AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 13

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

PROPOSED CEREAL LABORATORY.

CHRISTCHURCH, August 24.

At a meeting of representatives of the wheat-grow-rs, millers, and bakers to-day to discus? the proposal to establish in Canterbury a cereal and technical laboratory, it was resolved: “That a ,ys and Means Committee be set up to deavour to secure complete unanimity to consider finance both for the laboratory and other work and to discuss the whole matter further with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.”

Dr F. W. Hilgendorf presided, and Mr F. 11. Callaghan represented the Department of Scientific and Indust ial Research, and Mr D. Colquhoun the Department of Industries and Commerce. Dr EL G. Denham said that he had re-

ported on the proposals at the latest meeting of the Research Council, and the feeling was- distinctly favourable. Dr Marsden had interviewed the Prime Minister on the subject, and Mr Coates had said that he was interested in the matter. The department was satisfied as to the general plan, and would give a substantial contribution, though no definite figure had been mentioned. It would certainly not exceed 50-50, but it would depend on the total cost. The scheme was a £lO.OOO proposition, and while the council might be prepared to go 50-50 on a smaller total it could not undertake to do so on the larger sum in view of the other interests it had to serve.

The following committee was set up:— Dr Hilgendorf. Messrs F. H. Hawken. J. Rennie, W. W. Mulholland. G. H. Holford, F. R. Callaghan, and P. R. Talbot.

A sub-committee consisting of Dr Hilgendorf, Messrs A. Ireland, F. H. Hawker, and AV. AV. Mulholland was set up to go into matters relating to the proposed levy. „ . The North Canterbury Farmers Union at to-day’s meeting passed a resolution commending the proposal provided that it j allowed of the necessary arrangements being made for growing and testing wheat.