THE STUDY OF ASTRONOMY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 126, 31 May 1910, Page 2

THE STUDY OF ASTRONOMY.

At last night's lecture under th& a-ua* pices of the Philosophical Society, tha chairman (Mr.. A. Hamilton) announced) that a subject of some importance would be brougßt up at the close. Accordingly, after the customary votes of thanks, he said that dt was in contemplation to form an astronomical society, which should concern iteelf with astrophyeic* as well as astronomy. He hoped that it would s not bo thought necessary to form a separate society ; in his opinion, a branch of the Philosophical Society, similar to .the microscopical branch, which at one time did good service inj stimulating the study of microscopy, should meet the case. Dr. Hector thought it matter for regret that the Carter bequest fov a telescope should have laia idle so long. Hw had no definite proposal to make, but thought the time opportune to bring forward the matter and endeavour bo, interest the public in t-he subject. Ma*. C. Powles thought the time for definite action -had -come to form aiv affiliated branch of the British Astronc-micai Association. The application of tea members of- that society was necessary. At present we had but' five in Welling* ton.- He explained the terms and privileges of membership. There was no reason why definite action shouldt not aft once be taken, the first step being to, gain at lea-st five new members. Ha. moved: — "That st-eps bo taken to form a bi-anch of the British Asfcionomic&l Society in connection with the Welling-i ton Philosophical Society." The motion, after some discussion, was withdrawn, it being uncertain whe«) ther a branch of the Philosophical So» ciety could be affiliated with tho British Astronomical Association. Finally, a committee was appointed to consider the whole matter and report at a later ineeting. The following it the constitution of th.c committee: — A, Hamilton, C. E. Adams, F.R.-A.S., M.8.A.A., Dr. Kennedy, F.R.A.S., M.8.A.A., Dr. Hector, *E. D. Bell, M.8.A.A., G. V. Hudson,, M.8.A.A., C. P. Powles, M.8.A.A., A. C. Gifford, Professor Easterfisld. Mt. Powles was appointed convener.