RADAR RESEARCH

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24914, 29 June 1946, Page 2

RADAR RESEARCH

“ASHBURTON THE ONLY SUITABLE PLACE”

Ashburton was the only place in Allied hands suitable for the experimental work in radar research at present being carried on at the aerodrome, said Mr A. D. Lowe, staff adjutant, in an outline of the origin of the experiment which he gave at an informal reception to radar experts at Ashburton yesterday. The gathering was arranged by the Mayor (Mr E. C. Bathurst) and the county chairman (Mr M. S. Turton). During a world-wide search for an area which would provide suitable conditions for radar-meteorological work, a leading expert who visited New Zealand while the war was still in progress had found that the Canterbury plains was an ideal location, said Mr Lowe. One aspect of the project which had not been given much publicity was tne international co-operation in the scheme. Great Britain had contributed equipment, money, and trained personnel, America had made 20,000 dollars available under a loan agreement, ana the New Zealand Government had provided £5OOO, as well as the use of a minesweeper and four Anson aircraft. “To me these are hopeful facts of national co-operation, of which there are only too few examples m the world to-day,” remarked Mr Lowe. Mr R. S. Unwin, a New Zealander from Winchester, who is one of tne senior scientists, said that in articles published about the experiment, too much stress had been placed on the radar side of the research work, whereas the most important part was the radar-meteorological experiments. Quite apart from the radar aspect, it was hoped to find out a lot more about the nor’-wester conditions in Mid-Can-terbury. Kites and Balloons

“I hope that when we start operations, you wpn’t think we have a crazy element about us,” he said, referring to the kites and balloons, which will be flo\ in connexion with the work. Telephone communications would probably be jammed when the radio telephone systems were established, but he assured his listeners was sound sense behind it all. However, by the time we are through the population of the countryside will probably be quite glad to see us go, as there is a liability of accidents with the kites and balloons,” said Mr Unwin. Every endeavour would be made to keep accidents down to a minimum and the utmost respect for personal property would be exercised at all times. The hospitality extended to the staff ot the experimental station already nad been very helpful and much appreciated, he said. . There were three Englishmen, a Scot, a Welshman, and an Australian on the research staff, said Mr B Milnes, senior scientist, who arrived in the Dominion recently by the Ruahine. Many of the party who’ had seen an aerial Photograph of the Canterbury plains had been a bit dubious about coming to Ashburton, but had changed their opinions since they had arrived. “It is rather thrilling to know that we at Ashburton are being put on the map by this important experiment, said the Mayor, who welcomed the guests. “Anything we can do for you. just say the word and we will be only too pleased to do it in an official or unofficial capacity,” he added. Mr Turton promised that the County Council would give all possible help in the important work.