96 I'KF.SIDKXTiAL ADDRKSS SKC T[()i\ 1!. 



W hat IN really necessar)- is a complete union of even 

 interest concerned, and no link in the chain must be wanting, but 

 it must l)e clearly recognised that the first necessity, the absolute 

 prime mover of modern industrial progress at the present da)- 

 is science and scientific research. What science has achieved 

 in the past must be used as a tool to delve into her still unknown 

 secrets, and the country that ignores the call must soon bo 

 reckoned amongst the least of the nations. 



Much preliminary work will be necessary, before it will be 

 possible to move in the right direction, but this organisation 

 should be undertaken without delay. With the means of com- 

 munication and the officials employed in every corner of the 

 country, the Government could undertake this work in a manner, 

 that lies outside the reach of any other bod\'. and this could be 

 carried on concurrently with the preliminary arrangements for 

 conducting experiments on its raw materials with a view to the 

 encouragement of local industries. In progressive civilised 

 countries, which are comparable with this in point of age. 

 (Governments have deemed it a necessity, and spent large sums 

 in maintaining laboratories of all kinds and ])ublishing informa- 

 tion freely for the use of its citizens and the advancement of 

 science. The value of research is happil\' not unknown here, 

 and we all gladly pay tribute to the great work accomplished by 

 Sir Arnold Theiler and his associates, and at the same time to 

 the Government, which has made it possible. Our desire is for 

 more and yet more, in order that we may supply our fundamental 

 necessities, at least, in some measure. Day by day our natural 

 resources are being exhausted and our stock of raw materials i> 

 disa]i])earing. In the meantime but little, if any, attempt is 

 being made to develop industrial activity. 



At its base lies the work of the chemist and the physici.st, 

 too little known and still less appreciated, even 1)\' those of whom 

 some slight knowledge might be expected. The work of the 

 former is still associated with that of the pliarmacist. and that 

 of the latter is unknown. The general diffusion of scientific 

 knowledge may bring enlightenment to the people in the courst- 

 of time, but in those, who desire to develoj) and control j)i()gress, 

 we insist upon the knowledge and capacity that will command 

 success. Some ])ainful examples of this colossal ignorance have 

 made themselves manifest recently, both here and in England, 

 but it will sufifice to emphasise that without their assistance true 

 progress is an utter impossibility. 



History has shown, that wars in the past have proved a 

 stimulus to industry. There is no valid reason to believe, that 

 the ])resent one will i)rove an exception to that rule, and lience 

 the urgent necessity for the immediate organisation of all our 

 resources, even were that not desirable on other more funda- 

 mental grounds. Co-operation is the key. and science, educa- 

 tion, commerce and manufacture must form one organic whole, 

 each contributing its share to the i-onimon stock, their united 

 effort f(jr the common weal. 



