Turning “Brain Drain” Into “Brain Train”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30529, 26 August 1964, Page 18

Turning “Brain Drain” Into “Brain Train”

Exchanging experts with! other countries could turn | New Zealand’s “brain drain”' into a “brain train,” said thei Minister of Works (Mr Allen). when he opened the first News Zealand Cement Stabilisation t Symposium in Christchurclt yesterday. Mr Allen said he was all foi •. such a regular succession of’ overseas specialists bringing n information on new tech ■) niques and up-to-the-minute q information to New Zealand, i and he thought those visits a should be encouraged.

“I consider this sharing of; specialised knowledge between countries one of the distinct; advantages of our ever-shrink- • ing jet-age world,” said Mr Allen, “We can so quickly exchange experts—in every field —and share pertinent information on up-to-the-minute techniques that improve the performance, or further the extension, of the facilities and amenities that represent our modern way of living. “When we can do this freely and enthusiastically, - then 1 think we are doing something really worth while. “For one thing, it helps to create a better understanding between countries, and consequently it helps to bind—l was about to use the word 'cement'—it helps to bind, in mutual interest, many re. sponsible people in the countries concerned. “Further, and I am speaking generally, it goes a long way to alleviate a trend that we in New Zealand are deeply concerned About and are trying to overcome. “I am referring to what is commonly called the 'brain

drain’—the Ibss for a country of its top meq. As far as New Zealand is concerned this loss over the years has been great, and the fact that many of them have become famous does not rempve the disquiet we feel.”