Climate and Statistics (continued)

The Hollerith cards contained 80 columns in which holes were punched to record data. The position of the hole punched in the column registered the number to be recorded and the columns were allocated for the recording of values of pressure, temperature, wind etc and identification of station location, time, date, etc.

Different sets of cards were used to record the results of meteorological observations at the surface and in the upper air (by radiosonde and pilot balloon and radar wind-finding).

The punch-card section grew rapidly as more and more operators were recruited, all with a similar background as that of Albina but each with their own particular story and nationality. They were from at least eight different countries—Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

They were accommodated in a newly acquired but somewhat dilapidated two-storey building in Wills Street in the northern part of the city. Opposite was the Salvation Army Gill Memorial Home for destitute men, many of whom were chronic alcoholics. It was not a salubrious location. It had no heating and was extremely cold in winter. Staff kindled makeshift fires fuelled by discarded punch-cards, 'Nap' Napier produced some ineffectual kerosene heaters and some staff brought portable electric radiators from home.

Des Halsted's staff also included Margaret Pinkerton (Pinky) who supervised the punch-card operators and Fred Leake who provided guidance. Others who served in the Statistical Section were Jack Hogan (not to be confused with the two J. Hogans previously mentioned), Jack Mansfield and Maurice White.

There were many visitors. To say that some invented reasons for their visits would be ungrateful, although it must be admitted that the ladies were friendly and charming. From time to time informal celebrations of birthdays or holidays would attract many colleagues from other Sections. Albina remembers Andy Garriock, Tom Hall, Frank Hannan, J. V. (Jack) Maher, Alan Martin, Arthur Muffatti and Dick White as those whose work frequently brought them into contact with the punch-card ladies.

Bureau of Meteorology