H.- -47

1917. NEW ZEALAND.

ORGANIZATION OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (REPORT BY G. HOGBEN, ESQ., C.M.G., AND DR. J. ALLAN THOMSON, ON THE)

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sir,— Wellington, 2nd October, 1917. In accordance with your request, we have the honour to submit the attached report on schemes adopted in various parts of the British Empire and in the United States for the organization of scientific and industrial research. We have, &c, G. Hoqben. The Hon. G. W. Russell, J. Allan Thomson. Minister of Internal Affairs, Wellington.

I. GREAT BRITAIN. By Order in Council, 28th July, 1915, a Committee of the Privy Council, consisting of six members, the Lord President being the Chairman, was appointed to direct the application of any sums of money provided by Parliament for the organization and development of scientific and industrial research. It was further ordered that, for these purposes, there should be an Advisory Council (which consisted at the outset of eight eminent scientific men, three at least of whom were actually engaged in industries dependent on scientific research). To it stood referred for their report and recommendation proposals— (i.) For instituting specific researches ; (ii.) For establishing or developing special institutions or departments of existing institutions for the scientific study of problems affecting particular industries and trades ; and (iii.) For the establishment and award of research studentships and fellowships. Provision was made for a salary to the Administrative Chairman of the Advisory Council (Sir William S. McCormick), and for remuneration (presumably by fees) to the other members. At the same time a circular was issued by the President of the Board of Education (Vice-Chairmau of the Committee of Council) explaining more fully the objects of the scheme, and establishing the offices of the Committee and the Council at the Board of Education, Whitehall. It was stated that arrangements would be made to keep the Council in close touch with all Government Departments concerned with or interested in scientific research (including the National Physical Laboratory). It was also proposed to ask the Royal Society and similar bodies to undertake the function of initiating proposals for the consideration of the Advisory Council, though the Council itself was to be at liberty to initiate proposals. A clause in the circular indicated that the scheme was to operate throughout the United Kingdom. One of the first acts of the Council was to make a register of researches, and of the existing provision for research.

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