TL—29.

two-year period ended the 31st .May, 1941. For purposes of obtaining supplies of phosphatic fertilizer for cropping a special schedule of rates, based on the quantity of superphosphate obtainable per acre of crop grown, was drawn up. Although it was anticipated that considerable difficulty would be experienced in rationing fertilizers, in reality the system worked remarkably well. For the next rationing period commencing on the Ist July, 1942, it is obvious that even more stringent regulations must be introduced. Organic Fertilizers.—ln order to make provision for supplies of organic fertilizer to market gardeners, the Organic Fertilizer Control Notice 1942 was introduced. Under this regulation manufacturers of blood and bone, bone-dust, &c., are prohibited from selling other than to market gardeners or to householders for use in small quantities. Serpentine Superphosphate.—Work on the production of serpentine superphosphate has continued, and investigations to determine the degree of reversion have been made. Chemical analyses involved were carried out by the Chemistry Section. A quantity in excess of 1.5,000 tons of serpentine rock has been delivered to manufacturers for conversion into serpentine superphosphate. Importations. The negotiations as mentioned in the 1941 annual report for the importation of potash were successfully concluded, and as a result 2,000 tons of muriate of potash were brought in, followed by 500 tons of sulphate of potash. During the year supplies of sulphate of ammonia have become almost completely exhausted, and although 1,000 tons has been imported for use by the Public Works Department no importations for ordinary use have been made. Consequently it became necessary to restrict sales of sulphate of ammonia to market gardeners and to those industries' in which its use is considered essential. It is anticipated that a shipment of 1,000 tons of sulphate of ammonia will be obtained in the near future. Seed Certification. Seed-certification activities have proceeded along the usual lines in the past season, and, despite difficulties created owing to staff shortages and the essential nature of other work, it has been found possible to carry the year's operations to a successful conclusion. In all instances the quantities of the various seeds being certified show an increase on previous years. Brassica-seed Production. On the outbreak of war it became necessary for New Zealand to make her own arrangements for the production of turnip, swede, rape, chou moellier, kale, and mangel seeds, formerly imported from Great Britain. The first year's activities were carried out on a limited scale, but the quantity of seed produced in association with the carry-over ol seed from the previous years' sowings was sufficient to supply all requirements for the 1941 season's sowing operations. For the 1942 season's sowings it has been necessary to make arrangements: for the production of all these seeds within the Dominion, and the present estimates indicate that there will be no shortage of seed in any of the lines mentioned. In some instances there is actually available seed for export overseas. In regard to some of the above-mentioned seeds the great bulk of the material is produced under departmental supervision, and is given the official approval of the Department, while in other lines there is a considerable quantity which does not come under this scheme! Results to date on the seeds grown under supervision are very gratifying, and indicate not_ only high and speedy germination, but also a very good standard' in regard to purity and type. Linen Flax. The Fields Division has again been responsible, under the direction of the Linen Flax Management Committee, for the growing of the necessary acreage of linen flax. A total off 21,000 acres was sown out last spring, and the harvesting of this area is almost completed. The results have been much more successful than in. the first year's large-scale operations, due probably to a combination of several points—(a) experience gained by both farmer and instructor; (b) the selection of more suitable land for the purpose; and (c) a longer period to give attention to the proper cultivation of the soil. Results in most districts are quite promising, and in the South Canterbury area, in particular the question is now arising as to hoW the acreage to be devoted to linen flax can be limited to an area which might be handled by the factories. Medicinal Herbs. Following upon reports received regarding the doubtful nature of the supply of certain medicinal herbs required for the manufacture of essential drugs the Division undertook to grow approximately 25 acres of various plants, and to operate a drier which was being built expressly for the processing of these herbs. This drier was located m Hastings, and a satisfactory arrangement was made with the Patriotic Committee of the Hastings Borough Council under which this committee carried out the detailed procedure m regard to the growing of the herbs. Some material produced in this enterprise has been tested and measures up to the standard set by the British Pharmaceutical Society and is now available for marketing. The first call on this material will be to supply local requirements, but there will be available a considerable surplus foxexport overseas. Seed-testing Station. Over 50,000 seed samples were received for test and analysis, with a marked increase m the use of all services pertaining to export. In certification, both in numbers of lines and quantities of seed passed and rejected, significant increases were shown. The overseas demand, especially that of the United Kingdom, for certain grass and clover seeds was particularly-heavy and could , not be satisfied in full. For the year ended December, 1941, the total value of seeds exported amounted to £563,000, an easv record for the Dominion. Seeds for Government Departments were purchased, especially seeds of grasses to meet the needs of the numerous aerodromes.

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