CONTROL OF RESEARCH

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29818, 10 May 1962, Page 16

CONTROL OF RESEARCH

Commission Supported (N.Z. Press Association) PALMERSTON N„ May 9. Public Service Commission control was far from being the brake on science Dr. C. P. McMeekan claimed it to be in a speech in Hamilton on Tuesday, Dr. P. D. Sears, Director of the Grasslands Division, Palmerston North, said today.

Contrary to Dr. McMeekan’s statement, scientists under the commission did not have to put up with any more administrative red tape than was met with to other research institutions either in New Zealand or overseas, and they had a better nm on stores and equipment than those In private institutions

“Violent outbursts such as that reported to have been made by Dr. McMeekan do not really do as much good as to no doubt intended, since impressions gained by research people and others, and also by potential research recruits here and overseas, could be to our general disadvantage. “Perhaps Dr McMeekan and others who have been making similar statements have adequate data on which to base their conclusions, but actually my experience with the commission and with our Public Service over quite a long period has been quite different from that described by Dr Me’ leekan. “This applies not only to facilities, but also to an acceptance by our research people of salary scales based on proven abilities relative to those of one’s colleagues."

Air Scoot Camp.—The second Dominion air scout camp will be held in Auckland next January. There are now more than 300 air scouts to the country and the camp will include practical flying and allied technical tortruction.—(P.A.)