Consideration has been given to nuclear physics investigations, including surveys for radio-active minerals and the use of isotopes in soil, plant, and animal studies. It is pleasing to record the generous measure of collaboration accorded to the Department by other Departments of State, the New Zealand University and University colleges, and by Cawthron Institute in many spheres of activity during the year. Expenditure The net expenditure for the year amounted to £656,752. The following was the expenditure incurred in the various branches of the Department: — Permanent services— Head Office: Comprising general expenses of £ administration .. .. .. .. 32,807 Dominion Laboratory and branches .. .. 75,388 Dominion Observatory .. .. .. .. 4, 667 Geological Survey .. .. .. .. 37,221 Magnetic Observatory .. .. .. .. 6,654 Dominion Physical Laboratory .. .. .. 169,584 Auckland Industrial Development Laboratories .. 18,218 Apia Observatory .. .. .. .. 4,691 Research investigations .. .. .. .. 275,117 Grants to University agricultural colleges, Cawthron Institute, and research associations .. .. 46,701 Grants made to research and allied institutions in Great Britain .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,350 Other grants, miscellaneous services, including Information Bureau and Scientific Liaison Services .. .. 63,607 745,005 Recoveries .. .. .. .. .. 88,253 £656,752 Personnel The personnel of the Department and its disposal at 31st March, 1948, was as follows: — Agronomy, Botany, Entomology, Fats Research Laboratory .. 16 Grasslands, and Plant Diseases Geological Survey .. .. 48 Divisions .. .. 142 Head Office (including Information Auckland Industrial Development Bureau) and district offices .. 131 Laboratories .. .. 24 Observatories: Apia, Magnetic, and Defence Development Section .. 30 Dominion .. .. .. 22 Dominion Laboratory and district Soil Bureau .. .. .. 62 branches .. .. .. 115 Miscellaneous .. .. .. 58 Dominion Physical Laboratory . . 175 Total staff, including clerical officers, typists, technicians, and professional officers, 823 (474 permanent and 349 temporary). During the year there was arranged a large transfer of temporary officers to permanent status. The shortage of experienced research workers, high-grade technicians, and typing staffs has continued and has impaired the output of work in all branches of the Department. I desire to express appreciation of the high standard of loyalty and service rendered by the staff in all branches of the Department. The fact that this service was given often in difficult circumstances of accommodation and shortages of qualified assistance renders the achievements more meritorious. F. R. Callaghan, Secretary.

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