H.—34

Obituary It is greatly regretted that in the closing weeks of this year both Dr. C. C Farr, FRS., who originated the magnetic survey last century, and Mr. W. T. Neill, former Surveyor-General, who was associated at its beginning with Dr. Farr, passed away. Throughout life, both remained keenly interested in the work, and shortly before their death expressed pleasure that a magnetic resurvey was being undertaken.

METEOROLOGICAL BRANCH Consequent on the outbreak of war, the Meteorological Branch of the Department, together with the Apia Observatory, was transferred to the Air Department for the duration of the war. . . . , The report of the Meteorological Branch during the past year is contained in the annual report of the Air Department.

IMPERIAL AGRICULTURAL BUREAUX The Imperial Agricultural Bureaux were established to act as clearing-houses for the interchange of information between research workers in various fields ol agricultural science throughout the world, but more particularly within the various countries ot the British Commonwealth. . n , , , , In New Zealand co-operation with the Bureaux is maintained through the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, for which purpose there is a special liaison officer. In addition, contacts with individual Bureaux and the appropriate fields of research are maintained by official correspondents, who deal with specific inquiries.

LIAISON OFFICE, LONDON During the year the Scientific Liaison Office in London continued to give most valuable service in maintaining liaison between Great Britain and New Zealand m research and other scientific activities. Special attention has necessarily been given to the procuring and exchange of information on the scientific aspects of defence, the processing, storage, and transport of foodstuffs under war conditions, and substitutes for essential materials now unavailable or in short supply. A wide range of inquiries on these and other matters of wartime importance has been dealt with, and the information received has greatly assisted the Department in keeping abreast of scientific developments m Great Britain and allied countries.

PUBLICATIONS The monthly publication of the New Zealand Journal of Science and Technology has been continued during the year, alternate numbers being devoted to two different classes of papers. Section A of the Journal is composed entirely of agricultural-science articles, while Section B deals with general subjects apart, from agricultural, including papers on chemistry, physics, geology, seismology, economics, and industrial technology.

RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS In view of the fact that applications were not up to M.Sc. standard, no National Research Scholarships were awarded during the year.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (815 copies), £72 10s.

Price Is.]

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 943.

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