When the mirror and telescope are adjusted in such a manner that any given object is reflected along the tube, and forms an image in the focus of the eyepiece, the telescope can remain fixed in this position, and the mirror will keep the object constantly in view as long as it remains above the horizon. In place of the telescope, a camera or spectroscope can be mounted.

The transit house is an iron louvred room, unique in design, so as to afford terrestrial and atmospheric stability for the very delicate measures which are made with the transit circle. This instrument consists of a large telescope, with an object glass 6 inches in diameter, mounted in such a manner that it is always in the meridian, or true north and south line in the sky. The most popular use of this instrument is in the dctermination of the true time, but its

ment, combined with the rotation of the drum, causes the pen to describe a continuous helix. By introducing an electric current, the pen is caused to make a short off-set at the commencement of each second by the sidereal clock. When the time of any phenomenon is to be noted-for example, the passage of a star across the centre line of the transit circle an electric key is pressed, whereupon an additional off-set is marked by the pen, and the exact moment can be marked on the sheet with any required degree of accuracy. The maintenance of correct time is generally obtained by means of the transit circle. The right ascensions of about 400 of the brightest stars have been constantly observed for some centuries, and their positions can be prognosticated for many years in advance with the greatest certainty. This is actually done for about three years ahead, and the results published in the nautical almanac. Theoretically, it

real use is the determination of the exact positions of any celestial objects. Just as the situation of a locality upon the earth's surface is fixed upon when we know its latitude and longitude, so the position of a celestial object is fixed upon when the astronomer has determined its declination and right ascension; that is, its distance in degrees, etc., north or south of the celestiai equator (corresponding to the terrestrial latitude) and its angular distance east of a point upon the celestial equator, known as the

first point in Aries" (corresponding to the terrestrial longitude). In a corner of the transit room stands a fine chronograph for recording the exact instant when a phenomenon It consists of a paper-covered occurs. barrel, which rotates in exactly one minute, and is controlled by a standard sidereal clock. A fountain pen rests lightly upon the paper, and is moved slowly along in a direction parallel to the axes of the cylinder. This move

would be sufficient to observe the time of passage of any one of the tabulated stars across the central thread of the transit circle, but in practice the time of passage over seven wires is taken, and several stars are observed in order to eliminate accidental inaccuracies in the observations. By means of a simple computation, the sidereal is converted into standard time, and the error of the standard clock is obtained. This error is corrected in the astronomer's clock by the aid of electricity, which is his most useful servant. The pendulum of the clock has a magnetic attachment arranged in such a manner that when an electric current is allowed to flow through it the rate is very slowly accelerated or retarded. This operation is usually performed at the Observatory every forenoon, in order that the one o'clock signal may be absolutely correct. The standard clock automatically issues electric signals every hour, which perform the following functions that the

public can appreciate: They regulate the public clock at the Observatory gate, the two clocks in the principal telegraph operating room at the General Postoffice, and thence a signal is sent to all the telegraph stations throughout the colony at noon daily. They drop a timeball at Messrs. Frost and Shipham's window, in Hay-street, Perth, at exactly 1 p.m. every day. They drop a public time-ball at Fremantle at 1 p.m. daily, and at any other hour required by captains of mail steamers. This is of great assistance to navigators, enabling them to rate their chronometers for the very long run to Colombo, or the shorter but more stormy passage across the Great Australian Bight to Adelaide. The electric signals also regulate a parent clock at the principal railway stations, whence time signals are communicated daily throughout the State railway system. In addition to those automatic signals, the time is given by telephone to firms responsible for the town clocks in Perth and Fremantle, and to numerous watchmakers and others interested in keeping true time.

All the instruments in use at the Perth Observatory are the latest and best known to science. The transit circle was made by Messrs. Troughton and Simms, and is mounted in an iron room of special design constructed by Sir Howard Grubb. The astrographic equatorial is of the standard pattern by Sir Howard Grubb, and the chronograph is one of that gentleman's latest designs. The mean and sidereal clocks and chronometers are by Kullberg.

