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Lighting of Shoe-factories. —During past years the importance of good lighting has been stressed by the Association. As a result, many improvements were made which resulted in increased efficiency. During the year a preliminary survey of the lighting in shoe-factories was carried out. Actual measurements of the intensity of light at various points showed the need in some cases for a better lighting system, in others for an alteration of the position of lamps to give more efficient lighting at the point of operation, in others the introduction of properly constructed shades and reflectors was suggested to eliminate glare and increase lighting efficiency. The use of colour schemes to increase lighting effects and to reduce eye strain was discussed. These are already being or will be applied in the near future. Shoe Comfort. —Shoe comfort is generally associated with a good fit, or the use of a good last when the shoe was made. Another factor which affects shoe comfort has already been mentioned in the annual report of the Leather Research Association. If perspiration in the form of water vapour cannot pass through the materials of which the shoe is composed, then the foot may become very uncomfortable. Leather is naturally permeable to water vapour, and the shoe-manufacturer must retain this property in the leather as far as possible. The effect of various processes used in shoeconstruction on the permeability of leather has been investigated. In some cases it is necessary to reduce the permeability of leather in order to obtain other features necessary to the structure of the shoe. A balanced compromise is therefore important, and suggestions as to how this should be obtained have been made. Factory Problems. —If the value of the Research Association to the trade may be assessed by the number of problems submitted for investigation, then the past year has been a very successful one. Whilst not a record, the number is well above the average and indicates the interest and confidence of the members in the work of the Association. Circular Letters. —An endeavour is always made to make these letters as practical as possibleInformation which may be new is discussed where necessary in its relation to elementary principles) which tend to be forgotten when some special new feature is being sought. The principles themselves are not put forward as new, but to serve as a balanced background for further progress. It is evident from remarks and discussions which occur when the research staff visit the factories that these monthly circulars continue to be read with interest by both management and staff. Pelt Research Association As with other industries, the need for conservation of man-power is being felt in the pel*' departments of the freezing-works. Older methods entailing a large amount of man-power are gradually being replaced by labour-saving processes recommended by the Pelt Research Association since its inception. The knowledge obtained by the Association of the fundamental principles involved has enabled these processes to be put into operation without any sacrifice of quality in the pelts. MANUFACTURERS' RESEARCH COMMITTEE Inauguration.—Cabinet approved of the setting-up of a Manufacturing Research Committee of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to promote research and investigations relating to New Zealand's manufacturing industries, this decision being made following negotiations between the Department and the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation. The personnel of the Committee is as follows :— Representatives nominated by the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation : A. Dennison, S. T. Hudson, D. Clifton Lewis, F. Morgan, R. J. Rastrick, L. W. Tattersfield. Representatives nominated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research : Drs. E. Marsden (Chairman), J. C. Andrews and R. 0. Page, Mr. D. F. Sandys Wiinsch. Secretary-Executive Officer : R. T. Wright, M.Com. The Committee is representative of a wide range of manufacturing industries and the. main districts of New Zealand. Mr. F. Johnson acts as liaison member on behalf of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Functions. —The principal functions of the Committee are as follows :— (a) To survey the present state of New Zealand manufacturing industry in the light of modern scientific developments, to consider plans for concerted effort to meet the demands of the war and post-war periods, and to make recommendations accordingly : (b) To consider methods for the application of science in development, extension, and modernization of existing industries : (c) To recommend to interested parties and encourage the formation of research associations in appropriate industries, the employment of proper technical assistance in industry, or the investigation of a particular industrial problem by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research or other scientific institutions : (d) To exercise such other functions as may from time to time bo delegated to it. Establishment.—The inaugural meeting of the Committee was held on 29th September, 1944, and two further meetings have been held. Following the recommendation of the Committee, the SecretaryExecutive Officer was appointed, commencing his duties on 12th March, 1945. Activities.—The activities of the Committee have mainly been directed to a careful study of the problems involved and to development of its policy. In general the Committee places main emphasis for the immediate future on the organization and provision of scientific and technical information services to industry and scientific testing and servicing. Recommendations have been made in these regards and action has been taken or is in train. The Committee has also given consideration to scientific work bearing on natural resources of interest to manufacturing industry and also to programmes of developmental research as a basis of new industries which may be appropriate to the Dominion. Problems in relation to training of technical executives and personnel have also been considered. Special attention has been given to the position of New Zealand industries in regard to patents, and appropriate recommendations have been made to the Government.

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