Page:History of the Royal Astronomical Society (1923).djvu/254

 222 HISTORY OF THE [1880-1920 places ultimately based on observations of the sun, and here the elimination of systematic errors is of vital importance. In a paper published in volume 54 of the Monthly Notices (p. 344, 1894 April), Gill discussed various points connected with this subject and asked whether steps should be taken for a more complete organisation of astronomical work, and whether it was desirable to hold an international congress to make preliminary arrangements. This paper was considered at two meetings of the Council in 1894, and various astronomers at home and abroad were consulted. In the end it was decided that it was not advisable for the Society to convene a congress on astronomy of precision. In the endeavours made from time to time during recent years to put the Australian Observatories on a more satisfactory footing and to establish an Observatory for solar research in New Zealand, the Society has not been called upon for advice or support. The question has also been raised whether a Solar Observatory ought to be established in Australia, and the advocates of this movement took advantage of the presence in Australia of members of the British expedition to observe the eclipse of 1911 April n in the Tonga Islands, to call attention to the subject. Father Cortie, chief of the expedition, visited and reported very favourably on a proposed site.* A joint deputation of the British Association and the Royal Astronomical Society tried to take advantage of the presence in London of Mr. Fisher, Premier of the Common- wealth, but though he was unavoidably prevented from receiving them, they interviewed another member of his Cabinet and pointed out the importance for solar research of filling the gap in longitude, which could only be obviated by an Australian Solar Observatory. The excellent climatic conditions were also emphasised. ( Solar research in another favourable locality outside Europe has also been encouraged by the Society. In 1915, when Mr. Evershed undertook his first expedition to Kashmir to investigate the suitability of the climatic conditions for solar work, the Council was willing to co-operate by joining the Indian Government in sending out an independent observer of distinction. But as he was unable to be absent from his post for the necessary length of time, the proposal fell through. The help of the Council was invoked in 1905 on the trouble- some subject of lunar nomenclature. In his third paper on the determination of selenographical positions,! Saunder drew atten- f Since this account was sent to the printer, the welcome news has been received that a Solar Observatory has been sanctioned by the Government, and the appointment of a Director is imminently expected. J Memoirs, 57, 47. For a fuller statement of the difficulties see Monthly Notices, 60, 41.
 * The Observatory, 34, 360.