TELESCOPE MAKING

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 111, 7 November 1933, Page 7

TELESCOPE MAKING

A new section has been added to the New Zealand Astronomical Society, ■that of telescope makers. Amateur, astronomers all over the world are now making their own telescopes and New Zealand is not lagging behind in this respect. The formation of a, telescope maker's section, with Mr. Allan Bryce, of Hamilton, as director, should bo an epoch-making event in the annals of the New Zealand Astronomical Socioty. Not since the time when Ward proudly applied .the finishing processes to his parabolic mirror of 20 inches in. diameter, has there been a man in New Zealand who has taken such a keen interest in the production of reflecting telescopes as has Mr. Bryce. Not only has ho completed many mirrors ranging from 3 inches to 8 inches in diameter, but he has made his enthusiasm -infectious, and now several poeplo are steadily learning to acquire this useful art. The formation of this new section will benefit tho Astronomical Society.- Members) besides actually having, the enjoyment of making a telescope with their own hands, will, soon desire to use their products to some definite and useful purpose. In this manner will the observing sections increase their number of members.' Nor is it impossible that tho section may in time be able to supply those who have not the time to grind their own telescopes, with instruments; so that they too may bo able to contribute their .quota to the work of .other sections.