SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Press, Volume C, Issue 29600, 24 August 1961, Page 16

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Administration Changes Urged (N.Z, Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 23. The Institute of Agricultural Science believed some sweeping changes in the administration of science in New Zealand was required, the president (Mr I. L. Baumgart) said in evidence to the Royal Commission on State Services today. Mr Baumgart said the institute considered that in an era of intense competition and rapidly-changing technology, both adequate and efficient research and its effective application were of basic importance. This could best be achieved by setting up a completely new organisation covering research and extension services, rather than by modifying the present organisations. Agricultural science should be within such an organisation. He submitted it should be a chartered body outside the Public Service responsible to a Minister. It should be administered by a national science council, with subcouncils covering specialist aspects. The councils would keep the Government fully advised on the scale and scope of effort New Zealand should be investing in science. Mr Baumgart added that the institute envisaged the organisation as being -tree, within the limits of (Government policy, to secure for New Zealand its fair share of high calibre scientific workers by operating adequate and flexible salary scales and conditions cf employment