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(vii) CONSTANT REVIEW The need for watching future trends in the demand for and the supply of scientists has been stated in the concluding paragraph of Section Vof this report. We consider that a constant review of the position would be of benefit to scientific work in New Zealand. Recommendation — That, in view of the importance of scientific man-power to the country as a whole, a Scientific Man-power Standing Committee be set up in order that the matter may be kept constantly under review. XIII. SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (1) That there is at present a shortage of scientific man-power amounting over all science subjects to some 20 per cent, of the number at present employed (Appendix I). (2) That in the fields employing the greatest number of scientific workers the shortage exceeds this figure (20 per cent.) in agriculture, botany, forestry, geology, mathematics, physics, and zoology, and is below 20 per cent, in chemistry and home science (Appendix I). (3) That there is an acute shortage of scientific workers of ability and experience to fill key positions (Section VII). (4) That the loss of scientific personnel to overseas positions is undoubtedly considerably greater than the number returning to or entering New Zealand for the first time and that the loss is in the main of the more able scientists (Section 1 XI). (5) That the output of science graduates from the University colleges is such that by 1952 there should be a sufficient total number of science graduates to meet the Dominion's needs if there is no undue loss overseas, or to occupations outside scientific industry, and if there is no very marked unforeseen development of scientific activities (Section V). (6) That this output will not remedy present weaknesses unless machinery is devised to increase the proportion of scientific workers of ability and experience (Section XII). (7) That there are some spheres in which scientific workers should be employed and in which they are not at present employed or are employed on too limited a scale (Section VIII). (8) That if there are large developments in new fields the total number of science graduates anticipated by 1952 may still be insufficient. (9) That some of the present University science courses are not altogether suitable for the needs of Government Departments and of industry and could with advantage be modified. XIV. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (1) That the various bursary schemes be brought more into line and that Treasury be asked to arrange for a conference of the Departments concerned in order that this may be done (Sections X and XII). (2) That one avenue of appointment to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Department of Agriculture be by means of bursaries of value equal to mfedical, dental, and post-primary teachers' bursaries (Sections X and XII). (3) That arrangements be made through the various High Commissioners to inform New Zealand scientists overseas of suitable vacancies in New Zealand, and to inform New Zealand employers of scientific personnel concerning New Zealand scientists who are anxious to return (Section XII). (4) That the Education Department establish a pool of relieving teachers for postprimary schools whereby, say, ten overseas science teachers of ability and experience could be assured of a position for twelve months after arrival in New Zealand (Section XII). (5) That the University of New Zealand should, if possible, be linked up with the Federated Superannuation Scheme for Universities (Great Britain), (Section XII).

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