3

Hi—lo

horse-collars (of the combined collar and hames type) practically constitute the class relating to " and Saddlery," and potato-harvesters' form the majority of the few inventions in " Harvesting." Some attempts have been made during the year to improve briquettes, and the means for producing them ("Heating"), and also to more effectually indicate the temperature of bales, &c. The number of applications in respect of life-saving appliances is probably due in a great measure to the attention directed to the subject by the disastrous wreck last year ; and to the same cause can also be traced some inventions for locating sunken objects. Applications for the treatment of minerals were fairly numerous, those for filter-presses and chemical processes predominating. In "Printing," linotype machines are prominent, while a few inventions are recorded for franking-machines, which come under this heading, and for typewriters. Vacuumcreating appliances for milking-machines have increased the number of applications in the class " Pumps and Sprayers." In "Railways and Tramways," brakes are the most noticeable feature, and some attention is still being given to trolly heads and poles. Rather more inventions were patented in respect of " Vehicles " than was the case last year, but this class so far as velocipedes are concerned still shows a downward tendency. Hat pins and protectors (" Wearing Apparel"), and rubber compounds and treatment (" Miscellaneous inventions ") are amongst the subjects on which inventors were engaged to some slight extent. Particulars of the inventions in the various classes are given in Tables I and IST. International Convention. Applications made in pursuance of the International Convention and Intercolonial Arrangements in 1909 totalled 78, exactly double the number received thereunder in 1908. The United Kingdom sent 35, Australia 34, and other places 9 last year, as compared with 17, 15, and 7 respectively contributed by them in the preceding year. Petition for Extension of Term of Patent. One petition for extension of term of patent was received, but was not granted. DESIGNS. Fewer designs than usual were registered last year— i.e., 51, as compared with 79 in 1908 and 57 in 1907. This form of registration, owing probably to the shortness of the term and the small amount of protection afforded, has never been utilized to any extent, though there are probably a large number of articles designed, to the pattern, shape, or configuration of which the provisions of the Act are applicable. TRADE MARKS. The number of applications for registration of trade marks in 1909 was the highest yet recorded in any year— i.e., 703, as compared with 685 in the preceding year. The revenue under this head also reached its highest point, amounting to £1,039 Bs.' 6d., exceeding the sum received in 1908 by £146 16s. 2d. Countries from which Applications for Trade Marks were received. Applications from New Zealand numbered 328, and from other countries 375, as compared with 307 and 378 in the preceding year. From the United Kingdom 192 were received, from the United States 45, and from the Commonwealth 81 as compared with 66 in 1908. Goods for which Trade Marks were registered. The number of applications received in the various classes is shown in Table L. As is usually the case, the number of applications in Class 42 is considerably in excess of those for any other goods, being 122 in 1909, as compared with 130 in 1908. The principal classes showing an increase are Class 2 (Chemical substances used for agricultural, &c, purposes)— 27 in 1909, 21 in 1908 ; Class 5 (Unwrought and partly wrought metals)—2s in 1909, 10 in 1908 ; Class 34 (Cloths and stuffs of wool)— 8 in 1909, 2in 1908 ; Class 38 (Articles of clothing)—so in 1909, 38 in 1908 ; Class 39 (Paper, stationery)— 29 in 1909, 23 in 1908 ; Class 43 (Fermented liquors and spirits)— 42 in 1909, 25 in 1908 ; Class 47 (Candles, soap, &c.)— 47 in 1909, 41 in 1908; Class 48 (Toilet articles)— 32 in 1909, 27 in 1908 ; Class 50 (Miscellaneous)—ss in 1909, 43 in 1908. A falling-ofi is shown in Class 3 (Medicines), from 49 to 45 ; Class 13 (Metal goods), from 30 to 24 ; Class 14 (Goods of precious metal), from 11 to 2 ; Class 24 (Cotton piece-goods), from 14 to 8 ; Class 45 (Tobacco), from 31 to 22. GENERAL. Opposition. Notice of opposition was lodged in connection with 24 applications. No appeals came before the Court during the year. Patent Agents. Seven names were added to the, Register in 1909, and the total number on the Register at the end of the year was 76. The entries were made in two cases after, and in five (those of solicitors) without, examination. In addition to the appended papers set, the prescribed viva voce examinations were held.