Kidson's first task was to attack the subject of 'the exploration of the upper air' Taylor had commenced it using balloon-sondes. His work was suspended after 1915 because of the difficulty of obtaining the necessary equipment.

Kidson commenced with field balloon ascents for determining upper winds. He obtained the services of a small group to assist him, viz. H. M. Treloar, H. E. Camm, C. McGrath and myself. He instructed us in the techniques and pilot balloon ascents were carried out regularly thereafter, two in the morning and one in the afternoon.

During a spell of strong west winds, the balloon's ascent was affected by turbulence on the leeside of a high building to the east and sometimes the balloon's flight ended among the tree tops in Exhibition Garden. To avoid this, permission was obtained to use the tower at No. 48 Drummond Street for release of the balloon and making the observation when these unfavourable conditions occurred. This building was the office of Atlee Hunt, the first Commonwealth Public Service Arbitrator.

Bureau of Meteorology