Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1916. THE CAWTHRON INSTITUTE.

Nelson Evening Mail, 28 September 1916, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1916. THE CAWTHRON INSTITUTE.

IT is satisfactory to know that the Cawthron Trustees have for some time past been strongly of the opinion that the Institute should be primarily conwith research in connection with the resources ami industries of the Nelson Province. The Mail lias always stressed the point that the best - advancement for any city or district is one which comes from the sound growth of urban and rural industries. In the Nelson district as a whole there is fine scope for useful effort on the lines ■ indicated by the Trustees. We understand that the first' task will 'be mainly one of investigation. There will be no prei mature expenditure on 'buildings and equipment until the best experts have decided after extensive investigation and study of resources -and local conditions, what are the right lines to follow. There [will, it is understood, be three main lines

of investigation : (1) Biology, which embraces entomology, the study of insect pests, etc. (2) Chemistry, which will . be chiefly agricultural chemistry, the analysis and treatment of soils, etc. ; and (3) Geology, relating, of course, to the mineral resources of the district, investigation of Parapara, for instance, and the testing of coal seams, etc.

It will seen there aregreat possibilities before an institution of this nature. In a word, it means that the best teachings of science will Tdo brought to bear on tlje resources of the district, which should mean a great increase in future production. Doubtless in addition; to the central institution with its laJboratories and scientific equipment of various kinds, there will be field stations in different parts of the country for practical experimental purposes. Speaking on broad lines, it would seem that the Trustees acting wisely in making these extensive' preliminary investigations before spending money in directions that may ultimately prove to be of secondary importance. If the right men are secured to make these investigations a start will be made on thoroughly sound lines.

Some help will be obtainable from Australia, for the Commonwealth Government has gone well past the stage of talk. There a sum of about £250,000 is being used in the foundation work of f.he new era. The greater part of this money is being devoted to the promotion and encouragement of research helpful to Australian industries. Before Australia awakened to the need., of this preparation for a future much more strenuous than the pre-war days of easygoing, Canada had been conspicuous in the field of research. A few weeks ago the New Zealand Philosophic Institute ■set up a Committee of Industrial Research, and a beginning was promptly made with the collection of useful in formation of the progress made in other countries. The Dominion Conference of the Farmers' Union, recognising that this movement could' be helpful to the primary industries, adopted a resolution supporting the Committee's preliminary plan of investigation. Indeed, something better than verbal support for sikl. a scheme should come from fainu.is. Year after year they have had ties to observe that the primary indus tries—chiefly agricultural and j-astoial—-which are the mainstay of New a. have had little consideration in the national system of education -atid iesearch in the manner indicated. This deplorable anomaly has persisted during long years. It is true that improvements have been effected from year to >ear. but the present provision of facilities to qualify a youth for successful life on the land is still far from adequate. The point—the need of bringing the system of technical education into "conformity with the c6untr.y's- requirements- -for ttit principal industries—was stressed re cently by the Chief Justice, Su'' Robert Stout. And Nelson lias now a very special interest in this subject. The Cawthron Institute will, we take it,'point out the way and assist in replacing the missing link in our national system 01 education. Fruit is rapidly winning a prominent place among the primary in-

dustries. If that place is to be maintained and improved, fruit must have due regard in the scientific research. The fact that fruit is coming to the ■'•out in New Zealand must have a stimulatingeffect on countries which will be competing with this Dominion in v&ri./us markets, and they will no doubt be eager to strengthen themselves .a.-- racj: as f <s sible. Fruit must have a worthy place in any system of research which aims at national prosperity. ..