Sharing Knowledge

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 16

Sharing Knowledge

Sir, —Saturday’s issue records the return of Professor Pocock. It is stimulating to observe that New Zealand is sharing knowledge and skills with Americans. We hear a lot about “drain of brains” and become alarmed over distinguished scientists being attracted to America. However, Professor Pocock's visit suggests that here in New Zealand we are giving key personnel proper facilities for research arid Americans are keen to learn from them. Of course it really does not matter where research is done if it adds to total scientific knowledge, but it does matter when we lose personalities who can lead and inspire the rising generation. We must not forget that Ernest Rutherford, who turned the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge,’ into the nursery of the atom and coached more Nobel’ prize-winners, including the principal of Edinburgh University, than any single man, was “drained” from New Zealand.—Yours, etc., RALPH S. WHEELER. Timaru, September 6, 1964.