H.—34

The Director of the Apia Observatory, Mr. J. Wadsworth, resigned on 9th June, 1938, and Mr. H. B. Sapsford was appointed Acting-Director. Meteorological work at Apia has been increased to meet the need for additional meteorological data for the Pacific region, particularly in connection with trans-ocean airways, and in this connection several of the resolutions passed at the Meteorological Conference in Wellington in 1937 have been put into effect. The Magnetic Observatory at Christchurch has continued its regular programme of magnetic observations, and has also co-operated with the other observatories in seismological work. Research work in progress includes observations of cosmic-ray intensity and the study of microseisms. NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS INSTITUTE. The New Zealand Standards Institute has now been transferred to the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Institute's activities during the past year are contained in a separate report (H.-34A). OVERSEAS CONTACTS. The Department's Scientific Liaison Officer, Mr. Nevill Wright, and his assistant, Mr. W. M. Hamilton, who are attached to the High Commissioner's Office in London, have continued to perform valuable services in maintaining contact with research organizations in the United Kingdom ; in representing the New Zealand Government on various scientific bodies ; in making the necessary arrangements for the examination of experimental shipments of meat, fruit, and dairy-produce ; and in procuring information in connection with scientific matters in general. Mr. Wright visited New Zealand during the latter part of the year in order to obtain first-hand knowledge of the Department's activities. Mr. L. H. James, Government Analyst at Dunedin, visited England and the United States of America to study the latest advances in analytical chemistry, particularly with reference to the examination of foods and water-supplies and the disposal of wastes. Mr. Modriniak, Geophysical Surveyor, visited the United States of America to purchase special equipment for use in geophysical surveys by the reflection method, and also to obtain up-to-date information regarding geophysical-survey work in America. Eollowing on the successful field trials of linen flax in New Zealand, and the satisfactory results from tests of New Zealand fibre carried out by the Linen Industries Research Association, Great Britain, Mr. J. W. Hadfield, Director of the Agronomy Division, Plant Research Bureau, visited Australia during the year, where he gained much useful information regarding linen-flax production and processing in Victoria,

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