RESEARCH WORK

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1929, Page 2

RESEARCH WORK

ANOTHER LABORATORY. SOUTH ISLAND PROPOSAL. The establishment of a South Island research laboratory in connection with the dairy industry was strongly advocated at' the meeting of the South Island Dairy Association at Dunedin when the following remit was brought forward: ‘‘That as the establishment of a research laboratory in the South Island to deal with local problems is considered to be essential to the welfare of the industry, the executive of the association be instructed to take any further steps which they may consider necessary to have a laboratory set up as soon as possible.” The adoption of the remit was moved by Mr Bryant, who said that last year the question was brought forward, and it was considered that the time was opportune to take action. From what ho had heard good work had been done in the North Island in connection with the science of the industry. The secretary and he had endeavoured to propound a scheme for setting up a laboratory iii Dunedin or Invercargill. After mature consideration they had come to the conclusion that a laboratory should be established, in Dunedin, which was a more convenient place. Invercargill had a bigger output of produce, but it had the disadvantage of being at the extreme end of the island. They thought that a laboratory in Dunedin would bo better able to promote the interests of the industry in the South Island. Later on it might be possible to extend this feature of the work to Christchurch and Invercargill. A building which could bo made suitable for a laboratory was owned by the association in Dunedin. Another reason for setting up a laboratory in Dunedin was the existence of the Otago University, which would give the scientists an opportunity to secure literature which would not otherwise be available at the start. The speaker submitted information as to the cost of establishing a laboratory. Once they got over the capital cost the expenses would not be, very great. Answering questions, Professor Riddet said that the Massey College had been conducting experiments in regard to the feeding value of skim milk for pigs, but they had not yet been completed. The experiments would require to be carried on for some time before any definite conclusion could be come to. As regarded whether it would be advisable to have a local laboratory, either in Oeago or Invercargill, in view of the outlay required, and the fact that they had the college in Palmerston North, Professor Riddet said that a local laboratory would bo very valuable in dealing with points which arise from day to day in the factories. A lot of assistance could be given by a local laboratory—more probably to cheese-making districts than to butter-making districts. Mr G. B. Cartwright said he thought that the findings of the laboratory in the North Island could be passed on to them, and that would be sufficient.

Mr Gardiner said he considered that the chief question was that they should bo able to deal with their problems by a local laboratory

Mr John Fisher favoured the installation of a laboratory. The laboratory in Hawera had proved successful. Southland represented about 75 per cent, of the export of cheese, and he did not think they would agree to the laboratory being placed in Dunedin. He thought they should make further investigation, and then bring up the question at the annual meeting next year.

Professor Riddet said they would requiro the men at the laboratory to go out and take samples. If the samples were not properly taken, they would be useless. He doubted whether the factory managers could carry out the work of taking out the samples. He thought, therefore, a laboratory should be placed in the district it would principally serve.

Mr Fisher moved as an amendment—- “ That this meeting approves of the principle of the establishment of a laboratory, but that consideration be deferred until a report is obtained from an expert committee, and that the question come up again at the annual meeting next year.” The amendment was carried by an overwhelming majority.