William Ernest Cooke, B.A.,
BORN at Payneham, S.A,, July 21, 1863. Educated at the Port Adelaide Grammar School, Mr. T. Caterer's Grammar School, Norwood, and at St. Peter's College, occupying in every instance a leading position as a scholar. At the latter emporium of learning, he began on the fifth form, obtained scholarships for classics and mathematics, and ultimately the Farrell Scholarship, of the annual value of £50. In November 1878, the Government Astronomer desired the services of a cadet at the Observatory, and Mr. Cooke obtained the position. In 1879 he entered for the Civil Service Examination, and passed with credit at the head of the list, and also at the Matriculation Examination. He next entered his name on the roll book of the University, obtained exemption from lectures, and devoted his spare time to reading up the necessary subjects. In 1882, he passed the final examination for the B. A. degree, obtaining the senior position, and at the same time competed for the South Australian Scholarship, open to all the young men in the colony. He succeeded in obtaining this coveted prize, but just at that period the then Assistant Astronomer left the colony for New Zealand, and as the Government offered the place to Mr. Cooke he accepted it, thereby, of course, forfeiting his claim to the scholarship. Since his appointment he has cooperated more practically with the Government Astronomer in the scientific duties assigned him; and the annual meteorological reports, which have earned a world-wide reputation as some of the best in the southern hemisphere, have been rendered more useful than ever. Great care has been bestowed upon reports from outstations; the pluvial statistics have been vastly improved, and astronomical observations have been more systematically conducted. During Mr. Todd's absence in England, Mr. Cooke acted as Government Astronomer.
