Meteorologist Flies In On Predicted Airstream

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 14

Meteorologist Flies In On Predicted Airstream

A correctly forecast south* westerly airstream blew the Director of the Meteorological Service (Dr. M. A. F. Barnett) into Christchurch several minutes ahead of schedule yesterday for his last visit before he retires in June. Dr. Barnett flew from Dunedin, where he called on one of the 14 meteorological offices, and last evening said farewell to the Christchurch officers in the service. He has been director for 23 years, and his last main duty will be to attend the annual meeting of the executive committee of the World Meteorological Organisation, of which he is a member. It will begin in Geneva on May 20.

New Zealand weather forecasts were more often right than wrong, said Dr. Barnett, but the average man did not listen critically to them. “The farmer is our best listener. He gets to know the peculiarities of his particular situation and he knows how to interpret forecasts for his area.”

During his long term of office. Dr. Barnett has seen the extending use of forecasting made by aviation, shipping services, and wharf labour organisations, by reading contractors and builders, and by the Electricity Department for power load management. “And there has been increasing awareness in all sections of the value of climate

logical data,” said Dr. Barnett

“We have had a very happy team working in the service, loyal, friendly and co-opera-tive. And that has made my time a happy one.” he said.

Dr. Barnett will continue to pursue his scientific interests. ■ He joined the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1927 after graduating from Otago University in 1924 as master of science with first - class honours in electricity and magnetism and mathematics He went to Clare College. Cambridge, and worked in the Cavendish Laboratory under Lord Rutherford. “I heard his lectures, but I was working on radio propagation, early studies of the ionosphere, with Sir Edward Appleton.” When he came back to New Zealand he did work on earthquakes, refrigeration. and radio and was associated with the Standards Institute building code committee established after the Napier earthquake. Before he became assistant to the former director of the Meteorological Service. Dr. E. Kidson. Dr. Barnett studied aviation meteorology in Britain. “Dr. Kidson did a great deal to build up the service and he foresaw the needs ot aviation. We owe a great deal to him.” Dr. Barnett said.

He will later visit stations it Nelson and Hokitika.