Vol. I., No.6, NOVEMBER, 1882. | 
AN OBSERVATORY FOR NEW ZEALAND. 
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(BY PROF. COOK, CANTERBURY COLLEGE.) 
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In one of the earlier numbers of this journal an article was 
written by the Rev. Dr. Roseby, entitled “A Plea for the Stars.” 
The article pointed out some of the inducements to the study of 
astronomy, and suggested some of the kinds of work which 
might be advantageously undertaken by an amateur. It is in- 
deed matter for sincere regret that the study of this ennobling 
subject is pursued by so few, for here in the southern hemisphere 
much remains to be done which has already been well done for 
the northern hemisphere. But although the northern stars have 
been watched and studied for so long a time, enthusiastic ama- 
teurs still find plenty to engage their attention in noting their pecu- 
liarities and observing their movements. Here we have very few 
amateurs and but little enthusiasm, at least that kind of abid- 
ing enthusiasm which brings forth the fruit of patient work. True 
it is that, when Mr. Proctor was here a little while ago, everybody 
was for the time being very much interested in his subject; but 
it would appear that his numerous hearers went to be amused 
rather than instructed, to listen to the popular lecturer and to be 
astonished at the wonders which he had to relate, rather than to 
gain information. At any rate it is quite certain that no endur- 
ing interest in astronomy has ever been excited here. 
But though isolated individuals may do good work in cer- 
tain directions, astronomical science will never make much head- 
way in this colony until we have in it a properly equipped 
colonial observatory. At such an institution systematic and 
regular work would be done by trained observers ; work which 
would be out of the province of an amateur, and indeed beyond 
his reach. The results of the observations would be published 
from time to time, papers would be read by the observers before 
the New Zealand Institute, and in this way an interest in the 
subject would be excited in the minds of very many. If any of 
those were tempted to study the subject on their own account, 
and to try to apply their knowledge to the making of observa- 
tions for themselves, it would be to the official staff of the obser- 
vatory that they would naturally turn for guidance and assistance. 
There is not much reason in the nature of things why this colony 
should not be as distinguished for the pursuit of astronomy as it 
is for that of natural science. But every provision has been made 
for, and every encouragement given to, the study of natural 
science ; there are excellent museums at Wellington, Christ- 
church, and Dunedin, and at each of these places there is a 
certain scientific staff ; at Auckland too there is a museum, and 
