SCIENCE RESEARCH

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2990, 30 January 1917, Page 3

SCIENCE RESEARCH

UNIVERSITY SENATE'S DISCUSSION

CHANCELLOR'S PROPOSALS

A section of the report of tlio Chancellor of tlio New . Zealand University Senate, Sir Robert Stout, presented on the opening day of tho annual meeting of tlio University Senate last week, dealt with tbe question of scientific education, and in tho course of his remarks the Chancellor brought forward a proposal that> tho ' expenditure on science in the Government Departments at Wellington should be utilised for the teaching of science to students of the University. He stated that it had been proposed that there should be a new institution formed, called the "Scienco Eesearih Institute," and suggested that tho various scientific departments of tho Government should bo united to one of the University colleges. Tin's,. in his opinion, was the best and cheapest way to get an effectice Science Research Instituto started in New Zealand.

This portion of the Chancellor's report was referred for consideration to the Science Committee of tlio Senate, which brought down the following recommendation':'—ln regard to tho suggestions made by the Chancellor in his address, tho committer has no recommendation to make, but considers that since the work dono in tho Government laboratory is largely of a routine naturo it does not lend itself to tho training of University students in research work.

The adoption of tlio recommendation was formally moved by Professor Benham, chairman of the Science Committee.

Tlie Chancellor said a great deal of research work was carried out in the Government Departments, but bfi thought something more could be done on the linos mentioned in tho coruse of his opening address. Professor Scott said ■ it would # bo found impracticable to ask men doing Government research work to undertake the training of students. The Vice-Chancellor - expressed tho opinion that somo intermediate institution was needed between the industries of the country and tho University. The work of research required somo practical connection with the resources and industries of tbe country, and tho Chancellor in his address hadmade a suggestion which was a praiseworthy attempt to fill the gap. The Chancellor's idea was not complete in itself, but the principle involved should not be rejected on that account. Professor Chilton said the Senato was entering upon a discussion on research work, which was nob tho intention of tho committee's recommendation. • The question would bo dealt with by the Now Zealand Institute and Yhe Science and' Art Board next

week, but tho Senate did not have the tinio at its disposal to deal properly with such a wido subject.. Tho committee did not intend to imply other than that tho Government laboratories had been entirely successful in their operations, but that tho work was unsuitable for university students. Dr. Anderson said lie regretted that tho Senate should suggest doing anything to discourage grappling with the problems arising out of research work. Ho considered that tho work done in Government laboratories would afford', a good training for any student. Professor Hunter moved as an: amendment that the words after "make" in tho recommendation, should bo deleted.

Professor Benham accepted tho suggestion, and tho recommendation as amended was adopted without, further' discussion.