ATOMIC RESEARCH

Chronicle (Levin), 20 July 1946, Page 5

ATOMIC RESEARCH

NEW ZEALANDERS AT WORK Received Priday, 7.0 P.m. LONDON, july 18. Scientists, mcstly New Zealanders, who had previously worked in Canadian lahoratories, were now constructiiig a low power graphite pile for experimental work on the industrial aspects of atomic energy which would he operating before tbe end of the year, said the Director of Atomic Research, Professor J. D. Cockroft. A high powered pile capable of lai'ge scale production of radio active suhstances for medical work, was also under eonstruction, The conversion of the Harwell R.A.F. station iiito an atomic energy establishment, is expected to he completed Try the autumn of 1947, when probably 4C0 to v 500 scientists will he employed. ■ _ Professor Ooekroft said surveys ft were heing conducted in Britain and the Dominions with the object of at- ' taining a large scale production of fissile materials, Negotiations for the supply of materials were also going on with America with whom relations on atomic energy were very friendly. Professor Cockroft said there were a large number of uncertainties ahout the utilisation of atomic energy as industrial power, which prohahly would he partially cleared up within the next flve years hut it could he said that prospects were "not too discouraging." The development of radioactive isotypes supplanting radium, was the most encouraging immediate possibility.