RESEARCH ON ROCKETS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25307, 6 October 1947, Page 6

RESEARCH ON ROCKETS

NEW ZEALAND’S PART CONFERENCE TO BE HELD “The Press" Special Service WELLINGTON, October 5. New Zealand is to take part in the rocket research programme in Australia, it is stated in informed quarters in Wellington. Her contribution will be largely of a scientific nature, possibly in the field of radar, ana will probably take the form of the con tri-? bution of two or more expert scientists rather than any actual work in the Dominion. In return, the Dominion will be kept fully informed of the progress of tests on the rocket range being built in South Australia by the British and Australian Governments. The question of New Zealand ep«? operation in the rocket experiments was discussed by Dr. E. Marden, former secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, when visiting Australia just before his recent departure to take up a post in Britain. This was followed by an invitation from Australia for New Zealand assistance in the experiments, and negotiations have been proceeding on the form the Dominion’s contribution will take. No definite decision will be reached until the conclusion of the Commonwealth defence conference, > which will be held in England at the beginning of next month.

Dr. Marsden and Mr C. WestonMunro, a brilliant young New Zealander who has taken a leading part in the development of atomic energy in Britain, will be among the New Zealand representatives at the conference, which, in addition to determining the scope of the rocket experiment? in Australia, may assign 'a new task to New Zealand to replace the “Canterbury project.” which is expected to be finished by December. In view of the promised success of this project, which is investigating aspects of long-range radar operation—a possible counter for rocket warfare—New Zealand’s contribution to the Australian experiments may be in the field of radar. Interest in this work has already been shown by Australian experts who have visited Canterbury to watch progress.