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Board of Sctkncf, and Art. The fourth annual meeting of the Board was held in the Dominion Museum on the I lth March, 1919, under the chairmanship of the Hon, G. \V. Russell, Minister ol' Internal Affairs. Turnbull Library. —The Chairman detailed briefly the steps that had been taken in regard to the Turnbull Library, and stated that it could not be opened for public use for at least a year. It was resolved that the Chief Librarian, General Assembly Library, and the Turnbull Librarian be requested to bring down for submission to the next meeting of the Board of Science and Art a set of rules under which the Library may be opened. Scientific and Technological Library. —A letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs was read informing the Board that he had communicated with the Minister of Justice on the matter, and lind been informed by him that there would be no available accommodation for a Dominion Scientific and Technological Library in the old police building, but that.it was proposed to arrange lor a reference library of scientific and technical works in conjunction with the Patent Library, and under the control of the Patent Office, for the use of professional Government officers. It was resolved that the Office Accommodation Board be requested to consider the need of providing rooms for the Scientific and Technological Library, and to associate Mr. I. G. Morgan and Dr. .1. A. Thomson with the Board in the matter. Scientific and Industrial Research. Professor Thomas asked what steps had been taken in regard to the report of the National Efficiency Board. The Hon. Mr. Russell replied that it was still under the consideration of Cabinet. As regards a census of industrial matters, an industrial census was being carried out by the Government Statistician, and he considered that a compulsory census of industrial problems was out of the question, lie hoped, however, that the Board would consider the whole matter fully, and bring down definite plans for the consideration of the Government. After a general discussion of the steps that had been taken, and the present position in regard to scientific and industrial research, il was resolved (I.) That this meeting urges upon the Government that the time has come when .the establishment of a Board to superintend and organize scientific research and the advancement of industrial efficiency should no longer be delayed. (2.) That the scheme adopted by the National Efficiency Board, being the well-considered opinion of the scientific bodies of New Zealand, lias the foremost claim to the attention of the Government. (3.) That pending the establishment of such a Board, a joint Committee of the New Zealand Institute and the Science and Art Board be authorized to undertake ii preliminary investigation into the following matters : (a.) Industrial problems requiring scientific research. (6.) Facilities for research in New Zealand laboratories. (c.) Number and status of scientific men available for research. (d.) Register of research work in progress. (c.) Existing facilities for the training of research students. (/.) Existing facilities for technical education and the training of artisans. (g.) Existing facilities for the training of agricultural students. (4.) That the sum of £250 be grunted to the above committee for secretarial assistance in making the above investigations. Museum and Art Gallery. It was resolved (1.) That in consideration of the large accumulations of invaluable material at present stored in unsuitable buildings, and not accessible for public display and use. mid also of the rapid increase of war collections, the Government be again urged to proceed with Unbuilding of a new Museum and Library with as little delay as possible. Until such a building is provided it is impossible for the Museum to fulfil adequately its functions. (2.) That the Board considers that the present Museum-site is the most suitable for the Dominion Museum and Library, more especially as the Parliamentary and Turnbull Libraries are situated close to it. (3.) That the Board agrees with the New Zealand Academy of Pine Arts that it is desirable that- the National Art (Jailers' should be placed under separate control from the Museum and Library. (1.) That the Science and Art Act, L 913, be amended in accordance with these suggestions. Historical Collections anil War Museum. The report on historical collections was considered clause, by clause and adopted, Dr. Thomson stated that the papers for the Register of Early Colonists had not been circulated to relatives of early settlers owing to his absence on sick-leave, and that he proposed to issue with the blank forms one that was filled in as a, model. With regard to Brunner's Journal, the opinion was expressed by members of the Board that the original had probably been destroyed in the newspaper office in Nelson which first printed it. In regard to Government archives, it was resolved that the Board recommends that the New Zealand archives now in the possession of the Government, and which are at present stored in one of the public buildings, be deposited in a, room in the Turnbull Library, where they would be accessible for reference. In regard to the soldiers' diaries, it was suggested that Press reminders should be published to the effect that the Government wishes to acquire war diaries. It was resolved that this Board advises the Government that a War Museum would be most economically established and administered in connection with the Dominion Museum. They recommend to the Government, further, that the care of war trophies and exhibits will be most efficiently carried out by .the Museum staffs, and recommend that, where possible, duplicates of interesting exhibits shou'd be obtained from England and placed under the care of the museums of the chief centres.

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