CHEMISTS CONFER

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1931, Page 5

CHEMISTS CONFER

NEW ZEALAND SECTION OF institute. NELSON, Jan. 28. The fourth annual conference of the New Zealand Section of the Institute „f Chemistry opened with the annual general meeting. Fifteen delegates representing all parts of New Zealand, were rpesent. Professor J. K. H. !nglis. of Otago University, was in the chair, with Mr W. A. Joiner as hoiiouryiv assistant, secretary. The Pillowing were also present: Messrs Donovan and Andrew. Dominion Laboratory Scott and Franklin. Lincoln College; J)i Denham. Canterbury College; Dr A illicit. Imperial Chemical Industries, Hamilton; Messrs Lawrence. Gleudmiug. and Stewart. Wellington; Felder, Auckland; Stewart, Wellington; Professor Easterlies. Dr Askew, a»kl Mr Sim, Cawthron Institute. The annual report showed an increase of si* in membership during the year, making the total number of members 46. During the year a special committee was elected to prepare evidence which lias submitted to the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation in connexion with the present condition ot development of secondary industries. A statement descriptive of thejpr'V fession and embodying natural aptmudes and educational requirements, was sent to the Minister of Education, with a request that it might replace the paragraph under the t.itle of “ Analysts and' Assurers,” in the educational guidance pamphlet. It was recommended that the statement be used when members of the. general public ask tor information concerning the profession in New Zealand.

The section has suffered a great loss in the death or Mr A. M. Wright, who died during the last conference. Air Wright was one of the most valued members, and had displayed the same keen interest in institute affairs that had characterised Ids professional activities, IMPORTANCE OF CHEMISTRY. in the course of his presidential address, Dr Inglis said: “At the present time it is the duty of every one to endeavour to bring to an end the state of depression from which the Dominion is suffering. As it is not possible for our small country to control world markets, our only course is to reduce costs, and one of the wavs to do this is by increasing efficiency. “ Many chemical industrial processes have proved a failure until some changes have increased their efficiency, or some use was found tor otherwise waste products. This indicates one of the ways in which the chemist can he of use. In some industries the chemical side seems to he relatively unimportant; but the nature of sound chemical training is such that even in these industries a chemist can he of great help in controlling various processes.”