H.—43

16

Questions have been placed before some business men interested in trades and industries as follows : As to what raw material is used which leaves or creates a waste and which at present is not utilized. As to any process by which similar waste is converted into a marketable article : if so, what is the article, and where is it used? As to any suggestions for the utilization of waste products of any kind. When this information is received it is intended to submit the answers obtained to various scientific gentlemen who have undertaken to assist the Board in its investigation of these problems. Wood-pulp and Paper-manufacture. It has been demonstrated that some New Zealand woods, which exist in large quantities on ground which is most suitable for the growth of forest and which does not produce large timber suitable for milling purposes, are adapted for the making of mechanical pulp for paper-manu-facture. The demand for news-paper alone in the Dominion is very great, it being estimated at not less than 50 tons per working-day. The Board is of opinion that after the war, when the necessary plant and machinery can be obtained, the development of this industry should be encouraged. Technical Education and Research. In the opinion of the Board one of the most important matters referred to in its order of reference is the question of technical education and scientific research as applied to the development of the resources of the Dominion. Although the Board has so far not reported, yet it has not neglected these matters, in which a great deal of preliminary work has been accomplished. Co-operation of Labour. The Board, realizing that in order to attain the maximum of national efficiency it should obtain the hearty assistance and co-operation of labour as represented by the trades-union organizations, has had the subject under consideration, but is not yet in a position to make any definite recommendation. National Ideals. Although not strictly within the functions of the Board, a recommendation was transmitted to the Hon. the Minister of Education that steps should be taken to copy the system adopted in the United States of America and elsewhere of instilling patriotism into the minds of the schoolchildren of the Dominion by a systematic "saluting of the Hag," and by one weekly lesson relating to national ideals. Conclusion. Frequently advice is sought by the public from the Board, and is readily given, particularly in respect to the management or disposal of the businesses of Reservists called up for military service. In many other ways the services of the Commissioners have been placed at the disposal of the community. The Board desires to place on record that while the principal matters into which it ham inquired, in terms of its commission, and upon which its conclusions to date have been reported to the Government, have been referred to in this report, yet the Board is unable at this stage to submit final conclusions in respect of many important questions into which inquiry is still being conducted. The Board's work, however, is almost entirely advisory. Whether advice is of value or not depends upon the point of view of those who receive that advice. The Board would therefore like some indication from the Government as to whether the Government considers the work already done of substantial value to it. In addition to the appendices already referred to in this report, attached hereto will be found a set of circulars, memoranda, and publications issued by the Board in connection with its work (Appendix XI). 12th July, 1917. William Ferguson, Chairman.