RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19242, 3 February 1926, Page 10

RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY.

Because of the mission on which he has come to New Zealand, Sir Frank Heath may be expected to have many more significant things to say at the end of his visit than at the beginning. He is concerned with the application of science to the problems of industry, more especially with the co-ordination of effort in different parts of the Empire. Nevertheless, at his very arrival, he has said certain things which come close to the core o£ a question of vital importance to the Dominion. He has emphasised the need for applying trained minds to the progressive improvement of the primary industries. especially dairying. Also he has given a warning that it will not be easy to find them. What is needed, as he very pertinently suggests, is the worker with the equip-* ment„ the originality and the scientific daring to break new ground. These qualities are not common. In present circumstances they receive very little encouragement to develop. The first thing, he says, is

to find and train, the men, and to | have the Government supported in this matter by an instructed public opinion. In other words, openings must be "created, so that there will be inducements for men who can serve the country as pioneers in science to do so. It is notorious that for such men opportunities today are very few. So it follows that some of the best that the Dominion has produced have had to go elsewhere to find the scope they needed and the rewards to which they were reasonably entitled. Others who might -have done much in the world of science have never even started on the career., for they could not see it leading them anywhere. It is perfectly true, as Sir Frank Heath says, that the men must be found and trained. Also, to bring the matter down to its most elementary dimension, they must be paid. In giving opportunity to bring the argument to this stage, the Dominion's distinguished visitor has made a beginning which should attract attention. It is to be hoped that when his investigations are complete, he will be able to offer New Zealand advice in detail which will help powerfully toward the desired objective of enlisting the scientific mind and using it for the benefit of those industries most vital to the progress and development of the country.