H.—34.

The Geological Survey has carried out quantitative surveys of deposits of such minerals as bentonite, manganese, chromite, clays, refractories, oil shale, sulphur, and coal, which are of special industrial importance at the present time. The Geological Survey has actively assisted the Mines Department and the various companies engaged in the exploration of the potential petroliferous areas of the Dominion by providing basic data on structural geology and by undertaking paleeontological work which has a direct reference in the interpretation of oil-bearing strata. The detailed survey of New Zealand's coal resources, which has made substantial progress during the past two years, and is now being further extended, is a work of first importance in relation to the further development of our industries—e.g., the iron and steel industry. The Dominion Laboratory has participated in this work by carrying out the necessary chemical investigations. The Dominion Laboratory is also undertaking special work in relation to the gas storage of fruit, which is of importance in relation to local marketing. Investigations of substitute fuels for use in emergency —e.g., producer gas—are an important part of the Laboratory's present activities. The Research Associations for the leather and shoe manufacturing and the wool manufacturing industries have given special attention to maintaining the standard of quality of the products of these industries. Through these Associations it has been possible to render very real help in technical problems arising from the greatly increased demands to meet extensive additional Government contracts, in addition to supplying the ordinary requirements of the trade. The Dominion's scientific man-power has been surveyed through the compilation of a national register of scientists, from which men with qualifications for special work are being selected immediately as required. The Universities and scientific bodies and individuals generally have been prompt and generous in their offers of help in the national crisis, and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them on behalf of the Government. Although work directly related to the Dominion's war effort has necessarily occupied a prominent place in the Department's activities since the outbreak of war, scientific services required in connection with safeguarding the health and general well-being of the people must be fully maintained, and are even more necessary in times of war than in peace. The year's activities of the Department have been fruitful in many directions. In matters of research it is not always possible to point directly to quantitative results, but it is clear that our social and economic progress is largely conditioned by the effectiveness of continuous research. The long-range view must be taken in regard to this work, for it is to be remembered that the great achievements of science have come only after long periods of assiduous and co-operative effort by scientists. In this work New Zealand is playing, and must continue to play, her part. D. G. SULLIVAN, Minister in Charge of Scientific and Industrial Research Department.

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