SCIENCE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1025, 14 January 1911, Page 5

SCIENCE CONGRESS

NEW GUINEA SAVAGES. TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS. NEW ZEALAND TIDE SURVEY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Rec. January 13, 11.40 p.m.) Sydney, January 13. At the Science Congress, tho Grand Council resolved, in view of tho importance of the conservation of water in Australia by protection of forests around tho sources of the rivers, that a committeo be appointed to deal with tlio question beforo the next congress; also to bring tho matter under tho notice of tho Commonwealth Government. Professor Marshall, of Dunedin, gave an illustrated lecture on "The Glaciors of tho Southern Alps," Dr. Sutton read a paper on -"The Importance of Nationality." Ho stated that two-thirds of tho Australian school children were Australian-born and of Australian-born parents. Tuberculosis. Thero was a lengthy discussion on tuberculosis, many prominent doctors participating. Sir Philip Jones said tho Causes of infection were grouped under four heads—heredity, inoculation, the respiratory tract, and tho alimentary tract. A child born with tuberculosis was exceedingly rare. Inoculation could bo avoided. Of the other causes, that of tho respiratory tract was tho most common. Ho strongly favoured compulsory notification, but said tho Government should provide hospitals and sanatoria for advanced cases, and also endeavour to instruct pcoplo how to avoid disease. Sonio of tho speakers favoured the segregation of patients. In Savage New Culnea. Mr. Donald Mackay, in a paper on tho expedition of 1908 up : tho Purari River in New Guinea, said tho country, from a prospector's point of view, was disappointing, but tho discovery of coal some day might prove of economic importance. Tho expedition discovered a Oft. seam at tho head of tho river, and thero wero prospects Of further discoveries in other localities. Tho natives wero physically fine, but had a most aggressive smell, similar to that of a billy goat. Ono native had a stronger aroma than a flock of sheep, and was capablo of* scenting a whole camp. Composition cf Bread. Doctor Chapman road an interesting paper on tho composition of bread, dealing with tho various qualities of flour and tho methods of baking. Ho stated that a Sydney bakor, to. produce loaves weighing 24 pounds must uso 27 pounds of -dough; a Melbourno baker, 2G pounds 2 ounces, and a Now ■ Zealand baker, 26 pounds 2Ji ounces.

New Zealand Tido Survey. Tho Grand Council of tho Association adopted a resolution that tho, association views with satisfaction tho successful establishment by tho New. Zealand Government of a tidal survey,, and trusts at many outlying islands automatic tido gauges may - bo established, and tho results systematically analysed. It was directed that a copy of tho resolution bo forn'arded to Sir Joseph Ward.