TEACHING METEOROLOGY

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 58, Issue 215, 11 October 1929, Page 8

TEACHING METEOROLOGY

HON. G. J. GARLAND'S MOTION.

GOUNCIL SUPPORT S PROPOSAL, AVELLINGTON, Last night. The Hon. G. J. Garland moved in the Legislative Council to-day, "That in view of the vital importance of meteorology in aerial navigation (especially of airsliips) and also in agriculture, the Council urges the Government to> take steps — (1) to eiisure the teaching of meteorology in public schools and in one at least^of the nniversity colleges ; and (2) to 1 ucrease the stafl and equipment of the meteorological office sufficientlv to enahle it to provide a complete and modern service, particularly* for aviation and agriculture, and so as to he enabled to devote adequate time to research into tlie special problems of the Dominion. The 1110 ver said new ohservation, stations should he estahlished at Campbell Island, Sunday Islaud and Lord Howe Island as the coinmencement of a bigger scheme. The Hon. J. A. Hannan opposed the motion, asking what Mr Garland would cut out of the school syllabus to make room for the new subjeet. Tlie Leader of the Council (the H011 T. K. Sidey) said the matter had not heen overlooked in the public schools and not entirely in tlie universities. The fundamentals of meteorology were included in at least two degree courses. He referred to reccnt improvenieiits made in the 'meteorological service of the Dominion. The Hon. G. M. Thomson expressed sympatliy with the ideu, of the motion, but Sir Rohert Stout descrihed it as ahsurd, as there were not suffieiont teachers to teach the snhiect in the scliools. "AVhy teacli children of ten years -of age to hecome weather propliets?" he asked. Tlie motion was carried hy 29 votes to six.