3

H.—34.

the extent of butterfat losses in manufacture has been determined under various conditions, much quantitative information has been obtained in the problems of maturation of cheese, and considerable progress has been made in the understanding of the problems of open texture of cheese, although a full solution of the problem has not yet been found. Valuable statistical work has been carried out on production yields in relation to various factors of climate, breed, &c. The following points of immediate application in the industry have been determined : (1) Milk which develops acid excessively slowly is liable to the production of open-texture cheese, a matter which could be overcome by the use of only the purest milk, and ail active and pure starter ; (2) excessive salting of cheese-curd proves very detrimental to the " body " of the resulting cheese ; (3) the utmost care should be taken in the packing of cheese-hoops in order to avoid open texture. (5) Flax Research. — On the botanical side good work has been accomplished in the development of primary hybrids of high yield and disease-resistance. The application of these to actual practice is necessarily a long process. The response of flax to cultivation and manuring is now much more understood. Little definite progress has as yet been made in combating yellow leaf, a disease which threatens the existence of the industry, but much groundwork has been covered. Another pressing question appears to be the development of better utilization of flax, and some progress towards this end has been made by the working-out of methods of bleaching, the testing of fibre-strength, and tests of decorticating-machines. Samples of papers made entirely from phormium-fibre have been prepared by the Bureau of Standards, Washington, and exhibit desirable qualities for commercial purposes. (6) Fuel Research. —In co-operation with mine-owners and the Mines Department a fairly full survey has been made of the composition and nature of the fuel resources of both Islands. The yields of sub-bituminous coals under carbonization have been worked out, and the results have been largely instrumental in leading to the erection of a plant in the Waikato for briquetting of slack coal. Similar work on bituminous coals is well in hand, and we are now in a much better position to appraise new developments in coal-utilization. As a by-product of the work of the fuel-research laboratories, the introduction of more efficient appliances for locomotives by the Railways Department (Rosebud grate, &c.) has been expedited, with very considerable national savings. (7) Pig Industry. —In co-operation with the Agricultural Colleges and bacon-manufacturers, a fairly comprehensive survey of feed conditions in relation to pigs has been made, and considerable information obtained as to the relation of diets to rate of growth and to quality of pork and bacon. The value of " pig recording " has been established by actual trial in three typical districts. A fidler knowledge of the influence of freezing and holding temperatures on quality of pork and bacon has been obtained, while much information has been obtained of direct value in baconmanufacture—e.g., methods of bacon-curing, disinfection of stores, &c. (8) Leather and Skins. —In the leather industry a Tanners' Research Association has been formed, and a laboratory established for investigation of the technique of tanning processes, elimination of waste in the industry, testing of leathers, working out the tanning value of New-Zealand-produced barks, &c. The progress made can best be gauged by quoting a resolution passed at a general meeting of the Association in June, 1930 : — " That this meeting desires to place on record the valuable assistance given by the Research Association in (1) raising the standard of leather produced, (2) raising the efficiency of production, (3) improving the co-operation between the tanners and the different branches of the leather consumers. That this resolution be published as an indication to other industries of the benefits to be obtained from the application of research." Considerable preliminary work has been carried out on the processing of sheep-skins at freezingworks, and important improvements in treatment have been effectively followed up by appraisement by British tanners. The work has led to process modifications by certain works with a view to production of a better article. The cause of " red stain "in hides has been traced to bacteria introduced in the salt-supply used in the curing process. (9) Wheat— By co-operation of millers, growers, and bakers, and Lincoln and Canterbury Colleges, an active programme of work in wheat has now been in operation for two years. A systematic organization for dealing with selection, breeding, and trial of varieties of wheat from all parts of the world has been established. While this work necessitates a long period for fruition, yet, pursued to its logical development, it is fairly certain to lead to beneficial results, apart from its insurance against loss through the growing of faulty varieties on an extended scale. A protein survey of the wheats of Canterbury and Otago has been carried out, and a knowledge obtained of the baking-qualities of the leading varieties of wheat grown in various districts of New Zealand. A system of grading wheats and flour, based on New Zealand quality requirements, has been worked out, and this has proved a useful guide to both miller and baker. The influence of degree of ripeness of wheat on the ultimate loaf-appearance has been determined. In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, a fairly full knowledge of the influence of manurial treatment of wheat yield and quality has been obtained. A system of wheat-certification has been elaborated. A fairly full investigation of the economics and conditions of wheat-harvesting by the header-harvester method has been carried out by the Wheat Research Institute. In conjunction with Lincoln College, a simple method of moisture-testing of wheat has been developed. Much work has been carried out on the value of milk and malt improvers in the making of bread. In addition, many minor investigations in the milling and baking processes have been completed. The results of these investigations have been conveyed to those concerned, and are exerting an influence towards modification of milling and baking practice in a number of instances. (10) Wool. —Investigations in wool have been carried out at Massey and Lincoln Colleges, and the Romney Marsh Breed Society have assisted in provision of finance.