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division, a great deal of useful information lias been given to the owners of dairy farms whom the instructors have been able to visit in Ihe time at their disposal. As a rule, only those farms from which inferior milk or cream was being delivered to the factories were, visited by the instructors, when in almost every case it was found a comparatively easy matter to trace the cause of inferiority in the product. There is urgent need for an early extension of this important branch of the work as outlined in previous reports of this division. Failing the appointment of an extra number of qualified men to visit the farms with a view of improving the condition of the milk and cream supplies, it is believed that the time of the officers now engaged principally in giving instruction at the factories would be more profitably spent in supervising the farm end of the industry. Both branches of the work are, admittedly important, but the farmers are now undoubtedly more in need of instructional assistance than are the men in charge of the factories. Testing of Daib? Cows. The certiu'eate-of-record testing has been continued during the season. An increased number of breeders are co-operating in the movement, and a greater demand for the division's assistance has been in evidence. Advice has been received that more breeders are preparing to co-operate, with the division in this work during the ensuing season. This is constructive work, and is doubtless bearing fruit in the direction of improving the yield of the average in New Zealand. There is reason to believe that the production of butter-fat of the average cow is now higher than it was before the Department's testing was inaugurated. During the year a new milk record was established by Mr. .1. Donald's imported cow Woodcrest Johanna Tehee. Her yield of 21,183-1 Ib. milk, containing 754*961b. fat. was produced in 365 days, commencing at the age of 4 years 325 days. At the time of writing she is New Zealand's highest milk-record cow, and the highest butter-fat producer in the four-year-old class for her breed. This cow is related to the Department's last importation of Friesians, and came from the same stud farm. The association testing undertaken by the division I his season has been continued satisfactorily at Cheltenham, Woodville, Riverbank, and Konini. This work appears to be very much appreciated by the members of these associations, Staff. The various officers of the, division have carried out their respective duties in an exemplary manner during the year, which has been a particularly busy one, more especially for those engaged at the grading-ports, where a great deal of overtime had to be.worked in preparing the necessary documents required iti connection with the sale of the outputs of butter and cheese to the Imperial Government. All those engaged in the central offices of the division also gave close attention to the duties allotted to them. Here again a considerable amount of extra work has been dealt with for the period under review. The Department sustained heavy loss during the year in the death of Mr. W. Graham and Mr. W. Forsyth, instructors in cheesemaking, both of whom were men of special ability for this class of work, and they will be, sadly missed by the, dairying community as well as by their fellow officers of the division. In the retirement from the service of Mr. J. ttawers, dairy instructor, lnvereargill, owing to ill health, a further loss has been sustained by the Department. Mr. Sawers was an officer of high standing in all matters concerning the dairy industry. It will be extremely difficult to (ill these vacancies with men of equal ability. It is desired to mention that there are now eight officers of the division on active service, two of whom have been wounded, while the others were well when the latest advice from them came to hand.

CHE M IS TR V SECT I 0 N. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. Wellington, 20th .June, 1918. The Secretary of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce. 1 enclose herewith the annual report on the work of my section. B. C. Aston, F.1.C., Chemist. Staff. The year has been notable for the difficulty experienced in finding skilled assistance, the work being carried on with only one laboratory assistant with the aid of two professional cadets, who were absent at the university lectures two half-days a week each during the session, as allowed by the regulations, it is to be hoped, however, that the worst difficulties in respect to the shortage of staff are over. All are now working with enthusiasm. Soil-survey Investigations. In connection with deficiency diseases, visits have, been paid to the, North Island Thermal District, Pahiatua,' Waikanae, Glenhope, Stanley Brook (Nelson), and. West Wanganui Inlet. A number of soils werejoollected in this connection, and where otherjfcypes wore met with en route they were also sampled. A large number of soils have been analysed, and it is hoped to publish a systematic account of the soils of one area shortly.

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