DR. PLASKETT TELLS TELESCOPE HISTORY Astronomical Society Hears How Astrophysical Observatory Came to Victoria With the closing of their series of meetings for the Summer, the Vietoria Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada held a final excursion and gathering last night, visiting the Astrophysical observatory Saanich MounDominions tain. Dr. John S. Plaskett contributed the feature of the evening meeting the origin of astronomical research rom when he addressed the gathering in Canada. He went into the history of events that led to the establishment of the astrophysical observatory here and the choice of its location because it was the best suited of any point throughout the whole of Canada. The first Dominion observatory had been at Ottawa, Dr. Plaskett told his audience. There had been a 15-inch reflector for photographic work. At length the need for a large reflecting telescope was felt. Dr. Plaskett toured Europe and America studying the varlous telescopes in existence at that time and eventually planned the one which now stands on Little Saanich mountain. At the time it was built it was the largest of its kind in the world. It was W. E. Harper who decided upon Victoria as the most suitable place for the erection of Canada's giant telescope. The fact that here was found the smallest change of temperature between Summer and Winter seasons of any city in Canada, won for Victoria the observatory. The wind disturbancaly. also small and "seeing." was of the best to be found in the Dominion. Dr. Plaskett also described the telescope and its workings in detail to the society. Instead of training the telescope, for a study of the moon had been planned, owing to a cloudy night, J. A. Pearce gave a short lecture on nebulae and star clusters, illustrated by slides. Both speakers were tendered hearty votes of thanks by the gathering of members, Professor T. H. Elliott, speaking on behalf of the visitors.