56 SECTIONAL ADDRESSES 



chapter in his training, and although he may already have acquired a sound 

 knowledge of specific principles and scientific method, he is but a beginner 

 in other respects, and the new situation may make a heavy call on his 

 adaptability and common sense. Real achievement at this stage depends 

 largely on character and personality, the possession of which is outside 

 the guarantee of University degrees. For the chemist who has not only 

 intellectual ability and technical competence, but also qualities of leader- 

 ship and judgment, there is abundant opportunity, and our industries 

 could profitably absorb many more men of this calibre. 



Since the war there has been a notable increase in the number of openings 

 for trained chemists and there is a steadily growing demand for such men. 

 It is imperative, however, that the standard of training shall be maintained 

 at a high level with the objects of scientific progress and professional 

 competence always in view. There is no doubt that, given adequate 

 financial and commercial co-operation, chemists trained in our Univer- 

 sities and Technical Schools will be able to meet all demands on their 

 skill and knowledge and to make their full contribution to the industrial 

 and social needs of the community. 



Consideration, indeed, of the scientific and industrial developments 

 of the last few decades warrants the view that all technical requirements 

 of the community in goods and services can be met sooner or later. While, 

 however, knowledge and skill increase, wisdom lingers, and it looks as if 

 the real problem at the moment before the nation — before all civilised 

 nations — is not any difficulty in technical service or technical production, 

 but the wise use and distribution of the natural and synthetic products 

 which science has put at our disposal in such abundant measure. 



