F 13
Sympiesometer Observations.—In order to test the popular belief in the sympiesometer as a weather forecaster, and to ascertain, if possible, what the instrument actually records, a simple form of the instrument was set up in the thermograph shelter and hourly readings taken from September 15, 1916, to September 30, 1917. The following characteristics were noted :--
(1) The height of the crystals in the liquid.
(2) Whether the surface of the crystals was flat and undisturbed.
(3) Whether the upper portion of the crystals, when disturbed, was conical, or in horizontal, vertical, or inclined flakes.
(4) Whether the flakes were :
(a) inclined at various angles,
(b) closely packed,
(c) well separated.
(5) The hearing from the centre of the glass tube of the highest point of the disturbed portion of the crystals.
The observations have not yet been discussed, but from a preliminary examination it would appear that
(a) the instrument gives a rough idea of the humidity of the air, with a varying lag.
(b) it is useless for forecasting rain.
(c) the variations in the height and character of the crystals diminish with age.
X.-MISCELLANEOUS.
In the month of May the question of a Daylight Saving Measure for Hongkong was referred by Government to the Director of the Observatory, who recommended the adoption of 135th meridian time, in place of 120th meridian time, provided the Chinese and Philippines Governments would make a similar change. A memorandum showing the advantages to be derived from such a measure was forwarded to the above Governments; but neither were able to accept the proposal.
Staff.--No change occurred in the European staff during the year.
Mr. B. D. Evans, First Assistant, was seconded for Military Service. He left the Colony on February 10 and was posted to the 3rd Field Survey Company, Royal Engineers, on April 25.
The Director acted as a censor of cables throughout the year, and Mr. Jeffries, the Chief Assistant, from January 1 to March 11.
Lam Kai-tseung, 5th Grade Computer, was promoted to the 4th Grade on May 4. Leung Sui-sang, 5th Grade Computer, was promoted to 4th Grade Clerk in the Public Works Department on April 16. In consequence, Chan Iu-fong, 6th Grade Telegraphist, was...