University Seeks Nuclear Reactor

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31750, 6 August 1968, Page 10

University Seeks Nuclear Reactor

(New Preet Aeeeciation) AUCKLAND, August 4. Auckland University plans to install a nuclear reactor worth $250,000 in the basement of' its chemistry building.

The Natiiingl Radiation Laboratory of the Health De. partment has approved as safe for use at the university a general atomics Triga 250 kilowatt reactor’ capable of pulsing up to 250 megawatts. To buy the reactor from its American manufacturers would cost $250,000. Another $250,000 would be needed to pay for ancillary equipment, staff and running the reactor for the first five years. Professor A. L. Odell, of the Auckland University chemistry department, would be in charge of the reactor. He said

today the Health Department approval of the reactor was a tremendous step forward. There are now two proposals for nuclear research reactors to be built in New Zealand. The Nuclear Sciences Institute, Lower Hutt, wants to buy a reactor worth about slm. Wellington inquiries indicate there is little prospect of an early Government decision on either the Wellington or the Auckland proposal as they seem likely to be deferred for some time on economic grounds.