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of the Island. Two shocks reached minor destructive intensity (VII on the Modified Mercalli Scale). One occurred on Bth May in the Lake Wanaka region, and the other on 23rd August in the Arthur's Pass region. The shock on Bth May was apparently the most pronounced felt in Dunedin for many years. The intensity recorded there was IV-V on the Modified Mercalli Scale (equivalent to son the Rossi-Forel Scale). Groups of small, or moderate local shocks occurred in the Wairoa region in January and April, and in the Rotorua region in February. June was the quietest month of the year. The total number of earthquakes reported felt in 1943 was 176. Of these, 122 were felt in some part of the North Island and 57 in some part of the South Island. Only three shocks were felt in both Islands. The maximum intensity reported in the North Island was VI on the Modified Mercalli Scale, and in the South Isiand VII. The above figures are based on reports furnished by officials at post-offices, lighthouses, and by several private observers. Seismograph Stations.—The Jagger seismographs at Rotorua and Hastings are temporarily out of action owing to clock failure and the difficulty of obtaining new clocks of suitable type at the present time. All other stations have continued recording throughout the year. These are located at Auckland, Arapuni, Tuai, New Plymouth, Bunnythorpe, Wellington, Takaka, Kaimata, Christchurch, and Monowai. Some assistance was given in connection with the establishment of a Milne-Shaw seismograph at the Meterological Office at Suva. Introduction of Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, 1931. —This scale was introduced at the beginning of 1943 for recording the non-instrumental effects of earthquakes, in place of the Rossi-Forel Scale. Research.—No research work could be undertaken during the year, the whole staff being required to keep essential routine work up to date. General Astronomy.—Arrangements were made during the year for this Observatory to carry out daily sunspot observations, which in normal times are made by the Carter Observatory. The observations are required in connection with war activities. In September, Colonel F. J. M. Stratton, noted English astronomer, visited the Observatory. His advice was obtained regarding future activities, more particularly in the time service. DOMINION PHYSICAL LABORATORY Director: Dr. E. R. Cooper Advisory Committee.—Professor T. D. J. Leech (Chairman), Dr. E. Marsden, Mr. W. M. G. Colquhoun (replacing Wing Commander G. Carter), Mr. G. W. Wyles, Mr. R. C. Porter, Mr. R. Burn, Mr. J. Brooke, Dr. E. R. Cooper, Mr. F. J. A. Brogan (Secretary). General Three meetings of the Committee were held during the year. The Dominion Physical Laboratory has grown out of the Physical Testing Laboratory, which was set up prior to the outbreak of war in 1939 primarily for the testing of materials and equipment for Government Departments and to undertake investigational work for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of an engineering and physical nature. So great was the demand for the servicing of scientific instruments and technical equipment, however, that an instrument workshop had to be developed alongside the Laboratory to handle efficiently the repair and construction of delicate precision apparatus. The interest which the Laboratory always showed in developing standards of physical measurement led to its collaboration with the Munitions Controller in setting up a metrology laboratory for the certification of gauges for munitions-production, and later it was decided also to locate the munitions tool-room at the Laboratory. A group of related activities has therefore developed at the Dominion Physical Laboratory comprising a physical testing laboratory, electrical laboratory, metrology laboratory, metallurgy laboratory, engineering design section, instrument workshop, glass-blowing workshop, and tool-room. The war has thus led to the rapid establishment in New Zealand of an institution having a group of activities almost identical with those performed at the National Physical Laboratory, Great Britain, where a great deal of the engineering and physical testing work in England is centred. It is of interest to note that the National Physical Laboratory also has associated woi'kshops for dealing with work of a precision nature. Further progress towards the establishment of a national standards laboratory was made at a meeting of interested Government Departments held on the 9th March, i 944, which supported the principle of establishing at the Dominion Physical Laboratory all primary reference standards of measurement for New Zealand. Certain Government Departments already hold standards of measurement required for the administration of legislation involving the use of standard measurements, and others require periodical calibration of precise measuring-equipment. There are obvious advantages in locating in a properlyequipped and legally-recognized national standards laboratory such primary reference standards as are required for Government and industrial needs. To meet war requirements the Dominion Physical Laboratory has acquired a staff trained in precise measurement, and selected officers from the staff, together with a considerable amount of equipment that has been assembled, are available as a basis,for a permanent standards laboratory. It was decided to bring the scheme to the notice of Government Departments generally to invite their participation, and a sub-committee was appointed to go into the question of what steps would lie necessary to secure legal recognition of the status and functions of a standards laboratory as a permanent section of the Dominion Physical Laboratory.

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