BRITISH SCIENTIST TO DISCUSS POLICY WITH GOVERNMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26957, 17 December 1948, Page 4

BRITISH SCIENTIST TO DISCUSS POLICY WITH GOVERNMENT

PA AUCKLAND, Dec. 16. Sir Henry Rizard, who it has been stated, exercises greater influence over British science than any man has ever done before, arrived in Auckland by flying boat from Sydney this afternoon. He has come at the invitation of the New Zealand Government to discuss scientific policy matters in both defence and civil spheres with the Government, chiefs of staff, the Defence Scientific Advisory Committee and other authorities. His visit to New Zealand will be of a fortnight’s duration.

At a press conference, Sir Henry spoke freely and modestly on a wide variety of scientific topics but at the outset he made it clear that there would be some questions be was not prepared to answer. ’• We are anxious to get the utmost co-operation on scientific matters inside the Commonwealth and we want to discuss how we can best secure it,” said Sir Henry. Fundamentally, on scientific defence, the Commonwealth was not lagging behind other nations. It was ahead of others in science, but in engineering the United States had an advantage. The Commonwealth was behind the United States in the practical application of atomic energy. This was because the United States had gained a great advantage during the war and because the development of atomic energy, whether for peace or for wax’, involved an expenditure which the United Kingdom could not at present afford. ‘ Sir Henry said New Zealand was going to play a more and more prominent part in all fields of defence and science, but she could not take a very, large role because of her small population. Asked for his views on the ability of New Zealand’s scientists he replied: ” Fancy someone asking that in Rutherford’s country. The quality of New Zealand’s science and engineering cannot be excelled anywhere.

Asked whether it was necessary for security reasons to “ screen ” scientists engaged on work of national importance, Sir Henry said: “We do not ask ourselves that question in England. Although anyone doing secret work puts his signature to the Official Secrets Act, we rely on tradition and the natural integrity of the scientists and were are very seldom disappointed. I can apply the same remark to New Zealand.”

“ I expect to see civil aircraft flying with turbine engines with propellers in the next two or three years,” said Sir Henry in discussing new developments in aeronautical engineering in Britain. There had been quite a technical revolution in this direction and Britain was far ahead of any other country. With the development of the turbine, everyone would enjoy air travel as there was no engine vibration.

“I cannot give an opinion on developments during the next five years, but ultimately I am afraid the land plane will win,” was Sir Heni'y’s reply when asked whether land planes were superior to flying boats for air passenger services. “I am afraid because I like the flying boat, but there is little doubt about the economics of it.”

A dinner was tendered to Sir Henry to-night so that he could meet Auckland scientists and representatives of Government departments and the university. After visiting the southern cities, he is expected to return to Auckland on December 29 and will leave by air for Sydney fhe next day.