Observatory.

The time-ball service for Wellington is at present suspended, as the ball was dismounted when the old Custom House was removed. Arrangements are being made, however, for its re-erection in a prominent position. In the meantime the Telegraph Department continues to be supplied with mean time, and time signals are furnished to Lyttelton and to various private persons by galvanometers.

In reply to an application from the Home Government, arrangements are being made for organizing a corps of local observers for the forthcoming Transit of Venus in December, to assist the party of observers that are to be sent out from Greenwich Observatory.