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Feidat, 14th November, 1879. The Conference met at the Observatory at 9 a.m. Present: Mr. Ellery, Dr. Hector, Mr. Eussell (Chairman), Mr. Todd. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Todd moved, " That the revision of the preseut telegraph weather code be referred to Messrs. Eussell and Ellery, with a view to its simplification and extension." The resolution, after discussion, was agreed to. Dr. Hector moved, " That the interchange of weather statistics, in carrying out the suggestions of this Conference, between the different Australasian stations, should be in the form of a diagram ; and that this should not interfere with the printing of statistics by the different colonies in any way they like." He would, at the same time, strongly recommend that some uniform system of publication should be gradually approximated. The resolution, after discussion, was agreed to. Mr. Ellery moved, " (1.) That the monthly graphic records for interchange consist of curves, showing barometer, velocity and direction of wind, temperature, humidity, rainfall; with remarks upon weather, especially with reference to storms and atmospheric disturbances; and that specific forms be prepared and distributed to the co-operating colonies. (1.) That the mean humidity curve be derived from the means of maximum and minimum of wet and dry bulb thermometers. (3.) The barometer curve to be constructed from barographic records, so as to depict the turning points. (4.) The temperature curve to represent maximum and minimum and mean for each day (5.) The velocity and direction of the wind to be deduced from the anemometer." The resolution was, after discussion, agreed to. Dr. Hector moved, " That, in the transmission of cablegrams, the reports be generalized from the local weather reports. For New Zealand the following subdivision into districts is recommended for conveyance of reporting : — "A. N.E. aspect .. North Cape to East Cape. B. N W aspect .. Cape Maria to West Cape (exclusive of Cook Straits). C. S. aspect ... West Cape to Moeraki. D. S.E. aspect ... Moeraki to East Cape (exclusive of Cook Straits). E. ~ Cook Straits .. Comprising Wanganui, Wellington, Cape Campbell, and Cape Farewell, Nelson. A code to be framed to express the weather in each of the above aspects in general terms, according to the judgment of the reporter, thus: Aspect. Wind and Weather. | Bain. | Sea. No remark to indicate absence of marked phenomena." The resolution, after discussion, was agreed to. Mr. Ellery moved, " That the cablegrams furnished to Melbourne by Tasmania should conform with those between the Australian Colonies." The resolution was, after discussion, agreed to. Mr. Todd moved, " That weather telegrams from the Australian Colonies shall comprise—(1) Barometer reduced to 32° and sea-level ; (2) dry bulb; (3) humidity; (4) maximum and minimum; (5) direction and velocity of wind; (6) state of weather; (7) rainfall; (8) sea disturbances ; with a synoptical report of the weather generally: and that within New Zealand the same system should be adopted." The resolution, after discussion, was agreed to. Mr. Ellery moved, " That the extreme importance of the weather system proposed be strongly urged upon the Queensland Government, with a view to obtain their more active co-operation." The resolution was, after discussion, agreed to. It was further resolved, " That Australia be divided into six meteorological areas for transmission of reports to New Zealand—-namely, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland ; South Australia being divided into two districts, tropical and extra-tropical." The Conference adjourned at 11.30 a.m., until 7.30 p.m. the same day The Conference met again at 7.30 p.m. Present: Mr. Ellery, Dr. Hector, Mr. Eussell (Chairman), and Mr. Todd. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. It was resolved, "That weather telegrams be written on paper of a special colour, so as to be readily distinguishable in the offices." Mr. Todd moved, " (1.) That the solar radiation thermometers should be blackened-bulb thermometers in vacuo, and should be exposed on an open space at an elevation of 4 feet 6 inches from the surface of the ground, supported by a post carrying two light arms. (2.) And that radiation thermometers be placed over grass." The resolution, after discussion, was agreed to. Mr. Ellery moved, " That the following subjects for experiment be referred to each member of the Conference, for future consideration and report: (1.) Shade temperature. (2.) Swinging thermometer, and thermometer sheds in use. (3.) Standards to be swung with 2 feet 6 inches string during sunshine and after sunset. (4.) Observations to determine the difference in humidity by self-regis-tering maximum and minimum thermometers, and by other methods. (5.) The best method of measuring the velocity and pressure of wind. (6.) Whether any better method than the black-bulb thermometer can be devised for measuring the direct effect of the sun. (7.) As to the best method of determining spontaneous evaporation." The resolution was discussed and agreed to. Mr. Ellery moved, " That, as investigation of the Newcastle tide-gauges has shown that such instruments give valuable indications of distant earthquakes, gales, and sea disturbances, it is desirable, in the opinion of the Conference, that self-registering tide-gauges be established in as many convenient places as possible on the coast in connection with the Meteorological Departments of the different colonies."

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