SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 19638, 18 August 1927, Page 3

SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

ADDRESS BY DR TOSDEN “Industry is becoming more and more bound up with science,” said Dr Marsclon, in his address before tbo Manufacturers’ Association last evening. Dr Mar.sden, who is bead of the recently-created Department of Scientific and Industrial Besearch, went on to rotor to the relations between the cost ol; production and output, the possibilities of specialisation, tlic subdivision of processes, the use of mechanical power and elaborate machinery, and, on the other band, the increasing difficulties of control and, most important, the limitation of markets. They were entering on an economic war which would lend to tho extinction of the least strong and efficient. units. Tim concentration of tho best brains available, tho most effective methods of promoting scientific research, and the application of scientific discoveries wero most essential. Speaking of training and recruitment and general and technical education, ho said they had a people who, by their special selection from tho best stock were of higher intelligence and better physique than any in the world, and the success of their country would depend on how this intelligence was trained and utilised. Jt was to the universities that they must look primarily in tho future, for scientific workers, and to assist in arousing a right attitude towards research among the general public and the provision of the right atmosphere for the research worker. The country was ready for research, but he feared it did not quite appreciate the fundamental need for experts in fundamentals at the universities. The need of standardisation in various forms was stressed, and its value as affecting many industries was illustrated. Industrial art played an important part from the point of view of the future in getting New Zealand goods on the market. There was a good deal of waste in the primary industries, and this must react unfavorably on tho secondary industries. Tt was much more difficult to persuade the manufacturers than the primary producers that they needed the help of scientific workers. The question of scientific management—the relation between the mechanical and human factors to obtain the best output.—and the comfort of the workmen—hygiene, light, and ventilation—and the elimination of waste was touched on. Research and scientific control in industry was next discussed, and the need of scientists and consulting chemists referred to. AVhcro a concern could not carry a scientist of its own the question was whether they could not adopt .some form of cooperation research. This was a matter which could bo best controlled by themselves. The speaker referred to the formation of co-operative research associations financed by the department on a £ for £ basis, and said that probably two of these would be started in New Zealand in a month or two. These associations would be entitled to technical and scientific advice from fhe council, and the members of (lie. association would also be entitled to advice. On the motion of Mr Stark the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.