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FT.—34

Survey of Research Work in New Zealand. A complete survey of the research work in progress and proposed, in the four University colleges, in various Government Departments, at Canterbury Agricultural College, Cawtbron Institute, and elsewhere, was made, and some very valuable suggestions were received from representatives of the various bodies approached. This survey indicated that a relatively small amount of research work is actually being done in some of our important primary and secondary industries. In consequence, it served as a useful guide towards directing the incidence of the Council's activities. In order to increase the value of the services rendered by the Dominion Laboratory to other State Departments and to the manufacturing industries of the Dominion, two additional staff appointments were made—a Technical Research Chemist and a Research Physicist, both New-Zealanders. Arrangements also are in train for the formation of a Technological Bureau of Information attached to the Dominion Laboratory, so that inquiries may be dealt with expeditiously, each of the technical officers of the Laboratory being responsible for a section for which his training renders him most suitable. Further accommodation also is being arranged for at the Dominion Laboratory, so that the state of congestion which has existed there for the last ten years,- and which, owing to its having necessitated the dismantling and re-erection of apparatus for each test, has led to considerable waste of time and delay in obtaining "results' of tests, will be obviated.. The Laboratory also will take over for the Labour Department the custody of the ultimate standards of weights and measures, so that the Laboratory's Physicist may collaborate with the Inspectors in comparison with the working standards. Meteorological Office. As a result of careful consideration it has been decided to extend the activities of this office so that, each year, information may be published, and, in particular, increased attention directed to the publica tion of information valuable in connection with public works, agriculture, shipping, and aircraft. In addition, improved arrangements have been made for the wireless transmission of weather data from as many ships as possible voyaging across the Tasman Sea. As the majority of our storms approach New Zealand from the west, this information should increase both the accuracy and the time range of forecasts. Geological Survey. The policy laid down with regard to the Geological Survey is the compilation of reports on mineral resources and raw products valuable to industry. At the same time the fundamental work connected with the completion of the geological survey of the Dominion is being actively pursued. Co-operation with Government Departments and other Institutions. Much consideration has been given to the question of working out plans of co-ordination to permit of combined attack upon problems requiring investigation. The Department has received every support and encouragement from the heads of other Departments in devising such plans as have been found necessary to overcome unexpected and involved difficulties that have arisen. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research feels that this co-ordination of effort must necessarily be part of its policy, and, while regarding the control and supervision of all research work as especially within its province, it aims to co-operate, in all its endeavours, with the work, done by other Departments. Investigations and Researches inaugurated. (1) Dairy Research. As the result of several conferences with representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the Dairy Produce Board, and the New Zealand Agricultural College Council, a scheme for the conduct of dairy research was agreed upon. The Dairy Produce Board has signified its willingness to contribute half the cost of research up to £3,000 annually. The control of the research has been given to a special management committee comprised of— (1) Mr. W. Grounds, (2) Mr. W. Goodfellow, (3) Mr. T. A. Winks, representing New Zealand Dairy Produce Board ; (4) Hon. George Fowlds, (5) Mr. A. Morton, nominated by New Zealand Agricultural College Council; (6) Dr. C. J. Reakes, (7) Mr. W. Singleton, representing New Zealand Department of Agriculture ; (8) Professor H. G. Denham, (9) Mr. Q. Donald, representing Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The Hon. George Fowlds was elected chairman of this committee. Professor Riddet has been appointed Director of the research, and applications are being called for the positions of Research Chemist and Research Bacteriologist. Arrangements have been made to accommodate the research staff at Hawera or at Hamilton pending the establishment of more complete facilities at Palmerston North. A survey of the main problems for investigation has been made, and arrangements are in train for effective linking-up with results of research elsewhere. (2) Mammitis and Abortion Diseases. Realizing the serious nature of these two diseases, and the severe economic loss they inflict upon the farming industry, the Council is urging the necessity for further research into their nature and control. The Council has recommended that the services of a first-rate bacteriologist be secured to strengthen the present staff at the Wallaceville Laboratory and the deal specifically with these two diseases.

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