From a scientific point of view, the permanent work done at the Perth Observatory is much more important than the ephemeral, but much more popular, work of issuing weather charts and recording true time. Some years ago a representative meeting of astronomers was held in Paris, when it was agreed that the time was ripe for an international attempt to chart the sky by means of photography upon a scale never hitherto dreamed of. All the important observatories agreed to co-operate, and a suitable zone was allotted to each; and the establishment of the Perth Observatory was hailed with delight. Upon the advice of the Astronomer-Royal, it was equipped with two beautiful instruments required for the international work. By means of the astrograph, a small region of the sky is photographed. This gives a picture of all the stars down to the eleventh magnitude, and their relative positions can be measured with as great nicety upon a negative as in the telescope, or even more so. About a dozen, selected from each plate, are observed with the transit circle, and their exact positions thus obtained. From the known values of these selected stars, the exact places of all on the plate can then be determined, and eventually the world I will be enriched with a most magnificent catalogue giving very accurate positions to every object in the sky as bright or brighter than an eleventh magnitude star, all reduced to the epoch January 1, 1900. This will mark the first definite stage in the pursuit of our knowledge of the construction of the universe and the evolution and mechanics of the solar systems-a pursuit in which we, as members of a mighty whole, are so vitally interested. This State is now working in

unison with the rest of the civilised world. Eighteen well-equipped observatories were required to participate, and fifteen have already been at work for some years. Perth has been honoured by an invitation to take up the last zone, for which the geographical position is remarkably adapted, as this region passes almost through our zenith.

It will be interesting at this stage to glance at the meteorological instruments, and note the uses to which they are put. The most important for forecasting purposes is the barometer, or its companion the barograph. It is practically an instrument for weighing the atmosphere, the weight of which, constantly varying in the narrow limits, causes the rise and fail of the barometer. The barograph is a barometer to which a recording apparatus is fixed in such a manner that the rise and fall are automatically recorded, and can be seen on a casual inspection. The thermometers are kept in a louvred box, known as the Stevenson screen. In it are a dry and wet bulb hygrometer, and a maximum and minimum, both dry and wet. These instruments are manufactured especially for the Australian climate. The dry and wet bulbs show the temperature at any moment, and the temperature of the evaporation. By means of suitable tables, the degree of humidity and the amount of moisture in a cubic foot of air can be obtained. Near the Stevenson screen on the lawn are placed thermometers for recording the temperature of the sun. A novel method of measuring temperature is supplied by the platinum resistance thermometer. Alteration of temperature affects substances in various ways. One of the most obvious is their lineal expansion and contraction. Another effect of change of temperature is to alter the amount of resistance to the flow of an electric current, and for utilising this a fine platinum wire is found very convenient. The thermo

pluviometer. The latter is a self-recording rain-gauge, from the records of which it can be seen at a glance exactly when each shower started, when it finished, and how many points fell. The atmidometer measures the depth of the evaporation from a free surface of water, and gives surprising results. It was 79 inches in 1898 and 66 inches in 1899. At Coolgardie it amounts to about 100 inches in the year. The anemometer tower, dominating the main observatory building, is a noticeable feature, and supports the self-recording wind instrument. This consists of a vane to show the direction of the wind, and four revolving cups to record the velocity. By means of a very simple instrument, they are compelled to write a history of their variable lives upon sheets of paper. The wind record is only second to that of the barometer for forecasting purposes.

From the foregoing description of the instruments in use at the observatory, it will be gathered that the "clerk of the weather" has a busy time in formulating and distributing the information at his command. From 32 stations, carefully selected from geographical considerations, readings of barometer, dry and wet bulb, maximum and minimum thermometers, direction and force of the wind, amount of rain for the previous 24 hours. cloudiness and general state of the weather are transmitted to the Observatory daily at 8 a.m. the weather clerk prepares his daily reFrom these, port, which is written in chromographic ink, and distributed to various places in Perth and to important coastal towns. The report is also telegraphed to other States, and they reciprocate by sending returns from selected places. After these reports have been disposed of, the Isobar map of Australia is prepared, showing the region of high and low barometric pressure. The Government Astronomer then writes his forecast, which is simply

a scientific deduction based upon ascertained facts and working hypotheses.

