SOLAR ECLIPSE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 240, 23 September 1922, Page 5

SOLAR ECLIPSE.

PERFECT OBSERVATIONS ATTAINED. SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE ADVANCED. Sydney, Sept. 22. According to the Sydney Observatory the first contact of the eclipse came ten seconds earlier than the computed time, while the Stanthorpe party reported it lietween three and four seconds later than the computed time, and again the Wallal party reports that the duration of totality was about four seconds shorter than predicted. These discrepancies are expected to be corrected when the details have been worked out and the necessary comparisons made. Descriptions from the totality zone speak of a weird yellowish light cast upon the earth in the later phases, which grew to darkness with totality, while along the distant horizon the hills were seen silhouetted against a comparatively bright sky. Death-like stillness prevailed everywhere. A sight was presented of immense streamers from the Corona, and it is described as one of impressive magnificence. Then suddenly a wonderfully brilliant sheet of light cut through the darkened edge of the moon, and the radiarce of the corona was dimmed, the first streak of sunlight flashed out, and it was all over. The scientists expect that with the new appliances and modern scientific methods employed, the results will be lar in advance of anything previously procured. Particular attention was given to what is known as the shadow bands, the display of which was exceptionally clear. A striking and exhaustive series of photographs was procured, which it is considered should go a long wav to elucidate this branch of solar eclipse work, about which there was formerly considerable doubt. At Wallal about 100 photographs of various features bearing on the Einstein theory were secured. The temperature there during totalitv fell from 97 to 88 .J. Natives around the scientists’ camps showed considerable fear, and hid themselves in the bush until the sun returned. OLD SOL IN GRIP OF DEVIL. HINDUS’ STRANGE BELIEFS. London, Sept. 22. The “Daily Telegraph’s’’ correspondent at Calcutta reports amazing scenes on the banks of the Ganges and .at other Hindu holy places during the eclipse. Benares, Puri and other centres of pilgrimage were invaded hy millions of pilgrims. From the moment the eclipse began the processions went to the bathing-places to wash away the evil resulting from the fact that the sun was in the grip of a demon. At least half a million participated in the purifying ceremonies in Calcutta, and a similar number batlvcd in the sacred tank at Kurukshetra. The evening was given up to feasting to celebrate the sun’s escape from the demon. —(A. and N.Z.)

REFERENCES IN I HE HOUSE. OUTLOOK LESS ASSURING. The Prime Minister said that in consequence of a question asked him yesterday he had communicated with the Home authorities and had received a reply to the effect that no British civilian authorities had been evacuated from Constantinople or Gallipoli. The military and naval authorities could be relied upon to take all measures necessary for the protection of residents. The matter had been referred to the British High Commissioner at Constantinople. and when his reply was received Mr. Massey said the information would be supplied to the House at once. Referring to the Near East situation generally, the Prime Minister said he regretted the outlook was not so reassuring as it seemed yesterday, according to his latest information, nor were we likely to be out of danger of war for a week or ten days. The result depended upon Kemal Pasha and those associated with him. If they agreed to a conference, matters probably would turn out satisfactorily, but if Kemal insisted on marching troops into the neutral zone, steps must he taken to oppose him. even if it was necessary for Britain to do so alone. Mr. Massey concluded. “The situation it still anxious.” The Minister of Defence announced that the registrations to date in the three commands for service abroad were 790 officers and 11,187 other ranks, and 300 nurses, making in all 12 °77 CRITICAL DAYS. Later the Premier said he had nothing new to add. He would have to watch the position very closely during the next two or three days. He hoped there would be an improvement before the House met again. If not, it would be necessary for the Government to act. The following message was telegraphed to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Auckland Soldiers Mothers’ League*—“Soldiers Mothers’ League will stand by vou in present crisis.” The Rt. Hon' the Primp Minister sent the following reply:—“Very pleased indeed to receive your telegram of yesterday, and to have the assurance of loyal support of Mothers’ League in present crisis.”