36 
for another site, investigations were made early in 1908 in the 
hope of finding a position on private land suitable from an 
astronomical and meteorological point of view. After many 
months of labour these efforts proved fruitless. One spot 
remained that seemed admirably adapted for the purpose, viz., 
the covered reservoir in the possession of the Metropolitan Water 
Board, but it was felt that it would be vain to attempt to induce 
such an august body to grant the use of the site. 
As no other position seemed available, it was decided in the 
spring of 1908 to approach the Metropolitan Water Board. The 
preliminary negotiations were encouraging, and a formal letter of 
appeal was sent to the Board on July 8th. The Council of the 
Society was then asked to prepare detailed plans of the site re- 
quired and of the building it was proposed to erect, suggestions being 
made as to the conditions the Board would require to be fulfilled. 
An interval of some months ensued, during which inquiries were 
made and expertsconsulted. Mr. Frank J. Potter kindly consented 
to act as architect and to draw up the plans. Estimates were 
obtained from Mr. John Reid of Manchester for supplying the 
revolving roof, and from Mr. James J. Hicks for the meteorological 
instruments. The plans were finally submitted to the Engineer 
of the New River District on December roth, 1908, and on February 
12th of the following year the Society was informed that the Board 
had agreed to the proposal, subject to certain conditions which 
the Council was able to accept. A special meeting of the members 
of the Society was called on April 2nd, before which the scheme 
was laid: it received the unanimous approval of those present. 
Many promises of support having been obtained, an appeal for 
contributions was issued on April 27th, together with a preliminary 
list of donations. The appeal was most generously responded to, 
not only by members of the Society, but also by many residents 
of Hampstead and others, promises of support to the extent of £220 
being given in a short time. It is interesting to note that every 
one of these promises was redeemed and the money paid on first 
asking. Builders’ estimates were obtained, and the work entrusted 
to Mr. George Kentish. An agreement with the Metropolitan 
Water Board was drawn up and signed on July 31st, and the 
work was ordered to be put in hand in August. 
By the kind permission of Mr. J. S. Granville Grenfell, an 
opening ceremony was held in the gymnasium of Heathmount 
School on Saturday afternoon, November 6th, which was largely 
‘attended. Mr. P. E. Vizard presided, and addresses were given 
by Dr. F. Womack and by Dr. H. R. Mill. The latter referred 
