HIS CHANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 January 1930, Page 3

HIS CHANCE

SIR ERNEST RUTHERFORD'S LUCK

SCHOLARSHIP LOST AND WON

But for a fellow-student's nonacceptance of a scholarship awarded to him, New Zealand and the world might have lost one of her most brilliant scientists—Sir Ernest Rutherford (states the Auckland "Sun"). A romantic story is woven round the circumstances under which Sir Ernest got his chance that was lo bring him fame as one of the world's foremost authorities on radio-activity and the disintegration of the atom and upon whom honours from all countries have been showered. But in gaining his chance, another scientific .student, an Aucklander, cast iiside the chances of a. career that may have been equally as brilliant as his now honoured former colleague. A son of farming people. Sir Ernest Rutherford received his early education at Nelson College, where he applied himself to science, and in 189'! or 18!)4 it is believed he was engaged in: research into' Hertzian waves. In the • science department of the Auckland University College was an Aucklander, Dr. .1. S. Macltiurin, who was experimenting in the science department with the cyanide process in the extraction of gold. Then enme the lR;"il Science Exhibit inn Scholarship Ex.iminatjion, for which both Sir Ernest Rutherford and Or. Mnelanrin were candidates. Followed tin' results, which awarded the scholarship in Dr. Mnelanrin, Sir Ernest Rutherford being placed second. The winner was then married, ami engaged on experimental work wiili the then Government analysl iu Auckland. Mr d. A. Pond, and il is believed that on account of his marital obligations he did not take up the scholarship. The authorities then handed Hie scholarship lo Sir Ernest Rutherford, who accepted, went to Cambridge, and so on in fame.