H.—34.

Small Plot Tests. These plots continue to provide valuable information concerning the treatment of pakihi land for pasture and for the growth of Phormium tenwx, trees and shrubs. The pasture plots under the treatment now recommended by the Institute have maintained their production in a remarkable way and show no signs of deterioration. The plots of Phormium tenax emphasize the great importance of phosphates in the growth of this plant on pakihi soil. Without this plant-food the growth is quite unsatisfactory being little better than that on the untreated plots. The best result with flax has been secured by the use of lime and a complete manure. A 1? ? nneCt f n tre ?f and sh^ s the small P lot « indicate that Eucalyptus globulus and rostrata should do moderately well, provided manurial treatment is given. It would appear that the introduction of rather liberal quantities of phosphate is just as important in the treatment of trees and shrubs as it is m connection with pasture establishment. In the plantings of the coming winter basic slag will be used in all the holes prior to planting. fe General. The reclamation work at Westport is now attracting a great deal of attention, and many visitors estlblishmont information concerning the treatment of pakihi lands for pasture LEATHER RESEARCH. . Advisory Committee : Messrs. A. E. Lawry (Chairman), J. E. Astley, C. Arlington, S L & G Ca^hleT 11 ' ° f Research : Mr ' P " Wllite - Director:' During the past year the Director went abroad to make contacts and exchange views with tanners and research workers in other countries. The importance of a good supply of well-flayed, well-cured hides and skins was clearlv demonstrated m Canada and the United States of America, which are large buyers of New Zealand's surplus of hides and sheep-skins In the past the standards of quality of the New Zealand product especially in regard to flaying and curing, have not been as high as those in some other hide and skin producing countries, and the time has arrived when greater efforts should be made towards improving the quality of this valuable export commodity. The proposed regulations for the export Thides based on the accepted standards overseas, are a step in this direction ' While Canadian and American methods of tanning are somewhat different from those used in .New Zealand, the same general principle was followed-namely, that careful attention to detail in every process is essential for the production of a good article; uniformity of quality demands uniformity m methods of production. 4 uemanas As a result of the visit to North America, a much wider outlook on the manufacture of leather was developed. In these regions climatic and economic conditions demand a specific type of leather Mass-production methods were more fully understood and appreciated The importance of research work in Great Britain is reflected in the various activities of the Trade Research Associations. Co-operative research is to some extent being carried out tWh co ordination of the activities of the different Trade Research Associations The advantage resulting not only from the formation of Research Associations, but also from the co-ordination of the efioS of several of these associations is worthy of the consideration of the manufacturers of New Zealand The practice of overseas firms of providing a system of service for the goods they sell is growins extensively. Men with expert practical knowledge of the use of particular materials are availabfe to the manufacturer when new processes are being installed or when some difficulty has arisen This is only available to a limited extent in New Zealand. The information derived from contacts with men llSlSlitt Sltlii NCW methOdS ° f USmg nW Md ° ld — ak ™ bussed "d The manufacture of leather is a combination of physical and chemical processes The physical processes are to a large extent carried out by machinery, and an investigation of modern method of tanning must take the mechanical aspects into consideration. Advantage was therefore taken of the *~ ° f maCMneS m °P- ati - Sd S of meeting the ma^cturt indid S^ factories for exchaiige of *- •*■*- While the results of the trip have had immediate value, the effects of a broader outlook and new themTetr ? confronting the tanner will become more evident as opportunities preset Action oe Perspiration on Leather. An investigation of the rotting action of perspiration on vegetable-tanned leather was carried out during he year The conclusion was reached that probably one of the causes of rottinl of leather LX SP oftt\athe e r *Tl- °l m P-«P™tion, m ng th more quickly " lg OXldatlOn ° f b ° th tannin 8 material alld hide to take place Regulations for the Export op Hides

34