A YOUNG SCIENTIST

Waipa Post, Volume 41, Issue 3186, 9 August 1930, Page 5

A YOUNG SCIENTIST

MANGAPIKO BOY'S SUCCESS. Further distinctions in the field of science have been gained by Mr N. S. Alexander, who has been awarded a Colonial Exhibition at Trinity College, Cambridge, the first to be won by a New Zealander for many years. Mr Alexander, who is a son of Mr C. M. Alexander, of Mangapiko, has had a brilliant scholastic career. Born in 1906, he received his early education at the Mangapiko School and on gaining a Junior Scholarship, entered Hamilton High School. At the age of fourteen he gained a Senior National Scholarship and matriculation, and two years later was awarded a University Entrance Scholarship. While at the High School he gained numerous prizes awarded by the French Consulate for scholars throughout New Zealand. In 1923 he entered the Auckland University College and three years later gained his M.Sc, degree with first-class honours in physics. In succeeding years he was awarded the Sir George Grey, Lubecki and National Research Scholarships, under which he carried out research work in X-rays.

Mr Alexander also took a keen interest in the social life of the college, being twice elected secretary of the Students' Association and gaining his " college blue " in shooting. Prior to his departure he was the recipient of numerous presents including a handsome travelling rug from the science staff. Mr Alexander left yesterday by the Ulimaroa for Sydney, en route for England, where he will undertake two years' research at the Cavendish Laboratory under Sir Ernest Rutherford.