H.—34.

LEATHER AND PELTS. The provision of scientific information on a number of details to the tanners has enabled the industry to keep abreast of modern developments and to avoid mistakes in practice which would cause losses or reduction in the quality of the output. In consequence, New Zealand manufactured leather is finding uses and is being employed in ways in which hitherto it was not. As a result of investigations with new processes for the treatment of bobby-calf skins, these are now finding uses, and new markets in Great Britain. Similarly, pelts, which have responded to a new process, have entered new avenues of manufacture, and a new demand has thus arisen for New Zealand produce. BANANAS. Supplies of bananas which reached New Zealand from the Pacific Islands have often suffered seriously in quality through defective ripening-methods adopted by retailers in New Zealand. A series of experiments in which temperature, humidities, and supply of coal-gas were carefully controlled provided investigators at the Dominion Laboratory with a knowledge of the optimum conditions suitable for maturing Island bananas. This information, with the co-operation of the Public Works Department, has been applied in practice, on a semi-commercial scale. Designs of a ripening-cabinet, with facilities for controlling temperatures, humidities, and gassupplies, have been prepared, its method of operation defined, and this information made available to fruiterers throughout the Dominion. DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE. The work of this Committee was limited in view of the policy effects developing from the Ottawa Conference, which coincided with its inception, and also by the appointment of the Tariff Commission. The ChairmaD of the Development of Industries Committee was selected as a member of the Tariff Commission, so that on the termination of the sitting of this Commission definite constructional effort may be made. The Committee examined in detail many broad factors affecting the economic development of secondary industries, in particular the influence of machinery and similar industrial regulations, coastal and inland transport, restrictions imposed through arbitration awards, rationalization of industry, standardization, apprenticeship legislation, licensing of new industries, co-ordination of established industries, research, and technical services to industry. A large number of industries were investigated from the point of view of economic development, and in this consideration the necessity was felt for an investigatory force which would collect and collate the facts relating to various industries— e.g., the technical efficiency in the various branches of these industries, systems of cost, &c. MISCELLANEOUS. During the year an increased number of miscellaneous inquiries have been referred to the Department. Many of these have been of a complicated nature, and their solution was possible only to draw upon the combined resources of the staff and facilities of its various branches. There is evidence that various industries arc realizing more fully the value of scientific guidance and assistance in dealing with their problems.

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