N.Z. RESOURCES TO BE STUDIED BY U.S.A. SCIENTISTS

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 4

N.Z. RESOURCES TO BE STUDIED BY U.S.A. SCIENTISTS

Exchange of Students P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb 22. Under the United States student exchange scheme, authority has been given for 20 U.S.A, professors, research workers, and graduate scholars to carry out research work into New Zealand’s natural resources.

Part of the ground to be covered will be an attempt to find commercial uses for New Zealand’s huge pumice deposits, and a practicable method of smelting her ironsands. ■ This was stated b v the Chancellor of the Uiversity of New Zealand, £ir David Smith, speaking at a BritishAmerican . Co-operation Movement luncheon. ’He spoke on the educational co-operation between the British Commonwealth and the United States.

“If some way could be found to use New Zealand pumice in concrete, it would be of tremendous advantage to New Zealand,” said Sir David citing an example of what might be accomplished bv United States scientists. Subjects to' be studied included geology, botany, agriculture, particularly dairy agriculture. Earthquakes and frost protection were other matters which would also be included in the scientific programme. Under the Fulbright Act, passed recently by the United States Government, the scientists would be financed in New Zealnad by the proceeds of the sale here of surplus United States war assets. A party of 20 New Zealand professors, graduate students and students would study at the United States universities, said Sir David. They would be financed under the reciprocal scheme of the U.S. Act, until their arrival in Vanvouver. After that, because of the dollar situation, their future movements were, indefinite. The international Institute of Education in New York would probably find posts to enable these New Zeaal'nders to continue their studies ,and ’research. The Chancellor stressed the need for reciprocity on the part of New Zealanders. “The United States has acted in a far-sighted and generous manner,” he said. “We should appreciate and respond in any way we can.”