File Finds

This one came from an observer at Inglewood near Bordertown, S.A.:—

Last Tuesday our house was burnt down and with it went all our records. If you want us to continue would you please send along some more paper.

To which Head Office replied by sending sympathy, another supply of forms, and a complete listing of monthly rainfall for the station, and a computer listing of daily rainfall for January 1971 to September 1972.

The observer replied:—

It was very pleasant to get your letter together with the Rainfall Records. So now we are repossessed of our lost Records, with the exception of October.

Thanks ever so much. We do hope you live to a great old age.

And from Palmerville in Queensland:—

I am writing regarding the August, September and October Field Books. During this period I was away on holidays and the old chap who carried on during my absence kept the books pending my return, as he could not manage the small groups of columns on the pages headed "Coded Synoptic Reports as Telegraphed.

However, on the 15th of last month there was a violent wind storm which unroofed the house, smashed windows, and scattered things for miles, and the books went also.

I have the pad that all telegrams sent to Brisbane were entered on, which was blown under a cupboard, so if they will be of any help I shall send them on to you.

Am enclosing the monthly rainfall returns herewith.

I am sorry this happened but didn't know anything about it until I arrived home a few days ago.

It just shows what people go through in the service of meteorology.

Bureau of Meteorology