SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY.. 
The possibility of making industrial use of surplus military gas 
masks has received attention in both England and America, and papers 
describing their construction, and giving information as to their capa- 
bilities, are to be found in ng. Mining Jour. (1919) 107, pp. 693-5, 
and in Jour. Ind. and Eng. Chem. (1919), pp. 420, 519, and 622. 
The question is also being considered by a Committee appointed by the 
Broken Hill Mining Managers’ Association, and the Institute has asked 
the Defence Department to obtain for experimental purpose a number of 
masks of the latest type of box respirator. P 
The Chemicals Committee emphasises the following aspects of resctie 
or emergency work in polluted atmospheres :— 
1. The only generally safe apparatus are those provided with an 
independent oxygen supply. They must be worn by trained men. 
2. In many chemical works, where the air is known to be free 
from carbon monoxide, but contaminated by small amounts of acidic 
gases, any standard pattern of Army gas mask will afford protection 
if care is taken that the absorbent chemical be not exhausted. 
Several sets should be available at chemical works in case of emer- 
gency; but a warning is issued against their indiscriminate use for 
any or all purposes. 
3. Men are sometimes required to work in spaces charged with 
irritating dust or smoke. Relief can be obtained by the use of 
motor goggles to protect the eyes, and a mask (readily improvided) 
of cotton wool or even cloth over the mouth and nose to filter the 
air as it is inhaled. 
SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY IN NEW ZEALAND. 
The Industries Committee of the New Zealand House of Represen- 
tatives has made the following recommendations for the creation of a 
Board of Science and Industry :-— ( 
(1) That a Board of Science and Industry be established for the 
development of national resources. 
(2) That the Board be given an assured finance for five years; 
it is recommended that it should receive not less than 
£5,000 for the first year and £20,000 for each of the four 
following years. 
(3) That the Board shall be representative of the various sections 
of science and industry. 
(4) That the Board shall, as one of its chief functions, consider 
all proposals for specific scientific researches, and shall 
allot to the proper person or persons the duty of conduct- 
ing such specific researches as it may approve. 
(5) That in order to avoid centralisation, and in the interest of 
economy, the Board, in the carrying out of investigations, 
shall wherever possible co-operate with the University, 
College authorities in the various centres, with a view to 
making the fullest possible use of their staffs and labora- 
tories; there shall also be set up local Advisory Boards to. 
inquire into, advise, and report upon jocal problems. 
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