43

H.—29,

Turnip-diseases. Dry-rot, soft-rot, and club-root of turnips have been investigated at some length during the year, but the matter requires a very large amount of patient investigation before any definite methods for control can be formulated. This matter is one of very great importance, especially with regard to dry-rot in Southland, where the disease is making the growing of swedes extremely precarious. It is proposed to make a special initial investigation during this winter. " Journal " Articles. During the year a number of articles on matters dealt with by this Section have been published in the Journal of Agriculture. These aggregated about a hundred pages, and were illustrated with photographs taken by members of the Section. Staff. During the year Mr. E. H. Atkinson enlisted in the Imperial M.otor-boat Patrol, in which branch of the service he now holds a commission. In December Miss H. Jensen resigned her position as Seed Analyst, and her place was taken by Mr. Nelson Foy, who was transferred to this Section from the Head Office. During the greater part of the year Mr. E. B. Levy, Laboratory Assistant, was located at Weraroa for the purpose of superintending various experimental work, more particularly those connected with pastures. Mr. R. Waters, my senior Laboratory Assistant, has been transferred to Dunedin for six # months to undergo a course of bacteriological training under Professor Champtaloup, of Otago University, in order to undertake bacteriological work in agriculture connected with this Section.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.