RESEARCH WORK

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 2 June 1926, Page 5

RESEARCH WORK

SIR F. HEATH’S PROPOSALS. CENTRALISATION SCHEME A STRONG- CRITICISM. (by tblegkaph—pbess association.) • WELLINGTON, June 2. A strong criticism of Sir Frank Heath’s report on research centralisation was made yesterday by one who is prominent in research work. , He declared that Sir Frank Heath’s proposals merely meant the creating of a replica of the British Department, of which he was merely secretary. Britain was one of the .most backward, countries of the world ?n industrial research, and had not yet begun on problems which Germany and America had already tackled with successful results. The proposal to transfer industrial research work to the University can only be regarded, as a retrograde step. _ The University’s first work is teaching, and as in New Zealand it is understaffed, it cannot possibly undertake research, which is really the responsibility of the industry itself. The Government could accomplish more by an expenditure of £IO,OOO per annum than by setting up elaborate boards and central direction as proposed by Sir Frank Heath. The cost of the latter would probably be found to be so great (possibly £100,000) in the first year, that it would break down with its own weight. “In any case, for the sake of true and efficient research, it is to be hoped thta such a department will not have a long life,” ho concluded.