THE OFFICIAL OPENING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21989, 13 January 1937, Page 10

THE OFFICIAL OPENING

MINISTER WELCOMES VISITORS SCIENCE ESSENTIAL TO PROGRESS (PIIE9S ASSOCIATION TELEOBAiI.) AUCKLAND, January 12. The Science Congress opened tonight at the Town Hall, when a distinguished gathering assembled. The Governor-General, Lord Galway, officially opened the congress. The Hon. D. G. Sullivan then welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Government. Sir Douglas Mawson briefly introduced the new president, Sir David Rivett, who then delivered the presidential address, and Senator McLachlan proposed a vote of thanks to Sir David Rivett. A welcome to the overseas visitors was given by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government. He was glad, said the Minister, that one of the main purposes of was to encourage the viewing of major problems from as many aspects as possible, and to help the lay public to appreciate the rapid advances that were being made in all branches of science. This-should stimulate a more general understanding of the scientific method in its application to the broader problems of social needs. It was necessary to take trouble—scientific trouble—in orcjer to solve serious social and economic problems, which scientific progress had brought in its train. Science must not be frustrated, but developed as a social function, because it was the basis of modem civilisation, and of plans for improved standards of life. In proposing a vote of thanks to Sir David Rivett, Senator McLachlan paid a tribute to his work as chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Council for Scientific and Industrial Research since its inception in 1926. The Empire owed much to the work which the association had done within its geographical sphere, but much more remained to be done if the Empire was to maintain its place. Trade and commerce, the standard of living, the health, and future of the race— everything depended upon the efficiency ot ' scientists. Economic and industrial adjusters must walk side by side with the scientist.