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N.Z. FERTILISER MANUFACTURERS' RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (INC.) This new Research Association, which has been incorporated from the outset, comprises at present only the four superphosphate-manufacturers of New Zealand, but provision is made for the admission to membership of other fertilizer-manufacturers. The members of the Association are anxious to ensure that the financial basis for operation is satisfactory from the start, and the first year's subscriptions, together with the Government contribution, have already been placed to the credit of the Association. Close collaboration is being maintained with the Soil Bureau of this Department and with the Soil Fertility Station of the Department of Agriculture to ensure that the activities of the Association are co-ordinated with the activities of the Government organizations. The principal object of the Association is " To promote research and other scientific work in connection with the manufacture, use, and availability of fertilizers and other materials acting beneficially on growth so as to increase production, improve animal and plant health, and develop the primary industries of New Zealand." The work envisaged is as follows : Examination of the chemical and physical condition of raw materials and finished products. Examination of the processes of manufacture. The mixing and blending of fertilizers. Packaging of fertilizers, and the problems connected therewith. Preliminary tests of fertilizers and their effect on plant-growth in relation to soil types, this to be confined to short-time pot and plot experiments. Extension of this work to be carried on by the Soil Fertility Station. The effect of fertilizers on the germination of seeds. Problems connected with the distribution of fertilizer. In addition, the Fertiliser Manufacturers' Research Association may concern itself with certain agricultural accessories such as the manufacture of stock-licks, insecticides, &c., which are normally products of certain of the companies. The selection of a suitable site for the location of the Association's laboratory is actively engaging the attention of the Management Committee, which will later give consideration to the appointment of necessary staff. NEW ZEALAND POTTERY AND CERAMIC RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (INC.) The keynote of the first year of the Association's life has been one of steady preparation, and the way in which the advantages of scientific research can best be applied to the local ceramic industry is gradually becoming clear. Organization and Staff. —The Association has become incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act, 1908, with its registered office in Wellington. The New Zealand Manufacturers Federation being unable to maintain secretarial services, arrangements were made with the Manufacturers' Research Committee for its Executive Officer to become secretary of the organization. The part-time director of the Association has resigned, but has consented to direct the activities of the Association pending the arrival of his successor. A ceramic chemist was appointed in May, 1946. Visits to Works.—Frequent visits have been made by the research staff to the works of member firms to get first-hand knowledge of works' practice and of the types of problem requiring scientific study. Opportunity has also been taken to inspect the various clay deposits of interest to the industry. A most valuable feature of these visits was the establishment of happy relations with the management and technical staff of the various firms. Equipment.—Equipment essential for immediate requirements has been ordered. The availability of furnaces covering the low-, medium-, and high-temperature ranges is an essential for ceramic research, and the necessary steps have been taken to see that these are obtained.

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