Reactor For Training

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31094, 24 June 1966, Page 3

Reactor For Training

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON,

June 23.

Proposals have been put to the Government for the purchase of a small nuclear reactor for research and to train scientists and engineers for the introduction of nuclear power generation in New Zealand in about 10 years.

The annual report of the National Research Advisory Council tabled in Parliament today said the proposals were under consideration.

“Developments In nuclear science, are popularly associated with such things a nuclear weapons, the generation of nuclear power and expenditure of much money in building ever-more powerful tools to investigate the structure of the atom,” said the council.

“Research and developments in these spheres are not only beyond the resources of New Zealand but this country has no need to emulate the massive research efforts of other countries.

“This is not to say New Zealand cannot, or should not, engage in nuclear research. The practical application of nuclear science in research

and industry are developing

rapidly and such applications have particular significance *r New Zealand in medicine, agriculture, food preservation, manufacturing industry, forestry, mineral exploration and nuclear power. “Nuclear techniques have an important place in geological investigations particularly those concerned with the search for minerals, petroleum, geothermal steam and underground water.” The council recommended some expansion in special facilities and staff of the Institute of Nuclear Sciences should take place in the next five years.

It said the immediate requirement was for a 20,000curie cobalt source at an estimated cost of £50,000. “In subsequent years, further items of equipment will be needed, such as a solidsource mass spectrometer costing about £40,000,” said the report.