Pacific Science Congress Preparations

Chronicle (Levin), 12 June 1948, Page 5

Pacific Science Congress Preparations

WELLIXGTOX, June 11. The leader of the British delegation to the seventh Pacific Science Congress to be lield in Auckland and Christchurch frym Februarv 2 to February 23 next will be Professor G. W. Robin son, stated the ehairman of the organising committee (Dr. R. A. Falla). Dr. Robinson is Professor of AgriculturaJ Chemistrv at the University of Xorth Wales, Bangor. Among his noted publications are "Mother Earth, " a classic: series of essays on soil fertility, soil moisture, grass, forestry, etc. Other distinguished men who will attend are Dr. Herbert Gregory, Ornothologist and former Director of Bishop Museum, Honolulu, and founder of these Pacific cojiferences. He will be accompanied by Sir Peter Buck, at present head of the Museum. Considerable iuterest attaehes to the possibilitv of a number of leading \merican scientists apart from the official party oeing sponsored by a lead ing United States Foundation to spend some months lecturing or doing reeearch in Xew Zealand, a programme which would allow them to atteiul Congress also.

The organising Committee is no« vvorking on Jthe Congress agenda which will have for its main purpose cooperation in solving problems relating to the Pacific, particularlv those affecting tho wellbeing of the Pacific peoples. Attention will -be focused on subjects pressing for immediate action., Most of these will be dealt with on broad bases in divisional symposia, leaving matters of more direct technical interest for •lectioria! (liscussion, The proceedings of the Congress will fall into the following divisions: Geophysics and geology; meteorology; oceanographv and marine survey; zoology; botany; soil and agriculture and forestry; anthropology; publie health; social ser-; vices; and organisation of science. During the week 's interval l)etween the sittingS of the Congress in Auckland and in Christchurch the Tourisl Departmenf will bring the 120 delegates to Wellington by seven different routes, each demonstrating to the visitors a special phase of New Zealand , from tlie scientiJie aspect.