Yale offers astronomical equipment

A VERY remarkable and most significant offer from Yale University was considered at the general meeting of the Otago Institute held at the Museum last night. The matter was introduced by the secretary, Professor W.N. Benson, who said that Yale University had offered to give or lend this country a large series of very valuable astronomical instruments for the carrying on of solar physics and highclass astronomical work in general, provided that a good house was built for them and the upkeep and general

establishment provided. This of expense. It was estimated that £7000 capital expenditure would be required to start with, and that thereafter there would be an expenditure of £3000 for its annual upkeep.

The council of the Institute thought it was an extremely great loss to New Zealand if this chance was let slip. Mr G. Stuart Thomson said that the committee appointed by the government to consider the question recommended not only the establishment of this observatory in Otago Central, but also the transfer of the Hector Observatory from Wellington and of the Magnetic Observatory in Christchurch, which is now being seriously interfered with by the number of electric wires in the neighbourhood. The government had turned the offer down in the meantime, but it had not definitely refused it. A committee was appointed to endeavour to secure the acceptance of the offer.