WEATHER SCIENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 105, 6 May 1927, Page 6

WEATHER SCIENCE

Though frequently reminded of the value to the community of weather science, the Government has until lately treated tho Meteorological Department as a fit subject for the practice of cheese-paring methods. Those responsible for policy hovo not encouraged development upon lines iii keeping with tho times. Were it not for the unpaid assistance given by numerous observers it would have been unable to continuo even tho compilation of records and the production of weather forecasts. As it is, it has boon unable to mako full use of the material collected or to obtain further material of undoubted valuo in its bearing upon climate and weather. Now at last, "in conformity with the recommendation of tho Council of Scientific Research," un extension and reorganisation scheme has been adopted; and is to bo put ■into operation. Tho first stop is tho appointment of Dr. Kldson as Director. I Dr. Kldaon holds high credentials, and from his record would ■ appoar to bo a miln well qiiuliflod to direct the work Which it is proposed to undertake in Now Zealand. At tho snmo timo much sympathy will bo foit for Mr. D. O. Bates, who has been superseded In tho control of tho Department Mr. Bates has carried out his duties in tho face of Government apathy and neglect. It is not his faultthat the work of the Department has been circumscribod nnd Its development slow, ltath.or tho wonder is that, with little uncourngomont, ho has dono so much. Now that, tho importance of the Department is bettor recognised, ho is denied the opportunity of proving his capacity in directing the extension. Wo trust that his 'successor will havo

a pleasanter experience. Tho Government may bo reminded that it is not Bufllcient to put a cupublu man in

charge of work." If ho is to succeed ho must bo supported.