HAWERA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 15 December 1927, Page 4

HAWERA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Hawera Astronomical Society was held at the observatory on Tuesday evening. Dr. W. M. Thomson presided Over a good attendance of members. The director, Mr. G. M Townsend, read the annual report, which stated that in spite of the unfavourable weather conditions throughout the \ear, systematic observations had been carried out when such were possible. Ten large prominences had been recorded, varying in height from 20,030 to 44,000 miles. A partial eclipse of the sun had been observed on January 4. Three comets were observed — Pons Winnecke, Gale, and a new comet as yet unnamed. Visitors to the observatory during the year numbered 15S. Air. P. O’Dea complimented Mr. Townsend on the work done, and mentioned that Air. Townsend had been the first astronomer in New Zealand 'to find the comet first discovered by Air Gale. Air. Townsend’s calculation of its position, used in conjunction with one made by M. Gonnessiat, of Denmark, had enabled Dr. Cromellin, of London, to complete its orbit. Air. O’Dea said that this one observation justified the existence of the observatory. Dr. Thomson also spoke in praise of Air. Townsend’s ability. The officers elected for the year 1928 were: Patron, Air. P. O’Dea; president, Dr. W. M. Thomson; vice-presi-dents, Dr. li. AI. Young and Air. A. H. Larkman; secretary and treasurer, Air. S. Wall; librarian, Air. S. Wall; council, Rev. H. J. Fletcher, Alessrs G. Al. Townsend, J. AV. Snowden, W. \Y. Davy, A. G. Bennett, J. S. Murray, J. j,. Carter, F. A. .Jones, and E. J. Booth; observers, Rev. H. J. Fletcher, Alessrs E. J‘. Booth and S. Wall; director, Air. G. AI. Townsend. T’tie balance-sheet disclosed a very satisfactory financial position. . Dr. Thomson congratulated the members on the sound financial condition of the society and on the work done during the past year. The society had lost five members through removal from the district, but he Hoped more residents would 1 woo me members. He thanked Mr. A. H. Larkman for the work he had put in during the year. Concluding, he hoped the society would have an interesting and successful ■season during 1928. Air. O’Dea. proposed a. vote of thanks to Dr. Thomson for presiding over the meeting. This was carried by acclamation. and the meeting then closed.