H.—34,

" Journal of Science and Technology." This scientific publication has been transferred to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and now is issued directly by the Department. The Journal will be used mainly for the publication of the results of investigations conducted by the Department's Research Staff, together with articles of general interest to science and industry. It is hoped to extend the scope of the Journal so as to secure prompt publication of the results of the various research activities coming under the general supervision of the Department, together with special reports issued from time to time. Publications. The Department has issued a series of bulletins dealing with the following subjects : — Bulletin No. 1 : " Manurial Experiments in the South Island of New Zealand prior to 1923." F. W. Hilgendorf. Bulletin No. 2 : " Pig-production and Results of Feeding Trials." M. J. Scott. Bulletin No. 3 : " Carbonization and Briquetting of Waikato Lignites." Report by Sir Richard Redmayne, K.C.B. Bulletin No. 4 : " Report on the Bergius Process for the Liquefaction of Coal." Dr. H. 0. Askew. Bulletin No. 5 : " Plant-breeding Methods and Results." Dr. F. W. Hilgendorf. Further bulletins are now in the press and will be issued from time to time. Research Scholarships. Four research scholarships, each of an annual value of £180, plus £25 additional for books and apparatus, are available each year for the purpose of providing training for University graduates whose attainments give promise of their being able in the future to conduct useful research work in various industries. The present year has been remarkable for the dearth of candidates of first-class honours standard making application for these scholarships. This, in part, is attributable to the number of scholarships provided by the University the tenure of which permits their holders to pursue their studies in Great Britain. The awards made for this year are as follows : — P. W. Aitken, M.Sc., Otago University : " Investigation into Flax-gum and Chemical Treatment of Flax-fibre." (Extension.) E. A. Beaglehole, M.A., Victoria University College : " The Relation between Lighting and Humidity in Factories and the Efficiency and Health of the Employees in such Factories." J. K. Dixon, M.Sc., Canterbury College : " Hydrogen-ion Values of New Zealand Wheats and Flours." Mr. E. A. Beaglehole subsequently resigned his scholarship in consequence of his having been awarded the University Travelling Scholarship in Arts for the year 1928. Co-operation with Overseas Research Organizations. The connection established by the Department with research institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the Empire has proved of considerable value, and a useful exchange of information has resulted. In the case of a number of the researches being conducted under this Department similar work is being carried out elsewhere in the Empire. Co-ordination of efforts with these, when effective, will permit of more rapid results being secured in local investigations. REPORT OF DOMINION LABORATORY. The principal function of the Dominion Labotatory is to carry out analytical and other chemical work required by all Government Departments except that of Agriculture, and to act as chemical adviser to these Departments. In the carrying-out of their duties the members of the staff have acquired considerable chemical knowledge, covering a wide field, and it is now hoped, while not curtailing in any way necessary Government work, to make their knowledge and experience available where possible for the betterment of industry in New Zealand. Main Highways Board. —The work for this Board has almost doubled during the year. A " Rotarex " separator which was installed has enabled analyses of bituminous concrete to be much more quickly carried out than previously. Mines. —A considerable number of the samples received from the Geological Survey are water, gas, sulphur, and rock from Rotorua, Taupo, and White Island, in connection with the survey of the thermal districts. Health.—lncluded in these samples are 259 milks analyzed for the Plunket Society. Milks taken under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act comprise the majority of the remainder. In Wellington City, 1,708 samples were taken, of which six were watered, eight had been skimmed, two were stale, and fifteen were slightly deficient in various ways. These figures reveal the very satisfactory condition of Wellington's retail milk-supply, and are a tribute to the excellent work of the city Milk Inspector.

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