The facts available daily are all too few. He has no certain knowledge of the atmospheric conditions to the west of him, but, in order to frame a forecast, is compelled to deduce what there are likely to be from the known distribution of pressure over the mainland, and is then in a position to say what kind of weather is likely to advance from the Gcean towards the west and south-west coasts. By strictly confining himself to the ensuing twenty-four hours, Mr. Cooke has been remarkably successful in his forecasts, the percentage of perfectly correct results having been 91 in 1898 and 82 in 1899. These figures bear favourable comparison with any in the world. Besides the early morning weather reports, special forecasts are prepared for the metropolitan and goldfields press. Valuable statistics are also collected, and will in time furnish valuable information of immense practical utility to those wishing to settle on the land.

tion in astronomy. In fact, a good deal of educational work is being done there that more properly belongs to a university.

The last illustrations in connection with this section, dealing with the Observatory, embrace photographs of the comet which was visible in Western Australia during April and May of this year, and for these we are indebted to the courtesy of Mr. W. E. Cooke, M.A., the Government Astronomer, who kindly placed prints from the negatives at our disposal.

The following are the present members of the Observatory staff:-Mr. W. Ernest Cooke, M.A., F.R.A.S., Government Astronomer; Mr. H. M. Josceyline, B A.. first assistant; Mr. B. B. Curlewis, B.A., astronomical computer and observer; Mr. G. F. Johns, senior astrographic observer; Mr. C. Nossiter, photographer and clerk; Mr. R. B. Ackland, junior astrographic observer; Mr. G. A. Cooper, weather clerk; Mr. C. S. Yeates, mechanic; Mr. T. Carey, apprentice.

THE GOVERNMENT ASTRONOMER.

When the West Australian Government decided to establish an observatory, the position of Government Astronomer was offered to and accepted by Mr. Cooke, who arrived in this State in January, 1896. By the advice of the Astronomer Royal of England, Mr. Cooke visited the old country in order to superintend the construction of the astronomical instruments, and took full advantage of the opportunity to embody the very latest scientific ideas, and also included a number of improvements which his experience at Adelaide had suggested. On his return to the State, and whilst the instruments and buildings were being erected, Mr. Cooke visited nearly all the meteorological stations, travelling as far north as Wyndham, and inland to the Murchison. He thoroughly reorganised this important service, equipped each station, where necessary, with new instruments, and instructed the observers in the proper discharge of their scientific duties. From the time of that visit onward, he has never lost touch with the out-stations, as he considers that a systematic inspec

W. E. COOKE.

tion of the officers and their work is essential for obtaining reliable statistics. But, whilst looking after the country, the city was not neglected. Weather reports and charts of every description appeared regularly in the hall of the General Post-office, and forecasts were issued for the first time. Their success led to requests for local forecasts from the goldfields press, and gradually the system extended until now the daily issue is as follows: One at noon and one at 8 p.m. for the colony generally; one at 9 a.m. for Perth and its neighbourhood for the day; one for the Murchison and one for the Coolgardie fields at noon; and one for the fields at 8 p.m., published next morning in the daily press at Southern Cross, Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Kanowna, and Menzies.

The public time was found to be in a most unsatisfactory condition, and Mr. Cooke took this in hand almost immediately upon his arrival in the State, using a borrowed theodolite and chronometer, which were afterwards replaced by the Observatory transit circle and sidereal clock. At first all he could do was to regulate a chronometer in charge of the chief operator of the telegraph department, but now the time service is so complete that it is "on tap" at every railway and telegraph station throughout the State; and the mail steamers and other vessels at Fremantle can regulate their chronometers by the time-ball, which drops at 1 p.m. daily, as well as at any other hour specially asked for.

