EXTENSION OF RESEARCH

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28604, 5 June 1958, Page 14

EXTENSION OF RESEARCH

Decision Pleases Scientists

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 4.

Commenting on the Government’s decision to establish an institute of nuclear sciences, the Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Dr. W. M. Hamilton) said it would help scientists to extend considerably the range of research subjects and methods they could undertake.

“It will be welcomed by all who are interested in science and education,’’ he added. “Our scientists have already done some good work in the field of nuclear science. The formation of an institute will help this work by providing better equipment and facilities. These will be used both by research scientists working on immediate problems and . by the universities in training the graduates who wish to specialise in this important work in the years ahead.

“The first major piece of equipment for the institute will be an atomic particle accelerator. It is hard to describe this in simple language, but it is rather similar to a giant X-ray machine producing a beam of electrically-charged particles. This beam is a penetrating form of energy and can be a most useful tool.

As the beam passes through various substances, it can cause a wide range of physical, chemical and biological changes. “Radiation from a source such as an accelerator can kill organisms which cause decay or disease.

“It can alter the heredity of plants and lead to new and improved strains of crops to help agriculture. In industry, the development of new materials and processes is possible. “There are thousands of possibilities in its use. Some are already being widely used overseas. Others are still being explored. “Our scientists, like those everywhere, are anxious to find out more and extend their knowledge. The new institute and its equipment will be a major step toward our taking a fuller part in developing the peaceful uses of atomic energy,” said Dr. Hamilton.