H.—29

10

In addition to the reference already made to the Plant Research Station, I must express appreciation of the excellent work being done at the Wallaceville Veterinary Laboratory and at the Chemical Laboratory, at both of which establishments research and routine activities have been prosecuted energetically and skilfully by their respective staffs. Inspection work in connection with meat, milk, plants, orchards, apiaries, fertilizers, rabbits, noxious weeds, &c., has been maintained efficiently and satisfactorily. As regards noxious weeds, the adoption of sodium - chlorate spraying for the purpose of eradicating ragwort has given such good results under field-trial conditions that it is coming into extensive use during the coming season, and there seems every reason to anticipate that the ragwort menace, on closely settled lands, will soon become comparatively negligible. This preparation is also being tested with Californian thistle and other weeds. Rabbits are still far less troublesome, but constant vigilance is being exercised in keeping them down. The flax-milling (hemp) industry is passing through a difficult period, owing to low selling values coupled with high cost of production. It is hoped that modern cultivation and manufacturing methods will help to bring about improvement. Work of particular interest now in hand is that of experimenting with methods of bringing into profitable use at reasonable cost the " pakihi " lands on the west coast of the South Island, this being done in association with the Cawthron Institute. Also, in association with the Research Department a considerable volume of experimental and demonstration work is being done on soil-deficiency areas in the King-country, particularly at Mairoa, where the results of research have shown that top-dressing with lime in conjunction with phosphate quickly brings about profitable improvement. Experiments in bringing in the so-called ironstone-pan country in the far north of Auckland Province are also in progress. The publications service of the Department has been carried on efficiently by means of the Journal of Agriculture, bulletins, and other printed matter. Radio broadcast lecturettes covering a wide range of agricultural subjects were also continued. Staff Matteks. During the year Mr. A. H. Cockayne, who had for some time previously held the position of Director of the Fields Division, was appointed Assistant Director-General of the Department, in succession to Mr. P. S. Pope, whose retirement on superannuation was mentioned in my report for 1928-29. I desire to record my appreciation of Mr. Cockayne's effective co-operation since his appointment. It may be mentioned that he is retaining in the meantime the Directorship of the Plant Research Station, in addition to his head-office function. In existing circumstances this arrangement is of considerable advantage. The vacant directorship of the Fields Division was filled by the appointment of Mr. J. W. Deem, previously Fields Superintendent at Palmerston North. In concluding, I must also express my appreciation of the great assistance rendered by the Divisional Directors and heads of Sections, who have throughout exhibited a keen desire to do their best towards rendering the work of the Department efficient and of real value to the community. This has been supplemented by good work by the staff generally. C. J. Reakes, D.V.S., M.R.C.Y.S., Director-General.