Computer—Important Forward Step

Commissioning the Bureau' s computer, Mr. Kingsland said it was an important step in meeting the growing needs for general and specialised weather information.

Its basic purpose was to improve meteorological services to the nation as a whole through increased accuracy, an extended procedure of forecasts and warnings and by better statistical and consultative Processes. He said forecasts and weather analysis charts on a global scale were becoming increasingly important as high speed aircraft and telecommunication channels shrank the distance between countries.

Melbourne played a key role in the World Weather Watch network. It was the only centre in the southern hemisphere to collect, process and exchange meteorological data on a global scale for the World Meteorological Organisation. Two other cities to complete the chain were Moscow and Washington. Mr. Kingsland said the computer would be invaluable in that operation. A second similar machine would be installed later for use mainly as a standby and for research on new weather forecasting techniques.

Mr. Kingsland said the Bureau of Meteorology was of immense value to the nation, saving an estimated 300 million dollars annually with timely weather warnings.

Bureau of Meteorology