PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 25 
the British Department of Scientific and Industrial Re- 
search. 
3. Flax Industry.—The Commonwealth Flax Industry 
Committee has been established under the War Precautions 
Act, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, 
to control and develop the flax industry. 
4. Interstate Forestry Conference——The Executive Com- 
mittee was represented at this conference, which was held 
in Perth, and as a result it has been decided that the com- 
pilation of data on Australian forest products shall be un- 
dertaken by the Executive Committee. 
D. Imperial Sugar Research Association.—A proposal 
for the establishment of research laboratories on a basis of 
co-operation between the different parts of the Empire con- 
cerned, is under consideration. 
6. Agricultural Conference—An important conference 
of Agricutural Experts was held in Melbourne under the 
weeis of the Advisory Council. Already valuable results 
are accruing, e.g., the establishment of the Special Com- 
mittees on Seed Improvement and Native Grasses, ete. The 
Report of the Conference will be issued shortly as Bulletin 
Naa ts. - en 
7. Catalogue of Scientific and Technical Periodicals in 
Australia.—This work is in progress in each State. The 
final compilation of the results will be carried out in Mel- 
bourne under the Executive Committee. 
8. Soil Survey of Australia.—Preliminary steps have 
been taken. The matter is in abeyance through lack of 
funds. 
9. Herb-growing.—Action has been taken for the develop- 
ment of this industry in conjunction with the work of the 
Victorian Government’s Medicinal Plants Board. 
10. Ceramics, Enamels and Glazes.—Various aspects of 
this matter have been considered. The conclusion has been 
