Notes

Abstract

ON Friday last, Mr. Isaac Roberts, F.R.S., of Maghull, Liverpool, was presented with an address on the occasion of his removal from Liverpool to his new observatory near Tunbridge Wells. The presentation took place in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall before a large and representative assembly. The Mayor (Mr. Thomas Hughes), who presided, referred in eulogistic terms to the services rendered to astronomy by Mr. Roberts in his chosen field of celestial photography. Principal Rendall proposed the adoption of the address, in which reference was made to Mr. Roberts's long and honourable business career in Liverpool, and to the important discoveries made by him in stellar photography. The address was signed by the Mayor, Principal Rendall and the Professorial staff of University College, many members of the City Council and of learned and scientific Societies in Liverpool, and other prominent citizens. Mr. John Hartnup, of the Bidston Observatory, seconded the motion, and it was supported by Mr. A. G. White, the President of the Master Builders' Association. The Mayor then made the presentation, Mr. Roberts, in responding, drew attention to the fact that the city contained no monument or record of the labours of the two great Liverpool astronomers, Lassell and Jeremiah Horrocks, and expressed his willingness to join in any movement having that object in view. He also explained that his reasons for leaving Liverpool were because of the unsuitable nature of the atmosphere for taking observations.