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Raspberry Investigation.—At Tapawera the same treatments that were employed last season were repeated in a new experiment laid out as a Latin square with, suitableguard rows between the fertilized bushes. No burning of the leaves occurred this season on bushes receiving the heavy potash applications, probably due to the use of sulphate in place of muriate of potash in the fertilizer mixture. Besides improvement in theleafage of all treated bushes, there was a definite indication that a complete fertilizerwas more satisfactory than blood and bone in the first year of application. On the original experimental rows some additional benefit from the complete fertilizer carrying extra potash was seen. The complete fertilizer, even in the new experiment, resulted in better development of the berries. At Rakau, last year's treatments were repeated, with the same response as atTapawera. In addition, bushes were laid off in plots for treatment with Epsom salt,, dolomite, and borax in conjunction with a complete fertilizer. No response was obtained from the magnesium compounds, but borax at 28 lb. per acre brought about improved, cane and leaf growth. Miscellaneous Fruit By-products. —The Fruit Section of Head Office has collaborated with the Chemical Engineering Section of the Dominion Laboratory in investigating the dehydration of bananas on behalf of the Government of Fiji. A first-class product of light golden colour and good flavour has been prepared. Further investigation has also been made into the development of an alternative method of extraction in order to improve the quality of unfermented apple-juice. The Department has continued to advise the Internal Marketing Division on the technical aspects of commercial dehydration of apples. INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY DIVISION Director : Mr. L. S. Hearnshaw Research (1) Eyestrain in Two Clothing-factories. —A survey was carried out in co-operation with two qualified opticians on the eyesight of girl workers in two clothing-factories, 241 girls being optically examined (57 in factory A, and 184 in factory B). Of these, 37 per cent, in factory A and 46 per cent, in factory B complained of some degree of eyestrain. These complaints were nearly twice as numerous among those whom the opticians regarded as not properly equipped with glasses as among those who were properly equipped. As is to be expected, proper optical equipment greatly reduces the tendency to eyestrain, though it does not altogether remove it. A check-up on. the lighting in these two factories showed that in neither was the lighting up to the usually recognized standards. Several tentative recommendations have been made asa result of this investigation. (2) Occupational Analysis.—A trial analysis of the building trades has been commenced during the year. Such an occupational analysis endeavours to assess what sort of human material the occupation requires, what aptitudes, skills, and temperamental qualities are needed, what sort of educational background and specialized vocational training are desirable, and so on. Work so far has been mainly within various Government Departments, rehabilitation, training-schools, and housing and public-works contracts, and attention has been paid primarily to carpentry, though information about the other building trades has been, collected. (3) Seating.—Four years ago, as a result of observations on the generally unsatisfactory seating for factory workers in New Zealand, the Division was instrumental in getting a local manufacturer to produce an adjustable posture seat suitable for factory use. Hundreds of these seats have since been installed in factories. A follow-up survey

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