RESEARCH WORK.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 13902, 1 November 1919, Page 2

RESEARCH WORK.

Press Association. WELLINGTON, October 31. A deputation of scientists and others interested in the application of scientific research to primary and secondary industries of the Dominion interviewed the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance to-day. and urged that the Government should subsidise the Cawthron Institute (Nelson) to the t extent of £2OO a year. That amount, it was pointed out, would be equal to 5 per cent, on the €4OOO paid by the Cawthron bequest- as death duties. The Bishop of Nelson stated that all the proposals of the trustees would aid iu increasing the production of the country. Owing to paying €4OOO death .duties the capital had bi\en brought down to slightly over €200,000, and as a. result, of that deduction works in connection with the plan would fal short- of what was desired. Other -speakers stressed the importance of research work. Mr Massey, replying, referred to the late Mr Cawthron as a benefactor to the Dominion as a whole. It was recognised that the Institute should have every encouragement, but, it i'mist not be forgotten that, the Govenlment of the day'was purely the trustees of the finance of the country, and had to administer the law as it: found it, and it death duties were remitted in one case it would bo necessary to remit theni iii all. Mr T. A. Field, M.l\. said thai- the death duty was remitted in an Act passed with regard to the Howard Estate. ■- Mr Massey. continuing, said he believed valuable results would come from the work of the Institute. He would place the matter before the Cabinet, and promise it would receive sympathetic consideration. The Minister for Finance stated tbathe regretted that in, his opinion, it was not possible for the. Government to accede to the. request, and in the present state of the country's finances, it would need very serious consideration.