; SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
carried out in other countries. Since the appointment by the Institute 
of an influential and representative committee to inquire into this 
and cognate subjects, further progress has been stopped by lack of 
funds. ; 
In shale, Australia has deposits which are the richest in, the 
world. The value of shale as an adjunct to her failing supplies of 
petroleum is realized by the United States of America, where money 
has been allocated by the Federal Government for the investigation 
of problems involved in the commercial exploitation of the large 
deposits known to exist in that country. The shale-oil industry had its - 
origin in the south of Scotland, and, by dint of scientific management, 
survived the competition of American petroleum (products in spite of 
the decreasing value of the raw material treated. In Australia, the ~ 
history of the industry has been much less happy, but the time 
appears to be ripe for a vigorous exploitation of this potential source 
of wealth. The liquid-fuel position is now so acute that it does not 
appear probable that any one source of supply can be relied upon to 
supply the demand. Alcohol, Benzol, and shale petrol will all be 
required, as well as imported fuels. 
—G. L. 
516 
the 
