RESEARCH.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1927, Page 4

RESEARCH.

progress in n.z. AN INTERESTING REPORT

WELLINGTON, Nov. IS. Reporting to the Council of Scientific and industrial Research, the chairman, Mr G. Sliirteliffe, states that steady progress Tins been made and much lias been accomplished toxtards inaugurating new activities by means of conferences and meetings with the representatives of various industries.

A Fuel Research Committee has been established representative of the coal mine owners, the .Mines Department, and the Council. A programme of investigations lias been discussed and approved and arrangements for conducting the work at the Dominion Laboratory and elsewhere have been made. Research workers will commence work at an early date on Ttixx temperature distillation processes and on tin investigation into the nature ol mine dusts likely to cause explosions in mines. In conjunction with the Railway Department an investigation of the utilisatio of the carbonised residues from the distillation processes is projected. Real progress lias been made inwards launching a programme of cereal products research. Tile scheme for the establishment, operation, and support of ;l cereal research laboratory in Christchurch has been placed prominently before wheat-growers, llourmillers, and linkers, and everywhere has met with approval. A comprehensive report on cereal research, has been provided for the. Council by Mr L. D. Foster and this will give valuable guidance in the development of fins work. Dr F. \Y. Hilgeiulorf Inis furnished a report on the milling trials conducted with certain varieties of wheat which lie has subjected recently to detailed investigation.

With the assistance of the subsidised grant made by the Council eatliei in the year, investigations into the plioriniuin industry are still proceeding. Dr .). K. Vcates has been carrying out work on tho cvlological problems of the llax plant with a view to tracing those particular properties which contribute towards the production of good libro. These investigations are tundamental in nature and have an important bearinn upon the selection and breeding ol llax varieties. Mr I*. W. Aitken has been continuing his researches into the chemical properties ol llax iihre and residues at the Miranui Mill. MEAT AND LEATHER.

Conferences have been held with representatives of the meat and leather industries and plans lor the organisation of research into their respective problems are at present receiving attention.

Advices have been received regularly from Mr T. Rigg (.who at present is studying the technique of animal nutrition at the Rowelt Institute) concerning the \isits paid to a number ot research stations in England and the U.-S.A. Mr Rigg’s reports contain much of very real interest in view ol their relationship to New Zealand problems and his visit will assist very materially the Council’s endeavours to co-ordinate local research activities with those overseas in an endeavour to make for Empire co-operation.

’I he approaching visit oi Mr L. S. A liter v and his association with the Empire -Marketing Hoard will aflord an opportunity for placing before the Home authorities the desire ot tho Conneil tor Imperial research co-opera-lion, as well as the local attitude towards the conduit of any such scheme.

During September and October Dr Franklin Kidd, together with oflieers of the Department of Agriculture, made an extensive inspection of cold storage conditions as existing in the various districts of the Dominion. Dr Kidd lias furnished- a report on his visit in which he has made recommendations for the conduct of certain investigations and for the co-operation of work with the Cambridge Low Temperature Research Station. In view ol the prime importance of cold storage in the successful marketing of so great a portion of the Dominion’s export, Dr Kidd’s report will require carelul consideration.

At the present time negotiations are in progress with a view to conducting certain scientific observations on the behaviour of Xew Zealand limit in transit to the Home markets during the coining shipping season.