U.S. Scientists To Study In New Zealand

Chronicle (Levin), 23 February 1949, Page 5

U.S. Scientists To Study In New Zealand

WELLINGTON, Feb. 22. Under the United States student exchange scheme, authority has been given for 20 U.S. professors, research workers and graduStte scholars to earry out research work into New Zealand 'e natural resources,. Part of the ground

to be covered will be an attempt tc find commereial uses for New Zealand 's huge pumice deposits and a practical method of smelting her ironsands. This was stated bv the Chancellor ot the University of New Zealand, Sir David Smith, when speaking at the British-American Cooperation Movement luncheon on educational cooperation between the British Commonwealth and the United States. "If some way could be found to use New Zealand pumice in conerete, it would be of tremendous advantage to New Zealand," said Sir David, citing an example of what might be accom plished by U.S. scientists. The subjects to be studied inciuded geology, botany, agriculture (particularly dairy agriculture), earthquakes and frost protection. Under the Fulbright Act passed recently by the United States Government, the scientists would be finan'ced in New Zealand by the proceeds of the sale here of surplus U.S. war assets. A party of 20 New Zealand professors, graduate students and students would study at United States Universities, said Sir David. They would be finance*! under a reciprocal scheme of the U.S. Act until their arrival in Vancouver. After that, because of the dollar situa tion, their future movements were in definite. The International Institute of Education in New York would probabty find posts to enable these New Zealanders to continue their studies and research. a ' • The Chancellor stressed the need for reciprocity on the part of New Zealand and New Zealanders. "The United States has acted in a i'ar sighted and generous manner," he said. "Wc should appreeiate and respond in any . way we. can. " ,