Wool Research Executive Has First Meeting

Press, Volume C, Issue 29427, 1 February 1961, Page 14

Wool Research Executive Has First Meeting

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, January 31. The executive of the newly-formed Independent Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand held its first meeting in Wellington today. The organisation, which will establish and staff its own laboratories, ha. an annual income of £lOO,OOO starting from April 1, 1961. This will be equally subscribed by the Government and the woolgrowers. The laboratories will be housed in a substantial building which without the equipment has been estimated to cos' more than £200,000 One of the first calls on the organisation's funds will be th» establishment of a capital reserve to erect the building. The newly-appointed chairman. Mr C. H. Bethell, a member of the New Zealand Wool Board and a North Canterbury sheepfarmer, said after the meeting that the choice of a site for the laboratories was discussed today, but there would have to be considerable negotiations before an announcement could be made. “We regard it as important that our scientists should be working in a university atmosphere and in close association with research workers in related fields of study,” he said.

The executive also decided that it would soon advertise.

both in New Zealand and overseas for a director, who would be required to take up his duties, about April, 1962. The organisation, with its buildings erected and equipment installed, was not expected to be functioning until 1965 or 1966. There was. however, much preliminary work in which the director’s role would be an essential one, said Mr Bethell. “The choice of a director is our greatest initial responsibility. More than building, site, or anything else that will determine the success of the operation.”

Mr Bethell said that the organisation was looking for two things, a good research scientist and, equally important. a good leader.

The members of the executive of the organisation, with the bodies they represent in parenthesis, are: Messrs A Briscoe Moore, of Whangarei 'Wool Board); C. H. Bethell, of North Canterbury (Wool Board); L. P. Chapman, of Mount Somers (Wool Board): F. R. Callaghan, of Wellington (scientific adviser to the Wool Board); C. Hilgendorf, deputy-chairman, of Ashbur-

ton (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research); I. K Walker, of Lower Hutt (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research); J. P. E. Duncan, of Wellington (Department of Agriculture); and Dr. W. M. Hamilton, secretary (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research).