December 1956 School Magazine

BrisbaQ,e Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 1956

Brisbane::: Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 19:6

A MAN-MADE WONDER

THIRD TERM "The time has come," the teachers said, "To learn of many things: Of poems-and trig-and Latin verbs- Of Longman's French-and kings- And how to make an atom bomb- And other potent things." "But, wait a bit," the children cried. "Before we are inspired; For some of us are rather dull, And all of us are tired!" "No hurry," said the teachers then, "Your pass won't be admired." "A good strong cane, " the teachers mused, "Is what we chiefly need: Lines and staying in besides Are very good indeed- Now, since we're ready, children dear, You must begin to heed." " But, oh , not us!" the children cried, Turning a little blue . "After such holidays that would be A dismal thing to do!" "The Romans lived, " the teachers said, "In BC twenty-two." "We weep for You," the teachers said, "We deeply sympathize With sobs and tears the lazy ones Will utter mournful sighs, Seeing the morning Courier No name! No pass! No prize! " "Oh, children dear," the teachers said, "You've had some pleasant fun! Shall we be starting work again?" But answer there was none- And this was scarcely odd, because- Asleep was every one.

The Great Barrier Reef, that wonderful natural formation ex- tending for miles along the Queensland coast is one of our greatest tourist attractions. Each year, hundreds of visitors flock to the reef and visit many of its small but numerous islands .

One such island, situated only sixteen miles from Cairns, is a popular resort, and perhaps the main attraction of Green Island is its unique Underwater Observatory. The observatory, a chamber 25 feet long, 8 feet wide and 7 feet high, is situated on the seabed 16 feet below the surface . The walls are constructed of thick steel plate and strengthened inside and out with five inches of reinforced fero concrete. Twenty- two thick plate glass portholes make viewing an easy task for the observer, who enters by a narrow companionwaY. This remarkable man-made room is not only a useful link in underwater science but also it gives those who have never had the thrill of donning an aqualung, some idea of this truly remark- able world . Here, behind the thick, reinforced walls, one may view with ease many forms of marine life. Beautiful, delicately tinted corals , and anemones which respond with easy motion to the undulating movement of the water, form a glorious back- ground for the thousands of fish which dart about the observatory. It is not uncommon to see a school of brightly coloured fish peep- ing curiously through the portholes or a tiny vividly marked decoy fish swimming, quite unharmed, within easy reach of a deadly anemone. Huge dams, agape and waiting for prey, give un- pleasant reminders of the dangers lurking amidst this marine beauty. The chamber, now to be found near the Green Island jetty, was constructed at Cairns and towed to its present position. Pre- cautionary measures were taken by bolting a number of tram rails to it and driving them into surrounding coral. This brought the total weight to 100 tons. It is quite amazing when we con- sider that to build, launch and fix the chamber into position took only twelve months. The Underwater Observatory, completed a little over two years ago, gives one a clear and lasting impression, although but a glimpse, of the marine world uninfluenced by man . It would be of benefit, not only to science, but also to mankind in general if more such observatories were to be built; for with the advances being made in this field, it is fitting that everyone should possess some knowledge of the creatures which dwell beneath the sea. -HELEN GOOCH, IYb. 48

-With apologies to "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll. --HELEN LING and TON I MILLER, IYd.

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