science and religion :was frequently referred to, the speaker recurring again and again to this central thought. ;' < The latter part of the lecture was devoted to a study of the moon, of which knowledge, both exact and' extensive, was imparted to the listener. Photographs of the moon m varying stages were shown,' and its ihountains,. seas, valleys and whole physical formation were described and named by Mr Wragge. Some of the astonishing facts about radium were announced, and at the close of the address a. piece of this costly product was exhibited to a' large number of peonle who remained behind. Mr Wragge is a most entertaining speaker, who never allows his auditors to grow weary for a moment. The interest was sustained right through and the speaker was applauded from time to time. A second entertainment will be given to-night, at the Oddfellows' Hall, when Mr Wragge will deliver an' address on the "Majesty of Creation."