K 77
MINERALOGICAL.
7. A less number of ores was examined than in 1907.
When business is bad the Chinese do not seem to care to support mining enterprises. Very little tin seems to be coming through. It seems that on account of low prices there is a reluctance at the mines to part with the metal.
MISCELLANEOUS.
8. Gas Examinations.-The amount of carbon monoxide in the public supply is limited by the Government to 16 per cent. The following table shows the proportion present for each month :—
Month Percentage by volume of Carbon Monoxide January 11.2 February 11.0 March 13.4 April 13.0 May 10.6 June 7.4 July 9.8 August 15.5 September 14.0 October 16.0 November 9.4 December 7.6EXAMINATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC.
9. The public continue to take advantage of the Laboratory and have forwarded a great variety of samples for examination on payment. The fees paid into the Treasury during the year amounted to $2,010 as against $2,422 in 1907.
SPECIAL REPORTS.
10. Special reports have been supplied on :-
A Pharmacy Ordinance and Regulations thereunder.
Opium, its Nature, Composition, Preparations, and Methods of Consumption. Ki Pau.
Importation of Naphtha.
Explosion on S.S. Nerite. Lard Specification.
Platinum Ore. Concrete.
11. The value of the year's work as determined from the tariff of fees (Government Notification No.285 of 1907) is $7,085 ($6,160 in 1907). The amount does not include anything for the special reports mentioned above, and there is much beside for which nothing has been set down.
LIBRARY.
12. A few standard works of reference have been added.
STAFF.
13. Mr. A. C. Franklin, F.L.C., Assistant Analyst, returned from leave on March 27.
FRANK BROWNE, Ph. Ch., F.I.C., F.C.S.,
Government Analyst.
10th February, 1909.