H.—34.

Research. Incidence of Goitre. —Research work was continued during the year on the relation of iodine content of soils, waters, and foods to the incidence of goitre. The iodine content of a large number of samples of thyroids, blood, urine, milk, and eggs has been determined. The research is not yet complete. Coal. —ln addition to the work carried out under the Coal Research Association, the blending of some New Zealand coals with a view of extending their use for gas-making was investigated. Sheep Sickness. —It was considered possible that cyanogenetic glucosides were present in the pasture from an area affected with sheep sickness, but careful examination did not reveal any trace of cyanides. Oleo Resins from Pine. —An examination of turpentine oil and resins obtained locally by bleeding Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster was made for the Forestry Department. The turpentine was substantially in accordance with B.E.S.A. Specifications. Limestone for Agricultural Use. —An investigation of the relative availability of hard and soft limestones when applied to soil would indicate that hard limestone, if sufficiently finely ground, is equally as available as soft. Bananas from Cook Islands. —An investigation to ascertain the best conditions of ripening was undertaken during the year and is nearing completion. Clay. —Careful analyses and firing tests of clays not previously examined were made during the year. Salinity of Sea-water. —Careful determinations have been continued at the Dunedin Laboratory. Frozen-meat Industry. —One of the staff was detailed to assist in the special investigation on the freezing, storage, and transport of New Zealand lamb, carried out under Dr. E. Griffiths, and, when the work in the Dominion was completed, went to England in charge of recording apparatus on one of the boats carrying selected frozen carcasses. Another member was loaned to the Dairy Research Institute for two months for urgent investigations. W. Donovan.

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