Hong Kong Observatory [????- ]

Submitted by philk on Mon, 10/20/2008 - 09:23
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From Observatory's website, via 80sKid:

The idea of setting up a meteorological observatory in Hong Kong was first proposed by the Royal Society in 1879. It was considered that Hong Kong was 'favourably situated for the study of meteorology in general and typhoons in particular'. Indeed, typhoons at that time were of great concern to the infant port of Hong Kong, and the proposal was therefore welcomed by the Hong Kong Government. After considerable investigation and deliberation, the proposal was eventually approved in 1882. Dr. W. Doberck was appointed Government Astronomer (the first director of the Observatory) and following his arrival in Hong Kong in the summer of 1883, the Hong Kong Observatory was established in the same year.

Early operations of the Observatory included meteorological observations, magnetic observations, a time service based on astronomical observations and a tropical cyclone warning service. In 1912, King George V granted the title Royal Observatory, Hong Kong, in recognition of the department's services - a title that remained until reunification with China on 1 July 1997, when the original name was restored.

Here's the 1930s photo again, with a red "^" pointing at what looked like it could be a 3-storey tower between the 1883 building and the staff quarters:

HK Observatory
HK Observatory, by Admin

 

Looking at this photo again, I think the 'tower' is probably the end wall of a building in the distance:

HK Observatory with building in the distance
HK Observatory with building in the distance, by Admin