The next station at which pilot balloon observations were made was Willis Island, they started there in 1922. These observations were extended to Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide Divisional Offices and then in October 1934 to Darwin, when a meteorological office was established primarily for the purpose of providing a meteorological service for aircraft crew who were competing in an air race (the MacRobertson Air Race from London to Melbourne) which was a prominent feature in the celebrations to mark Melbourne's centenary. With the additional data obtained from pilot balloon ascents, Kidson commenced issuing forecasts for aviation in the mid-thirties. By this time radio broadcasting had been established, and his forecasts were telephoned to Point Cook R.A.A.F. Station and to A.B.C. headquarters in Melbourne.

I got to know Kidson better than most in the Bureau. In the first place, I found myself, on return from Willis Island, in a newly established Research Section of which Kidson was in charge. With me there was H. E. Camm, both as Meteorological Assistants. But of greater interest to me was his company as we walked to and from the office. Our paths coincided between the office and a point in Yarra Park near the M.C.G. It was a pleasant walk, the greater part of which went diagonally through the Fitzroy Gardens, and perhaps conducive to conversation.

Bureau of Meteorology