TRIBUTES TO SCIENTIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 422, 2 August 1928, Page 11

TRIBUTES TO SCIENTIST

SIR J. RUSSELL GREETED TWO AUCKLAND WELCOMES Representatives of two Auckland bodies appreciative of Sir John Russell’s services to agriculture and science entertained the distinguished visitor yesterday. Sir John, who is director of the famous Rotliamstead experimental agricultural station, is visiting New Zealand for the purpose of gaining first-hand knowledge of New Zealand soils and farming conditions. The first welcome was given by the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which entertained him at a luncheon in the association’s rooms. Mr. W. W. Massey presided at this meeting. Sir John, in addressing the members, said that farmers were not entirely happy an their position, and would like to have a greater return tor their efforts. There were, however, signs of hopefulness now. In the first place, the farmer had grown more wideawake, and it was generally realised that farming was not an easy business. In the old days it was commonly believed that a farmer needed no education, but it was now realised that the farmer had to have the best training available if he was to do any good. academic welcome In the evening Sir John was given a reception at Auckland University College by representatives of the college the College Council. and the Council of the Auckland Institute and Museum. , , Sir George Fowlds, who presided, made a speech of welcome, and other speeches were given by Mr. B. C. Aston, chief chemist to the Department of Agriculture, and Professor A. P. W. Thomas. , _ . .. . Sir John, in acknowledging the welcome, said he had been struck by one thing in particular while travelling through the Empire, and that was the dominance of the universities whereever he went. “The colleges are true to their pr'mary function of scholarship, ’ he said, “but at the same time they were doing useful service in the community.” Speaking on the relation between agriculture and science, he said that until recent times all the discoveries of importance were made by chance. It was the chance act of a French vineyard owner that furnished the specific mixture that ultimately combated the potato blight that had scourged Ireland for years. The speakers made reference to other scientific knowledge that had been acquired, mentioning in particular the organisms in soil. Sir John left Auckland to-day for Hamilton to begin his 18 days’ tour of the Dominion next week, when, at Nelson, he will deliver the fifth Cawthron lecture.