Notes Prepared by John Hogan
Introduction
I Join the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology
H. A. Hunt (1866–1946) — First Commonwealth Meteorologist
Inigo Jones (1872–1954)
Griffith Taylor, D.SC, B.E., B.A. (1880–1963)
Edward Kidson, O.B.E., D.Sc., F. Inst. P. (1882–1939)
My Recollections of Captain Edward Kidson (R.E) O.B.E, D.Sc., F. Inst. P. (1882–1939)
Macquarie Island
Willis Island
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For years after its inception, the Meteorological Branch was regarded as the backwater of the Commonwealth Service. Juniors did their best to move out, but apart from resignation, other courses of action were definitely limited, for in other departments there was also little staff movement. A few did succeed; one holding accountancy qualifications was transferred to the Taxation Office; another with some University qualifications gained selection as a P.M.G. Cadet Engineer. These moves gave some guide to the avenues for promotion; otherwise the only hope was that one day a Public Service Examination for transfer to the Professional Division as a junior Meteorologist might be held. In anticipation of such an examination, I kept my mathematics and physics alive by night study at the Working Man's College (the precursor of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology). There I pursued a course for two years: a very interesting course which included, in addition to the subjects mentioned, some aspects of civil and mechanical engineering and draughtsmanship.
The examination I was awaiting took place and I was successful; but before promotion could be achieved, the newly-formed Public Service Board established new conditions for promotion to Meteorologist and abolished the old.
The first task the newly-formed Public Service Board set itself was the re-organisation of the whole of the Commonwealth Public Service. It started with the Meteorological Branch and the new Inspectors, like the new broom, swept clean. Professional, Clerical and General Divisions were abolished and First, Second, Third and Fourth Divisions replaced them, the majority of former professional and clerical officers being gathered into the Third Division. In the Meteorological Office, the Board took much of the drudgery from the Clerks and passed it to Machinists. This move resulted in redundant officers for whom positions were found in other Departments; those who remained were given the new title of Meteorological Assistant, a kind of stepping-stone to professional status.
People in Bright Sparcs - Hogan, John
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© Online Edition Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre and Bureau of Meteorology 2001
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