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REV. A. CAMERON.]

tion of the nature and cause of the disease. The result of this preliminary research has been published, but the further investigation of the problem can scarcely be undertaken unless the Council is provided with the money needed for the payment of more trained assistants. (b.) Another problem has been exercising the mind of Dr. Drennan, Professor of Pathology. He has noted the large proportion of different forms of goitre in this Dominion, and is anxious, with the help of other members of the teaching staff, to investigate the problem of the cause and cure of this disease, which is wasting the strength of so many among us. The professor has been asked to prepare an estimate of the annual cost for additional assistance and for laboratory requirements which would enable him and his assistant with a reasonable hope of success to investigate the problem of the cause and cure of goitre. (c.) The food value of New Zealand fishes : This is an important question in relation to an all-too-much-neglected but promising industry. At Home the food value of fishes has been carefully ascertained, but nothing has been done here to find out the food value of our New Zealand fishes. The problem has for a long time been exercising the thoughts of Dr. Malcolm, Professor of Physiology in the Otago Medical School, but so far little or nothing has been possible because of his large classes and lack of assistance. Here again we are prepared at once to undertake definite research on this question of the food value of New Zealand fishes if the Government will help us with an increased grant. These are but a few of the problems which the Medical School is prepared to face at once if their hands are strengthened as required. (2.) The Mining School: The development of the mining industry is one of supreme importance to the Dominion, and here the Otago Scliool of Mines may render valuable help. In the past we have trained men as mining experts who have obtained important positions in many parts of the world. We are proud of the men who have graduated from our School of Mines. But I feel sure we can do more than train mining experts. We can carry on research work which may prove of incalculable value in the development of our mining industry if only the opportunity is given to the staff of the Mining School to prosecute research. (3.) Science Professors: From conversation witii some of our Science Professors I know that they are ready to undertake the task of trying to solve some of the problems which immediately affect a number of the industries of the Dominion. By all means let us have the Board of Research recommended by the Efficiency Board, but let us not forget that the most hopeful way of securing successful research is by first of all properly equipping the University colleges. To Mr. Sidey.] The Government might make a grant of £500 per annum for the assistant of the Professor of Chemistry, as recommended by Professor Evans. The assistance, however, should extend not only to science but to the medical and mining branches. I want more adequate equipment by the payment of trained assistants. I am in favour of the establishment of the Board, though I think it is probably too slavish an imitation of other countries where the circumstances are not the same. If you are to have proper development in any country you ought to consider the circumstances of the country and proceed accordingly. To Mr. Graigie. ] Each college should be supplied with a grant to increase the staff, to begin with. That would be better than having a Board of Research in Wellington. Each college should go to the industries in their own district and say, "What are the problems?" or make suggestions to the manufacturers that they are prepared to face certain problems. To Mr. Veitch.] In the colleges at present we have probably the men best qualified for research work in our professors and senior assistants, but these men have their hands so full that they can only do their class-work. If the Government would increase the assistance the University Councils would set the professors free part of their time to do scientific investigation. Take advantage of the'investigators you have and give them the assistance necessary in the way of trained assistants. To the Chairman. ] The proposals as to the Board arc the proposals of the New Zealand Institute, and approved by the Efficiency Board. Our Professors of Physics and Chemistry have been in direct conference with the Chamber of Commerce in. Dunedin as to ways in which they might help. I hope the Committee will not think I am opposed to the Board. I want first of all to see the colleges strengthened, and then, if the Government have the money, let us have the Board. The University Councils could co-operate in any investigation that was being made in the way of research. Provided a sufficient grant is made to the universities there would be no objection to the Board of Science. Albert Ockenden, representing the British Permanent Paint Company, examined. We are making the purest oxide known to science, not only in red but in brown. Iron-oxide paints will last three or four times longer than lead paints. The Government should support us by purchasing, because they are the largest users of this class of paint for their railway rollingstock, bridges, and stations. This morning, after two years of " barracking," we got an order from the Addington shops for 10 gallons. If we received large orders from the Government we could improve the product and turn it out cheaper. There are only four of us in the concern, and we all work with our hands to turn the thing out profitably. So far it has not been profitable. If the Government use our paint it will be a recommendation to others to use it, We have good testimonials from the Christchurch City Council. The paint "is the discovery of a New-Zealander, Mr. Sidney Frye. The manufacture is only made possible by the cheap current from Lake Coleridge. At present there is a small duty on oxide paints, and a heavier duty would help us. If we gel support from the Government, however, we can go ahead without the duty. Later on we may start to crush our own linseed. Plenty of linseed of a good class is grown in New Zealand. At present most of it is grown in India, and some in Ireland. To the Chairman.] Over two years ago we sent samples to Addington, and the users expressed satisfaction with them. The Railway Department has never refused to test our paints.

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