More Than 2700 At Congress

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31586, 25 January 1968, Page 12

More Than 2700 At Congress

More than 2700 delegates, among them at least 1000 from Australia, were officially welcomed to the fortieth congress of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, in Christchurch last night by the Minister of Science and Agriculture (Mr Taiboys), the Mayor of Christchurch (Sir George Manning) and the Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (the Rt Rev. A. K. Warren).

Sir John Crawford, who delivered the association’s presidential address in a crowded Civic Theatre, praised the efforts of the chairman of the organising committee (Professor R. H. M. Langer) who had said the stage was now set for a successful congress. Mr Taiboys said it was important to science in both Australia and New Zealand that there should be a constant exchange of visits and knowledge, and a closer understanding of the work being done. It was also vital to the advancement of science in the two countries that there should be a deeper understanding between the university professor, the government scientist and the industrial research and development worker.

It was on the recognition of the value of this partnership that advancement depended, the Minister said, adding that communication of the nature, purpose and intense social relevance of scientific achievement was a tremendous challenge. It was as important as any single piece of work going on in any laboratory. “A need that becomes increasingly urgent is for mankind to know science better, to understand its importance and that it is a part of everyday life.” Mr Taiboys said. He suggested not merely

an interest, but an active participation in science and he said, people did have an appetite for it once their conservative scruples had been overcome. Sir George Manning said unity of purpose between Australia and New Zealand would be passing through critical times, and it was encouraging to see so many Australians in Christchurch for the sole purpose of the advancement of science. Bishop Warren, who referret to the founding of the University of Canterbury, said the dreams of forefathers had been realised, not in the founding of a university of the Pacific, but in the role of host to many from across the Tasman who would make a valuable contribution to the congress.