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Exhibits at Shows. Departmental exhibits were staged at a number of both summer and winter shows, where the displays created much favourable comment. In the South Island particular interest was taken in the comprehensive linen-flax exhibit. There is no doubt that the show exhibit is a splendid method of bringing the activities of the Department more prominently under the notice of the farming community. Apart from the instruction actually delivered at the shows, this exhibit enables officers to make contact with farmers who have specific problems to solve. The Phormium Industry. For the year 1940-41 the amount of fibre produced was 20,067 bales, a decrease of 1,428 bales on the quantity produced in the previous year. A total ol 1,794 bales of tow were produced, a decrease of 761 bales. None of this output was available for export, the whole production being used, locally for woolpacks, cordage, &c. The total tonnage from the fiaxmills is estimated to be worth £103,741. Practical instruction was given to some mill-managers during the year with a view to improving the fibre, and several flaxgrowing areas capable of improvement were investigated. Departmental Photography. The photographic section of the Fields Division is giving a good service to this and other Divisions of the Department, and also to research institutions when called on. Excellent photographs and lantern-slides have been produced. Some photographs arc utilized for display at shows, others lor illustrations in the Journal of Agriculture and other departmental publications. Chemical Laboratory. The Department's Chemical Section attached to the Fields Division has efficiently handled laboratory matters relating to investigations into fertilizer and limestones, soil fertility, mineral content of pastures, &c. —altogether a wide field of work and involving many chemical analyses. A laboratory of this nature at headquarters is, of course, essential for departmental activity and progress. Staff. I acknowledge with appreciation the services rendered by the staff and their loyal support throughout a difficult year. Thanks are also due for assistance given by commercial and professional contacts who are co-operating with this Division in the implementation of war measures.

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