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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 2328      2007 Apr 17 15.41UT
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise,  Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP,England.Telephone/FAX(01256)471074Int:+441256471074
INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK      Backup: gmh@wdcc1.bnsc.rl.ac.uk
WORLD WIDE WEB                         http://www.theastronomer.org
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FRANK BATESON (1909-2007)
A note has appeared on AAVSO bulletins today that Frank Bateson, 
Director of the Variable Star Section of RASNZ, has died on April 14 at 
the age of 97.

Although I never had the privilege of meeting Frank, there has been a 
close relationship between the RASNZ and the BAAVSS, of which I am a 
committee member, on a wide variety of variable star issues.

In addition I exchanged correspondence with him many years ago about 
southern variables when I had the opportunity to observe some from the 
unique site at Earls Barton and his group kindly supplied charts.

The Variable Star Section of the Royal Astronomical Society of New 
Zealand was founded in 1927 by Dr Frank Bateson who retired as director 
at the end of 2004. This extraordinary length of service to such a vital 
section undoubtedly means many observers will owe a huge debt of 
gratitude for the support given by Frank over that time.

Frank has been honoured in New Zealand with an OBE and honorary 
doctorate from Waikato University.

Our condolences to Frank's relatives and numerous friends throughout the 
world.

Guy M Hurst