But Mr. Cooke is only just now directing his energies to what he conceives to be the real scientific duties of the Observatory. Hitherto, he has been burdened with the accumulations of meteorological observations which had been taken at Perth and many out-stations during the previous 25 years. have, at last, been re-examined and discussed, and the results tabulated and "The embodied in a volume entitled Climate of Western Australia," which is going through the press, and will shortly be issued.

These

Meanwhile, and in order to pave the way for the necessary freedom from interruption, Mr. Cooke bas made a special point of throwing open the Observatory to visitors, of whom a great number from all parts of the State have taken advantage of the opportunity and been much impressed with the sidereal wonders presented to their vision in the large equatorial. He has also contributed regular monthly notes to the press, calling attention to the principal astronomical phenomena during the coming month; has delivered a number of popular astronomical lectures, both in city and country; and, in the event of any special occurrence, such as a comet or eclipse, has given the fullest information to the public.

Recently, as mentioned elsewhere, the International Astronomical Committee have invited the Perth Observatory to become one of the co-operating observatories in the great International Photographic Scheme. The West Australian Government have consented to this, and ale providing the necessary assistance, so that this State has the satisfaction of secing its Observatory, the site of which only four years ago was a scrub-covered sand-hill, now taking its rank, and performing the same work as such old and famous institutions as those of Greenwich, Paris, Berlin, and the Cape of Good Hope; and to Mr. Cooke's untiring zeal must be given some of the credit for this result.

Population.

The subject of population is one that is particularly interesting in connection with Western Australia, and can now be treated in a fairly accurate manner, because, on March 31, 1901, there was a general numbering of the people throughout all the Australian States and New Zealand. The value of the statistical investigations, it will be at once seen, is indispensable for the proper consideration of political, social, and economic questions. Under federation they form a necessary basis by which the relative importance of the several States can be gauged, and upon which they can be called upon to contribute towards the general revenue in such matters as defence, quarantine, and mail and telegraph subsidies. To Western Australia, as an individual State, the last census returns furnish a very valuable indication of progress. Until these numbers were ascertained, Western Australia was considered to be the least populcus of the group, Tasmania having a small lead. Now, the two States change places, Tasmania being at the bottom of the list with 171,966, while Western Australia has a population of 182,553, with a strong probability of a steady increase for some years to come. The first Australian census was taken in 1828, but in a very imperfect manner according to twentieth century ideas. From 1861 the census was taken decennially, but for many years the registrars in each State followed methods of their own. In order to secure exactitude and

New Zealand has a population of 816,289. From these figures the relative positions of the several States can be seen at a glance. Before giving some Getails of the late census, it will be interesting to note that since the census taken in April, 1891, the population of Western Australia has increased from 49,782 to 182,553. This increase is, of course, very unusual, and is largely due to immigration, induced by the brighter prospects of this State, chiefly from the eastern States, of 117,503, and 15,268 by excess of births over deaths, making a total of 132,771. The increase per cent. since the former census amounts to 266.70, which is a rate of progress not likely to be repeated during the current decennial period. The population in thirty-seven magisterial districts of Western Australia is as follows:

Day Dawn Newcastle Esperance Leonora

Malcolm Beverley Bulong Gingin Cossack Nannine

Municipal government was begun in 1871, when Perth, Fremantle, Albany, Geraldton, Bunbury, Busselton, Guildford, and York were proclaimed municipalities. Since then the number has gradually increased, but the scattered nature of the population retards the multiplication of these useful means of local government,

