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VETERINARY DEPARTMENT Progeny Testing in Sheep.—The final analysis and interpretation of the data collected over three years in the progeny testing of Southdown rams is almost completed. Differences in birth weight, rate of growth, dressing percentage, and carcass conformation and composition have been established, and other useful data assembled. Sheep-dipping Mortality.—The final report of the investigation into " lameness " following dipping in rotenone-bearing powders and benzene hexachloride has been published. This investigation laid the foundation for the final elucidation of the condition shown by others to be an infection of wounds by E. rhusiopathiw from dipping washes that contained no bacteriostatic agents. Methods of Tailing and Castrating Lambs.—The final report of the investigation dealing with the use of rubber bands for castration has been published. From the point of view of growth rate, no superiority of the method could be shown, and there was evidence that the method predisposed to tetanus infection. CANTERBURY COLLEGE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Director: Mr. T. R. Pollard This department of Canterbury University College was formed in October, 194.8, and the report, covering the first complete year of operation, shows a rapidly increasing use of its services. There have been 320 jobs for industrial organizations, 140 for Government Departments, and 564 for other sections of the College. The year has shown the completion of the extensions to the buildings, and this has given a considerable improvement in the accommodation for the design staff. It has been found necessary to develop a certain amount of test apparatus to enable industrial work to be handled in a reasonably economical manner. It has taken time to get the experience of just what is required in the industrial field, but technique and apparatus are being built up, and it is expected that a considerable increase in the industrial work will be shown during the forthcoming year. Considerable assistance has been given by various branches of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, especially the Dominion Laboratory (chemical engineering section), which has co-operated in a number of investigations, and the Industrial Liaison Officers of Christchurch and Dunedin have initiated a number of projects. Other sections of the college, particularly the Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering Departments, have also been of much assistance. MAIN PROJECTS Some of the major projects undergoing investigation are as follows: Rabbit Fumigator.—Research and development work on this is now complete and the Rabbit Destruction Council has been advised to place an order with a local firm for a small number of these fumigators, which can be tried

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