ASTRONOMER'S SUCCESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 219, 16 September 1930, Page 3

ASTRONOMER'S SUCCESS.

PUKEKOHE BOY'S DISTINCTION.

Dr. Leslie John Comrie, who has been appointed superintendent of the British Nautical Almanac Office, was born at Pukekohe East, being a son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Comrie, formerly of that settlement, but now of Epsom, Auckland. ■ Dr. Comrie was educated at the Pukekohe East School, and afterwards at the Auckland Grammar School. In his school days he was keenly interested in astronomy, and when opportunity presented itself he went to Wellington and unofficially assisted at the Dominion Observatory. He responded to the Empire's, call at the outbreak of war, and unfortunately had a portion of one leg shot, necessitating amputation above the knee. He continued his studies in astronomy in America, where he was associated with the Chicago Observatory, and in England, where he was attached to the staff of the Greenwich Observatory. He gained the degree of Doctor of Astronomy. Joining the British Nautical Almanac Office, he soon won distinction, culminating in his appointment as superintendent, vice Dr. P. H. Cowell, retired. Dr. Comrie has several relatives in Pukekohe and Auckland, one being the Rev. W. J. Comrie, of Mount Eden, who is an uncle.