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I am glad to be able to report on the sympathetic support given to the Department by organizations connected with primary and secondary industries. In the case of the latter we have received particular assistance from the Manufacturers' Research Committee. It is obviously imperative that co-operation in research between industry, University colleges, and the Government should "be fostered to the utmost. The more general industrial servicing laboratories at Auckland and Christchurch have continued to give good service, that at Auckland having been particularly successful,, while at Christchurch an effort is being made to reorganize the service as a tripartite arrangement between the Department, Canterbury College, and industrial organizations in the South Island. Empire Science Conferences Along with the Chairman of the Research Council (Sir Theodore Rigg), Sir Charles Hercus, and Professor Soper, the Secretary attended a series of Commonwealth Science Conferences in London in June and July, 1946. These Conferences were unique and inspiring. We were able to discuss the problems of organization with all other countries of the Commonwealth and the Empire. Satisfactory arrangements were made for pooling and exchange of scientific information and for co-operation in common projects of general and mutual interest. I have to acknowledge the high standard of loyalty and service of the staff, very often under trying conditions as regards accommodation and loss of key personnel. E. Marsden, Secretary.

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