A.—2

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The Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Advisory Council of Science and Industry has given careful consideration to the memorandum of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, which deals with the "suggestions made by the Governments of Victoria and New South Wales for making the scheme for the organization and development of scientific and industrial research applicable to the whole Empire." The Executive Committee welcomes the evidence afforded by the memorandum that the suggestions of the Australian State Governments have been received with cordial approval by the Committee of the Privy Council, and that there is therefore a definite prospect of a concerted effort throughout the Empire by means of bodies established in the dominions and affiliated with the present organization in the United Kingdom. With regard to the suggestions made in paragraphs 3 to 6 of the memorandum, the Committee desire to express general concurrence with them, and with the opinion that the formulation of precise conditions of affiliation and adoption of definite methods of co.-operation are best postponed till experience has been gained. From the outset, however, great advantage will accrue to the Commonwealth Advisory Council if the Committee of the Privy Council will keep it informed of its decisions and actions, as far as it may think fit, and the A.dvisory Council will in turn furnish reports from time to time as to its own doings. It may be stated that a beginning has already been made here in the undertaking of functions such as those referred to in paragraphs 8 and 9 of the memorandum, and in particular that the Committee is now compiling registers of Australian industries, industrial problems for research, and scientific personnel and laboratories available for research, and that it is also considering the educational facilities and the needs of Australia from the standpoint of the future supply of competent investigators. In paragraph 7 of the memorandum it is stated that the necessary first steps towards a system of co-operation must be the establishment by the appropriate Government of " some body or agency" having functions analogous to those of the Advisory Council which acts for the United Kingdom. This was done by the Commonwealth Government when it appointed the present Advisory Council; but it is probable that it will give place before long to a Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry to be established by Act of Parliament, with similar functions but fuller powers, as advised in the report of the Conference convened by the Prime Minister last January. Finally, the Committee note with full approval the conditions laid down in paragraph 7 of the memorandum as necessary for the successful working of any such body or agency, viz. :— (a.) That it shall be supported by the resources and influence of the Ministry. (6.) That it shall have really responsible functions and substantial authority of its own. (c.) That it shall be at liberty to communicate freely with the corresponding bodies in the United Kingdom and other parts of the Empire, and to negotiate with them in the execution of schemes of research within the limits of the funds placed at their disposal. The Committee believes that, these conditions are fulfilled by the constitution of the present Advisory Council, and that they will be fully embodied in that of the future Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry.

No. 61. New Zealand, No. 822. My Lord,— Downing Street, 16th October, 1916. With reference to my despatch, No. 455, of the 21st June, I have the honour to request Your Excellency to inform your Ministers that the war-tax of Id. which has been imposed on all letters addressed from St. Helena to the United Kingdom and other parts of the Empire came into operation on the 10th September, 1916. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Karl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G, M.V.O, &c.

No. 62. New Zealand, No. 826. My Lord, — Downing Street, 19th October, 1916. With reference to my despatch, No. 809, of the 10th October, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, a copy of a despatch from the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa respecting the scheme for the organization and development of scientific and industrial research. I have, &c, A. BONAR LAW. Governor His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, G.C.M.G, M.V.O, &c.