Scientists Worried About Defections

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30447, 22 May 1964, Page 3

Scientists Worried About Defections

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 21. The recent comments by Professor J. E. Morton, of Auckland, and Dr. E. B. Slack, of Victoria University, reflected the general concern of a large number of scientists at the resignation of Mr K. R. Allen from the post of Director of Fisheries, said Mr G. E. Rushworth, president of the New Zealand Association of Scientists, today.

Like many other research specialists who had accepted overseas appointments, Mr Allen had apparently been happy to work for New Zealand for many years at what the Government admitted may have been a non-compe-titive salary when compared with what was offering overseas, Mr Rushworth said.

It was hard to escape the conclusion that his decision to leave has been' brought about by some other factor. “The usual excuse given to the public to explain the loss of eminent scientists to overseas posts is that New Zealand cannot afford to compete with other countries in salaries.

“However, the remarks of the Minister of Marine (Mr Scott), reported on May 12, suggest that the real fault may lie in the poor administration of some research departments, and this conclusion is strengthened by the comments of well-known sclehtists on this very subject which reach the association 1 every week. “The Prime Minister has stated that the newly appointed Research Advisory Council has been established

to advise the Government on all aspects of research development in the country. “Facilities and the administration of scientific research occupy a place very high on the council’s agenda and advice on these questions is expected to be offered to the Government without delay. “In the meantime, since the country has lost'Mr Allen, scientists would value an assurance from the Minister of Marine that his department is prepared to offer both facilities and rewards which will attract a man of the calibre of Mr Allen to fill the vacated post,” said Mr Rushwort’