AIMS OF SCIENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27079, 13 May 1949, Page 5

AIMS OF SCIENCE

EXTENSIVE CHARTER PROMOTION OF HUMAN WELFARE PA WELLINGTON, May 12. The function of science in relation to world problems and the great advantage to be gained by increasing cooperation between scientific bodies of countries throughout the world were stressed by the president of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr R. A. Falla, in his presidential address to the annual meeting of the council of the society last night. Dr Falla said that some of the aims of science were to work for its greatest utilisation in promoting the peace and welfare of mankind, to encourage the international exchange of scientific knowledge and of scientific workers, to improve the professional, social, and economic status of scientific Workers, to encourage scientific workers to take an active part in public affairs, and to make them more conscious of and, more responsive to the progressive forces at work within society. “Nothing is more certain than that a bold and sincere attempt to tackle and discuss problems is the only alternative to the chaotic tension stemming from power politics of one sort of another, and frustrating science and every other manifestation of constructive human endeavour,” said Dr Falla. Dr Falla said the Royal Society had a duty to advise and urge the Government in respect of contributions which it felt it could and should make to international questions by a scientific approach. “ One of these in which we should have an interest is the future of Antarctica,” said Dr Falla. “It is the only remaining large unoccupied area of the earth, and no one has shown any desire, to live there. There has been active competition in exploitation of its known natural resources, mainly marine; and arising partly from this and partly from motives? of national prestige there has been much conflict of territorial claims, some of which, to say the least of it, has been undignified.” Dr Falla supported proposals put forward by the United States for a limited form of international regime to settle conflicting claims.