VISITOR PRAISES RESEARCH WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18544, 18 August 1928, Page 2

VISITOR PRAISES RESEARCH WORK.

SIR JOHN RUSSELL LEAVING FOR HOME.

(Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 18. Prior to his departure by the Rotorua this afternoon for England, Sir John Russell, director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, expressed to a “Post” representatve keen appreciation of his visit to the Dominion. He lamented that the visit necessarily had been so short, but anticipates returning in 1932, when a longer stay would enable him to see more of the country and delve more deeply into the agricultural and pastoral problems confronting the Dominion. The possibilities of tfae growth of grass in the North Island had impressed him more than anything. It was astonishing what results could be, and were, obtained by proper management. There was no unprofitable waiting, the sown grass taking straight away. It would be interesting to see the re/ults of the new methods being employed in the intensification of growth on grass lands, aiming at earlier spring growth and the* prolongation of growth into the autumn. He paid a tribute to the work being done in this direction by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, saying that the workers were wide awake and there was high promise for the future. The work being done on the mineral content of pastures and on soil deficiency in general was, perhaps, the best piece of research being undertaken. It would have an enormous value to other parts of the Empire. He , commented favourably on the work being done at the Cawthron Institute, and also at Lincoln College. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research was a valuable co-ordinating body, ensuring the fullest attention ‘possible to the country’s problems and avoiding neglect of problems not falling Within the province of any established organisation. He had nothing but praise for the Department and the efficiency of its officers. “To a young country like New Zealand such a department is of untold value if developed on sound lines and in close co-operation with similar organisations elsewhere—and yours is,” Jie concluded. '