VALUE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 January 1939, Page 4

VALUE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

TRIBUTE TO CAWTHHON AND OTHER WORKERS

‘lt is announced from the Cawthron Institute, that the chief credit for the welcome victory over the white butterfly ‘is due to tiie Government Entomologist, Mr John Muggeritlge,” states the “Grey Star” editorially. “He deserves all the commendation that will be forthcoming and it is to be hoped that his Miuitserial chief will take adequate note of his triumph. . . . The conquering of the white butterfly is but one instance of services rendered. The work of the scientists is rarely spectacular, and it invariably requires considerable patience and industry. Greater public respect should be forthcoming for those engaged in what is continuous warfare, and more publicity should be forthcoming about their endeavours. A wide field remains for their activities. Great would be the thankfulness of the nation, if the sandfly and moquito could be made to underg) similar annihilation as has happened to the white butterfly Meanwhile Mr Muggeridge, many thanks* “It was sporting of the Acting-Director of the Cawthron Institute (Dr Miller) to disclaim credit for the Insfitute staff for tiie vanquishing of the white butterfly, but it is probable that they helped. In any case, the Institute is doing remarkably good work in various directions helping the farmer to overcome the pests that would otherwise baffle him.. Some writers predict a duy when insects will deprive man of his food supplies, but if this possibility is strained, enough ravages are done by insects in all parts of the world tn make vigorous measures essential, or keep their numbers within due bounds. Institutions like the Cawthron not only minimise destruction bv pests, but their other researches increase the soils’ productiveness. Great hopes are, to-day, entertained of a profitable transformation of worthless pakihi land, for instuuce. These scientists do not ask for praise, hut they certainly deserve it on opportune occasion.”