WEATHER FORECASTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 64, 13 February 1936, Page 2

WEATHER FORECASTS.

DIFFICULTIES POINTED OUT. REPLY TO CRITICISMS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 12. “That the Government Meteorologist does so well is a tribute to his high skill,” said Professor Burbidge head of the physics dejjartment at the Auckland university College, when interviewed to-day. Professor Burbidge protested strongly against ill-informed and extravagant criticisms, and outlined the great difficulties of weather forecasting in New Zealand. He expressed surprise at the Auckland Provincial Farmers’ ' Union discussion jester-' day, and said that some of the reported remarks displayed deep ignorance. He would recommend the Kaipara committee to call at the Wellington office and see a little of the complicated business of forecasting before classing forecasts as “dead recokning or rule of thumb.” The accusation that the Government Meteorologist was not doing his job was a nasty accusation to make about a scientist of international reputation and known hardworking habits whom we were fortunate to have in. New Zealand." ,'

Professor Burbidge explained that the weather was governed by extensive weather systems covering an area as large as continents, and changes in such systems may move very rapidly —3OO miles a day is the average rate. New Zealand, therefore, was a very difficult place for forecasting, surrounded by oceans from which the only chance of reports come via wireless from odd ships.

“That the Government Meteorologist does so well is a tribute to his high skill and none more than he woind welcome an extension of the meteorological service,” declared Professor Burbidge.