FIELD ASTRONOMY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 15 October 1929, Page 4

FIELD ASTRONOMY.

i PRACTICAL work explained. ADDRESS TO HAWERA SOCIETY. A further interesting lecture and opportunity ior discussion nitka the attention of members of the Hawera Astronomic-ai Society at the montiuuy meeting at the observatory last evenmg, when Air J. S. Alurra.y addressed a gathering of about 20 on the subject of field astronomy which he explained was a branch of work carried out by explorers and surveyors m determining with portable field instruments meridians of latitude and tine cheeks. l.ne particular work was carried out mainly jn extensive continental areas, such as Africa or Australia, where stretches of country were so large as to necessitate, astronomical) checking |of meridian, said the lecturer. A considerable number of diagrams were exhibited illustrating the methods adopted ior -star and sun observation, and throughout the lecture Air Murray [drew upon personal experience of a practical nature and quoted from technical works written by tiie late Air Thomas Humphries, formerly, SurveyorGeneral for New Zealand, the late Air C. AY. Adams, also one of New Zealand’s niromiiien.f geodesica.l and astronomical surveyors and Professor J. Park, formerly of the Otago University. Tih© lecture and general discussion to which it. gave rise occupied the meeting for over two hours. On -the motion of the president. Air A. H. Larkman, who voiced appreciation of the widie range of information made available through tlm lecture, a vote of thanks to Mr Murray was carried with acclamation.