WELCOME NEWS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 29 September 1927, Page 5

WELCOME NEWS

A CLIMATOLOGICAL STATION TO BE SITUATED IN HASTINGS. A BOON TO ORCHARDISTS 4 FARMERS. The news that Dr. Kidson Director of the Dominion Meteorological Department, ha* recommended a site at Cornwall Park tor a climatological station will Im welcomed by the farmer* and fruitgrower* of Hawke's Hay. The station Would be tor the bentfit oi Hawke s Bay but it takes but little imagination to obtain a vision ot the station being ot Dominion renown should judicious extensions be undertaken by the city fathers in conjunction with the Dominion MeteorologistDR. EIDSON’S SUGGESTIONS. It will be remembered that last week, His Worship the Mayor'. Mr. G. A. Maddison, met Dr. Edward Kidson, Director of the Dominion Meteorological Department and discussed with him tlie prospects of installing a few instruments in Hast ings ioi the benefit of the fruit- ? rowers and farming community, esterday Mr Maddison received the . following letter as the result of that conference:— “On my recent visit to Hastings an inspection was made of Cornwall Park. A very suitable site for a meteorological station was found on the western end of the ground set apart for tennis courts on the northern side of the park. The site is close to the caretaker’s house. “An area 60ft by 80ft with some fence, such as one of chain wire, adequate to protect the instruments, would be sufficient. If preferred, the comers could be rounded off, making an oval- The area should be kept in grass. No high-growing trees should be planted near it since they reduce the wind force and otherwise alter the conditions at the station as they grow. Permanence of condition at the site is of prime importance at the climatological station. Unless conditions remain the same, it is impossible to compare records for different years of different seasons.

RECORDS OF INTEREST AND VALUE.

“The record* would be of interest and value to your town for various purposes and the orchardists of the district wlio are faced with the problem of damage by frost would, 1 am sure, be very glad of reliable re-

“Some observation are at present being made on behalf of the J. N Williams estate by Mr. A C. Hyde. The public spirit which has prompted those concerned is thoroughly appreciated, but they have agreed with me that if the Council would establish a good station, conditions would 1 be more satisfactorr, “If your Council will agree to reserve and fence an area suggested, undertake to do all in their power to maintain constant conditions and make provision for regular observations I shall have great nleasure in recommending that thi* Department provide the instruments for a climatological station.”

Speaking to a “Tribune” representative on the matter, Mr. Maddiion etated that no doubt the Council would accept the offer. Ho had Instructed the clerk to write to the Director asking him if it would be necessary to have an experienced man in charge ot the station. “Should it be necessary to have expert attention or any monetary expenditure no doubt the Council will seek the co-operation of the orchardists and other local bodies in the district so that the station can give the greatest service possible,” stated the Mayor, who felt sure that it would be the desire of all to have the station absolutely up-to-date.