The question of the proportion of the sexes is a very important one in connection with census matters, and in this respect Western Australia stands in an exceptional position. In Australia, as a whole, the female population Increased Guring the last census period from 1,474,314 to 1,788,264, that is, by 313,950, while the male population increased from 1,708,943 to 1,988,948, that is, by only 280,005. The increase in the proportion of females during the ten years has been brought about solely by there being fewer deaths amongst them than amongst the males, the excess of male deaths being 76,119. In Western Australia the proportion of females to each 100 males was 62.86, the census numbers being 112,094 males to 70,759 females. As would naturally be expected, the proportion between the sexes more even in the towns and setwas much tled districts than in the bush and in mining camps. The Perth magisterial district had 87.51 females to each 100 males; Wellington had a proportion of 79.47; York, 77.06; Victoria, 75.32; Plantagenet, 74.29; Fremantle, 71.56; Toodvay, 71.13; Williams, 70.14. Coming to the remote goldfields the disproportion is very marked. At Kimberley the proportion of females to males was only

6.40 per cent.; Broome, 7.29; Pilbarra, 8.02. The older municipalities show up in a more satisfactory manner. Guildford had the largest proportion of females to males, the former numbering 721 as against 703 males, or a percentage of 102.56; York had 101.93; Newcastle, 101.79; Albany. 100.67; Bunbury, 99.51. Amongst the municipalities suburban to Perth, Subiaco shows a percentage of 96.42 per cent. of females to males; Claremont, 92.76; Leederville, 91.37; Victoria Park, 89.18; East Fremantle, 87.99; North Fremantle, 80.39; Fremantle, 76.12. The goldfields statistics show great disproportions between the sexes. At Coolgardie the percentage was 76.45 females to males; Bulong, 68.94; Malcolm, 70.75; Norseman, 69.28; Boulder, 68.94; Kanowna, 65.08; Kalgoorlie, 65.03; Mount Morgans, 27.78; Nannine, 29.17.

The statistics relating to Perth and suburbs show that the residents number 19,057 males and 17,142 females, making a total of 36,199. The proportion of sexes is very evenly balanced throughout, showing a percentage of 89.95 females to males. In these districts there were 103.47 females to every 100 males when the 1881 census was taken. At the next census, 1891, the proportion had fallen to 99.27, and at the last census, owing to the large influx of males from the eastern States, there was a further decrease to 89.18 per cent. The figures quoted in this article emphasise the fact that population is greatly wanted in Western Australia. The State has an area of 975,920 miles, but the density of the population only amounts to 0.19 per square mile. Australia, as a whole, has a little more than one and a quarter persons to the square mile, which is less than eighty-fifth of the density of Europe, and about one-eighth of the density of North and South America. Victoria, the most populous of the Australian States, in proportion to area, has 13.63 persons to the square mile.

Industrial.

The various

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industries of Western Australia give every promise of rapid and continuous expansion. With their expansion the opportunities afforded to the skilled and unskilled labourer to obtain remunerative employment will certainly increase. The policy of the Government of the country is to give the labourer every opportunity of becoming a producer, and of turning the labour of his hands to the most profitable account both for himself and for the State. Fruit-growing, vegetable-growing, poultry-raising and pig-breeding are all branches of industry which the man of small means might well undertake, since cheap land and good markets are assured to him. Every labourer is, of course, not fitted to at once undertake agricultural pursuits on his own account. However, the man who has some knowledge of farm work, is prepared to work, and has a little capital, will find that, with the assistance afforded him by the State, profitable farming is within his reach. The increasing activity in agri

cultural circles has made great demands upon the supply of suitable labour available.

Reports are periodically issued from the Government Labour Bureau embodying returns from the various Resident Magistrates showing the conditions of the labour market throughout the State. From the latest available report of the Bureau it would appear that there is, and has been for some time, a great dearth of agricultural labourers in all the farming districts. At the gold-mining centres of Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Boulder and Kanowna the supply of labour equals the demand in all branches, the only exception being in the case of female domestic servants, who are also scarce at Perth, Fremantle, Collie, Esperance, Albany and at other places.

With regard to the scarcity of female servants, it may be mentioned that the Government provides for the immigration of servant girls at intervals. In July, 1901, 45 girls reached Fremantle under the care of the Immigration Department in the s.s. "Perthshire," while within the preceding few months two batches of 50 each were landed.

