SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
DISEASES AFFECTING PRIMARY PRODUCTION. 
As a result of a discussion at the last meeting of the Executive 
Council of the Primary Producers’ Union, Sydney, the Institute has 
been asked to concentrate specially upon scientific research work in 
regard to all diseases that affect primary production. The Primary 
Producers’ Union points out that problems requiring immediate atten- 
tion are contagious abortion, black-leg, and itch in horses; and in 
connexion with plant life, rust and other fungus diseases in wheat, 
and the eradication of noxious weeds—particularly St. John’s Wort. 
It is hoped that when the Bill to establish the permanent Institute is 
passed, the work which is now being done in regard to these matters 
will be actively developed. 
WOOL RESEARCH. 
In a farewell address to members of the Australian Imperial 
Force who have been taking an intensive course of study in wool at 
the Bradford Technical College, Mr. A. E. Lightowler, Deputy Chair- 
man of the Technical College Committee, drew attention to the fact 
that a Wool Research Association has been established in England by 
the British Department of Science and Industry. He hoped that 
before long a branch of this Association would be established in Aus- 
tralia in conjunction with the Institute of Science and Industry. 
A Glass Research Association is being formed in England under 
the wgis of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The 
scheme provides that the glass manufacturers will contribute £25,000 
over a period of five years on the condition that the Department finds 
a sum of £75,000 over the same period. 
The need for science graduates is not disputed; the demand is 
another matter, and it is unfair to attract students by numerous 
scholarships to pass through a University or College course and then 
to leave them stranded, or with an entirely inadequate reward, at the 
end. Before increasing scholarships and increasing the competition for 
a bare livelihood in what, in pre-war days, was an overcrowded 
profession, it is first necessary to educate the industrial world; to open 
a reasonable number of posts in the technical departments of the 
Government to men who have specialized in science, and to improve 
out of all recognition the position of technical teachers. Once the 
public realizes that first-class opportunities are provided by a scientific 
career there will be no lack of candidates. 
—Science Progress. 
SS 
34° 
