Opening of Mount John observatory. 1965-07-10

This recording contains actuality from the opening of the Mount John Observatory at Tekapo on the 10th of July 1965. Mr C.H. Perkins, the Chancellor of the University of Canterbury talks about the relationship the University has with the University of Pennsylvania and their joint aim to map the southern skies. He talks about the origins of looking for a site for the observatory, its erection and surrounding facilities. Pennsylvania University hopes to send students to the Observatory for training and the University of Canterbury provided administration staff. American ambassador Herbert B. Powell gives a speech before declaring the observatory open.