INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16812, 2 June 1926, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

SIR FRANK HEATH’S REPORT. STRONGLY CRITICISED. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Strong criticism of Sir Frank Heath's report on research centralisation was made yesterday by one prominent in research work, who declared that Sir F. Heath’s proposals merely meant the creating of a replica of the British Department of which he was merely secretary. Britain is one of Hie most backward countries of the world in industrial research, and lias not yet begun on problems which Germany and America have already tackled with successful results. The proposal to transfer industrial research work to the University can only be regarded as a retrograde step. Tlie Universities’ first work is teaching, and as in New Zealand they arc under-stalfed they cannot possibly undertake research which is really tlie responsibility of the industry itself. The Government could accomplish more by Hie expenditure of £IO,OOO per annum Ilian by the setting up of elaborate boards and. central direction, as proposed by Sir F. Heath. The cost of the latter would probably be found so great (possibly £100,000) in tlie first year, that it would break down with its own weight. “In any case," he concludes, “for the sake of true and efficient research, It is to be hoped that such a department will not have a long life.”