The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1926. THE USE OF SCIENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1926. THE USE OF SCIENCE.

Investioation along scientific lines leaped to the trout during the period of the war when there was so much searching after substitutes. Wonderful strides were made in a very short time. We may conclude that the stimulation of scientific research is no less general to-day, though perhaps not so intense. Rut ‘countries are alive to the po.ssihilties of the occasion, ami so students are busy in all climes probing and experimenting. As exchange dealing with the application of science says it still may have its wonders which only the initiated can fathom, hut the mystic atmosphere which surrounded the alchemists and astrologers of old has been dissipated and the scientific investigators ot our day a re revealed in the clear, cold light of comonsouso as men of exact habits of mind who pursue truth and care not to fool the multitude. The modern world ha.-, become what it is by the application in man's activities of the progressive advances made in knowledge of the truth, upon which everything in this world no less than in the universe, depends. Great stride* have been taleen in the past century, and just as great remain to he taken. Some ask, doubtiugly, whether anything can remain to he discovered or invented, hut the answpr is given them almost- every day hy the announcement of some startling development in, say, the field of wireless, which seems to he the most absorbing at the moment. We no longer consent to bo surprised at any announcement, and often we refuse to Relieve. That is due not to a doubt of the. possibility but to a satiety of sensation; in short, to an exceedingly elastic observance by nowsgivers of that exactitude and truthfulness which guide the scientists. The latter tell us, when they can get- an audience, that the practical benefits must he likewise. But this does not please the modern newsgiver. He must have fullgrown, hustling stories to send out in his cable or wireless messages. So the crumbs of truth which the searchers reluctantly let fall are expanded to the quality and dimensions of a banquet ere they are laid before the world, licit from the daily press. And the world knows this now; it has been satiated by constant repetition. At the bottom, however, is always the solid foundation being laid by the men of science, and the fine building does eventually arise, whether or not it is in the form seen by tho prognosticators. The. fruits of scientific research belong to all divisions of the community, if they care to reach out for them. A realisation of this is spreading, though as yet it has by no means penetrated to every individual, and so far as we are concerned a recent important development lias been the decision of ihe New Zealand Government to obtain competent advice on the question of how liest to apply scientific knowledge to the advancement of industry, both primary and secondary. A commission of experts within the Dominion has been at work and the final stage of their delibern- 1 tions is being approacTfed with the ar- j rival of Sir Frank Heath, secretary [ of the British Department of Scientific

and Industrial Research who has Leon engaged to advise the Government on the question which has been referred to. Britain lias been organising with a view to making a foil use of science, and New Zealand is following the example. The full effect can be obtained, however, only if the general community can adequately grasp the meaning of the matter at issue. The individual must follow the lead that is given, or enter the opening h? may see iu his particular occupation.