METEOROLOGIST ARRIVES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 15 April 1939, Page 7

METEOROLOGIST ARRIVES

WEATHER FORECASTS FOR TASMAN AIR SERVICE U.F.A.— bv Electric Teleeranh --Gopvriuhi SYDNEY. 14th April. The Awatea became an official meteorological station from to-day when a meteorologist signed on. His duty will be to assist in forecasting the weather over the Tasman Sea for the projected air service between Sydney and New Zealand. The necessary instruments were installed in the Awatea before her departure to-night for Wellington. An officer of the Commonwealth Meteorological Department. Mr A. Martin, has been selected to make the weather observations. FIRST OF ITS TYPE (Received 15th April. 9.15 a.m.) SYDNEY. This Day. The officers of the Commonwealth Meteorological Bureau who installed the instruments in the Awatea stated that she is the first merchant ship in the world to have a meteorological office, the instruments in which are valued at £IOOO. They include a specially stabilised theodolite which cannot be affected by the roll of the ship. They also include a thermometer which can be attached to the mast and the readings of which can be electrically recorded in Mr Martin’s office; also a seawater reading themometer and an instrument to measure the wind velocity aboard the ship. Other equpiment comprises a barograph, a liberal supply of balloons filled with hydrogen for gauging the wind force and pressures. Mr Martin’s task in some respects will be difficult as his calculations will be subject to the ship’s speed and other considerations which are non-existent on land. The Tasman Sea, it is pointed out, is a most interesting field for meteorological research as cyclones come from all directions and it Is expected that some time will elapse before the station is in full working order.