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Exhibits at Shows. During the year the Department continued to stage exhibits at agricultural and pastoral summer shows and winter shows. It is not possible to comply with all the requests received for the Paging of the departmental exhibit, but it is erected in all cases where arrangements can be made, ihese exhibits are of an instructive and educative nature, and are much appreciated m the many centres where they have been shown. . , . A feature this year of this phase of the Department's activity was the comprehensive exhibit displayed at the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. The exhibit covered a considerable area of floor space, was a credit to the officers concerned, and received high praise from visitors from the various parts of the Dominion and overseas. The Department is indebted to several persons who put exhibits at its disposal for display. The Phokmium Industry. The production of phormium fibre shows a further decline this year. The amount of fibre produced was 10 645 bales, a decrease of 14,652 bales on the quantity produced the previous year, and 2,555 bales of tow were produced, a decrease of 5,165 bales. Locally the fibre is used principally for general cordage, woolpacks, and for incorporation in fibrous plaster material. During the year a survey of all flax areas of commercial value was carried out. Departmental Photography. The photographic section continues to give good service to this division and other sections of the Department. Research institutions are also availing themselves of the services of the photographer. The class of work done at the studio is of a high standard, and the photographs make excellent exhibits for display at shows as well as for illustrations for the Journal of Agriculture. Chemical Laboratory. The Department's Chemical Section was subdivided from April, 1939, into two sections, one more concerned with animal research, and the other dealing with fertilizers, soil fertility, mineral content of pastures, &c„ attached to this Division. A total of 1,082 analyses of soils, pastures, crops fertilizers, limestones, &c., were undertaken. The laboratory is, of course, an essential institution tor departmental work, and it has given valuable service during the past year. Staff. I must place on record my appreciation of the continued loyal support of the staff of this Division, particularly for their cheerful acceptance of additional duties with the onset of war.

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