H.—34

METEOROLOGICAL BRANCH Consequent 011 the outbreak of war, the Meteorological Branch of the Department, together with the Apia Observatory, was transferred to the Air Department for the duration of the war. The report of the Meteorological Branch during the past year is contained in the annual report of the Air Department. IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL BUREAUX The Imperial Agricultural Bureaux were established to act as clearing-houses for the interchange of information between research workers in various fields of agricultural science throughout the world, but more particularly within the various countries of the British Commonwealth. 111 New Zealand co-operation with the Bureaux is maintained through the Department oi Scientific and Industrial Research, for which purpose there is a special liaison officer. In addition, contacts with individual Bureaux and the appropriate fields of research are maintained by official correspondents, who deal with specific inquiries. OVERSEAS LIAISON The Scientific Liaison officers in London and Washington have continued to give most valuable service in maintaining liaison between Great Britain, United States of America, and New Zealand in research and other scientific activities. Special attention has necessarily been given to the procuring and exchange of information on the scientific aspects of defence, the processing, storage, and transport of foodstuffs under war conditions, and substitutes for essential materials now unavailable or in short supply. A wide range of inquiries 011 these and other matters of wartime importance has been dealt with, and the information received has greatly assisted the Department in keeping abreast of scientific developments in Great Britain, United States of America, and allied countries. During the year approval was obtained for an increased establishment of overseas scientific liaison officers, and Messrs. N. A. Marris and J. A. D. Nash, of the head office staff, were appointed to United States of America and Australia respectively. Mr. Nash has taken up his duties in Melbourne, and Mr. Marris will leave shortly for Washington, which will be his headquarters in the United States of America. PUBLICATIONS The monthly publication of the New Zealand Journul of Science and Technology was continued during the year, alternate numbers being devoted to two different classes of papers. Section Aof the Journal is composed entirely of agricultural-science articles, while Section B deals with general subjects apart from agricultural, including papers on chemistry, physics, geology, seismology, economics, and industrial technology. Apart from the Journal, a further departmental bulletin was issued during the year: No. 88, " Fireclay and Ganister in New Zealand," by J. Henderson.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1310 copies), £102.

By Authority: E, V, Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 944,

Price, Is, 3d."]

57