THE CARTER BEQUEST

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7140, 30 May 1910, Page 6

THE CARTER BEQUEST

The letter from Mr C. P. Powles, pub* lished in our news columns this morning, shows once more that there is really nothing except an amazing apathy to prevent advantage being taken of the .£3OOO now available for the establishment of an astronomical observatory in Wellington. -Dr Kennedy has already indicated tho adequacy of the sum to provide a very useful instrument and equipment, and as w T o understand a movement is on. foot to form an astronomical society in the city, all that would appear to be necessary in order to secure the benefit of the Carter bequest is organisation and persistence. It is the wildest absurdity to allow this money to bo "hung up," diverted from its legitimate purpose, until "a Professor of Astronomy and staff " are appointed at Victoria College, or until about .£50,000 more is available. Expenditure of the bequest would mean that an apparatus would be at once placed at the disposal of students, and that an opportunity would be given for research work in a direction hitherto practically closegl to people interested in science. The intentions of the testate* would be well met by something being done in the way outlined, by Mr Powles and Dr Kennedy. Their suggestions are practical and helpful, and should move the gentlemen who are taking an interest in the matter to renewed. activity.