DOMINION ANALYST

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1930, Page 2

DOMINION ANALYST

DR. MACLAURIN RETIRING. WELLINGTON, February 23. Dr. jj. S. Maclaurin, D.Sc,, F.C.S. Dmionion Analyst and chief inspector of explosives, is to retire on superannuation on March 31st Dr. Maclaurin was born in November, 1864, and has completed over twenty-eight years’ service with the State. He was eduented at Auckland University College, and was an exhibition science scholar. He graduated BtS'c. in 1892 with first-class honours in chemistry, ond D.Sc, five years later. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute.

It is not generally known that the scholarship which enabled Sir Ernest Rutherford to go to England was first awarded to Dr., Maclaurin who refused it. It wns that refusal which gave Sir Frnest his opportunity, the outcome of which is known throughout the world.

Recently Dr Maclaurin attended the Pan-Pacific Science Conference, and returned to New Zealand with valuable information regarding flax fibres. Dr. Maclaurin has had a distinguished career in the realms of science. As Dominion Analyst he has for years handled the analyses of the Health Department’s samples, including all cases of adulteration, and has undertaken innumerable analyses for the Police Department. Part of his official duties has been to carry out investigations m connection with the kauri gum in Wustry, as a result of which he developed w T hat is known as the flotation method of separating gum from the soil. Considerable effort was expended also in investigations in connection with mining, radio activity, and natural cases occurring in New' Zealand. For the last six months he lias been* engaged on methods of bleaching flax, and it is understood that arrangements have been made for him to continue this work after his retirement from the position of Dominion Analyst.