The want of agricultural labourers will be found referred to in the accounts given in this work of various farms throughout the State. Forest Ranger Paterson, of Chidlow's Wells district, in his report to the Government of June, 30, 1901, writes: "The scarcity of labour prevailing in agricultural districts will be mainly responsible for a considerably reduced area under cultivation this season." Inspector Randford, the Government Land Agent at Katanning, in his report of the same date, also mentions the scarcity of farm labour in his district, but adds that, notwithstanding this, the area under crop will be largely increased owing to the influx of farmers into the district from the eastern States.

The Mining Industry affords employment to a large number of men. Here, also, owing to the general policy pursued by the Government, every inducement is offered the individual of bePublic coming a producer of gold. batteries have been erected in several districts on the goldfields, at which prospectors may have their quartz crushed at a reasonable rate. This enables the worker, in many cases, to draw the reward for his labour direct from the riches of the earth. According to the last report of the Mines Department available at the time of writing, the number of men employed in gold, coal, copper, lead and tin mines in the State was 17,131, of whom 8,287 worked above and 8,844 below ground. To these are to be added the prospectors searching for alluvial gold, numbering 4,920, making the total 22,051. The great majority of these are, of course, engaged in gold-mining. In addition to those mentioned a large number of men are employed on the various mining fields in the carriage, with horse-teams, of machinery and stores. Most of the carrying of stores from the railway termini to the distant parts of the fields is, however, done by camels, with Afghan drivers. It is contemplated, under Federation, to prohibit any further importation of alien labour, and in such case a wider field, in this direction, will be Timberopened to the white labourer.

getting for the mines also provides a good deal of employment for men and horse-teams, and most of this work is done by small contractors. Storekeeping and the building, blacksmithing and other necessary trades engage a large number of men in the various mining townships. The timber industry is one that creates many avenues of employment. About 3,000 men are directly employed by the various forest sawmills, while a fairly large number is engaged in the town sawmills. This does not, of course, represent anything near the full number of people whose means of livelihood depend upon the the working of the mills. The State employs directly a very large number of employes in the Railways, Public Works and various other departments under its control-the number being greatly increased by the carrying out of very large works like the Coolgardie Water Scheme and Fremantle Harbour Works. In addition, there is a big outlet for labour in the Pastoral, Fishing, Pearling and Guano industries, while the amount of shipping at the various ports also gives a large amount of employment. In 1900 the number of vessels trading with Western Australia was 769 in and 747 out; the amount of tonnage inward being 1,625,696 tons, and outward 1,606,332 tons. The sandalwood trade is one that also employs a number of men in cutting and carting. In 1900 5,095 tons of this wood, valued at £39,038, were exported, principally to Hong-kong, China, and Singapore. There are also in the State a small number of persons who live by the sale of native skins. The value of kangaroo skins exported during 1900 was £13,299, and of opossum skins, £2,237.

MANUFACTURES.

The manufactures of the State are making steady progress. The impetus they received owing to the influx of population in 1892 was not as great as might be expected. Owing to want of competition in shipping circles at the time, and to the great amount of traffic, freights on the raw material imported were very high. Again, although the population was increasing by leaps and bounds, it was difficult to secure a supply of skilled labour owing to the desire of everyone to try his fortune on the goldfields. Recently, however, things having become more settled, the manufacturing industry has begun to assume greater proportions. There are at the present time 10,980 persons, of whom 10,134 are males and 846 are females, engaged in the various industrial establishments of the State. The local manufacturers are protected in many directions, while the free list includes nearly all the raw material used by them. Under Federation Western Australia has the privilege of retaining her interState duties on a sliding scale, if she so desires, for a period of five years from the imposition of the Federal tariff. If she so elects, these duties will be diminished by 20 per cent. each year, until at the expiration of five years they will be extinguished. The local manufacturers have no fear but that at the end of the five years they will be able to compete, without any fear of the result, with the manufacturers of the eastern States. This can be readily