H.—29,

Additional loading facilities, involving construction-work on a large scale, are in progress of installation at Nauru Island, and when completed, about the end of 1929, the output capacity of the island will be very materially increased. Improvements in the loading plant at Ocean Island are also in progress, and more are contemplated. The whole question of ensuring adequate supplies of raw phosphates is having very close attention. In addition to phosphate rock, extensive importations of prepared fertilizers took place, the total quantity imported during the twelve months ending 31st March, 1928, amounting to 90,934 tons. The Fertilizers Act passed last session is a marked improvement upon previous legislation. The necessary regulations in connection with it are in course of preparation, and every endeavour is being made to ensure that they will be satisfactory and sufficient in operation. Publications Service. This activity has been carried on efficiently during the year. The New Zealand Journal of Agriculture holds its place as the Department's leading means of publicity, and much valuable original matter has again been recorded in its pages. The Journal continues to feature both the semi-popular scientific and the more simple instructional sides in relation to the various branches of New Zealand agriculture. This well-considered and carefully prepared matter is freely at the disposal of the daily and weekly press of the Dominion, and articles are frequently reproduced by such newspapers. Apart from its large circulation among farmers, the Journal continues in steady demand by agricultural and kindred scientific institutions in all parts of the world. It thus helps to keep New Zealand " on the map " in quarters not reached by ordinary publicity material. There has been an average output of bulletins and other instructional pamphlets during the year, while a number of miscellaneous departmental publications have also been dealt with. Radio Broadcast Lecturettes. During the year arrangments were made with the Radio Broadcasting Co. of New Zealand to supply a service of lecturettes on agricultural subjects, to be broadcast from their centrally situated station, 2YA, at Wellington. The educational or instructional idea is indicated by the general title given to the series—" For the Man on the Land." So far the addresses have been given on a regular evening once a week. A wide range of topics has been covered, all branches of the Department having contributed to the service. Legislation. During the 1927 session the following Acts associated with the Department were passed : Massey Agricultural College Act, 1927 ; Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Amendment Act, 1927 ; Howard Estate Amendment Act, 1927 ; Institute of Horticulture Act, 1927 ; Fertilizers Act, 1927 ; Noxious Weeds Amendment Act, 1927; Seeds-importation Act, 1927 ; Orchard-tax Act, 1927 ; Fungicides and Insecticides Act, 1927 ; Introduction of Plants Act, 1927 ; Finance Act 1927 (No. 2) (section 38); Stock Amendment Act, 1927; Slaughtering and Inspection Amendment Act, 1927 ; and Apiaries Act, 1927. The Imperial Agricultural Research Conference. Attached hereto is a report upon the proceedings of this Conference. As representing New Zealand, Mr. T. Rigg, of the Cawthron Institute, was associated with me. Mr. R. E. R. Grimmett, of the Chemistry Section of this Department (who was then on special duty in Britain) also attended the various meetings. The Staff. In conclusion, I must express my appreciation of the energy displayed and good work done by the whole staff during the year. In August I left the Dominion for the purpose of attending the Imperial Conference on Agricultural Research in London, and during my absence the control of the Department was in the hands of Mr. F. S. Pope, Assistant Director-General, to whom my thanks are due for the capable manner in which he carried this reponsibility. I must also record my sincere recognition of the assistance rendered throughout by the Divisional Directors and the Chief Chemist in maintaining the efficiency of the Department and its value to the various branches of rural industry. C. J. Reakes, D.Y.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., Director-General.

2—H. 29.

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