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Two research projects begun last year, (1) a study of the adjustment of youths leaving school to the industrial environment and (2) an occupational analysis of some building trades, have had to be curtailed due to time required on servicing work. Service. —Investigations, surveys, and other services have been carried out at the request of twenty-one firms and organizations, and a wide range of topics covered. The practical value of the work has been confirmed by the management and reflected in improved efficiency and production in almost all cases. Vocational Examinations.—Some 190 vocational examinations have been conducted. The Occupational Clinic, established to give assistance to persons maladjusted in their working-life, has continued to function. Education and Information. —The dissemination of information on topics investigated by industrial psychology has been by medium of answers to specific inquiries, lectures, and pamphlets. Future.—The Division will shortly be disbanded and the balance of staff transferred to the Personnel Advisory Division of the Department of Labour and Employment. A small occupational psychology research unit will be formed within the Department. LEATHER AND SHOE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION Leather Research Association Wear of Sole Leather.—Field trials have been continued to find how the method of testing the wear of sole leather may be improved to give more rapid results. Waterproofing.—Different methods of sulphurizing or " vulcanizing" oils have been examined without success in an endeavour to produce a permanent waterproofing effect. Deterioration of Upper Leather in Wear.—Analyses of shoe uppers which have gradually developed cracks over a fair period of wear has shown that dirt, tanningmaterial, hard waxes, and salts have accumulated in the surface fibres of the leather. Methods are being investigated to increase the useful life of upper leather based on these findings. Curing of Calf-shins. —Suitable modifications have been introduced into works practices to avoid hard spots consisting of calcium carbonate appearing on the flesh of cured calf-skins during storage. Routine Work. —Checking of factory processes, raw materials, and finished leathers has, as usual, been carried out during the year. Shoe Research Association Threads„—A survey of the various brands of sole-sewing threads was made to determine their quality with regard to strength and stretch. In the main, threads in use were quite satisfactory. Factory Problems. —Technical problems concerned with finished articles, finishing processes, and processing have been dealt with regularly. Causes of failure of footwear in service formed another large group. MANUFACTURERS' RESEARCH COMMITTEE The Committee has continued actively to promote research in New Zealand's manufacturing industries. Research Associations.—The primary long-term function of the Committee must be the application of research in industry, and increasing stress is therefore being laid on the establishment of co-operative industrial research associations, which have proved successful in the United Kingdom and are being adopted in other parts of the British

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