BRITISH STANDARDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 56, 7 March 1932, Page 8

BRITISH STANDARDS.

ADDRESS TO BOTARIANS. BENEFITS TO INDUSTRY. Prior to the last few months comparatively few Netv Zealanders were aware of the existence of such an organisation as British Standards Institution. Yet it has been functioning for 30 years, and to-day Mr. C. Le Maistre, who has been connected with the institute since its inception, speaking at Milne and Choyce's Reception Hall, gave Auckland Rotarians an insight into its objects and methods. Its main object, he declared, was to bring about co-opera-tion between producers and consumers to the mutual benefit of each. This involved extensive research and lengthy consultation with the different interests involved. Quite often it was necessary to interview Government officials as legislative enactments often had an important bearing on the particular industry under consideration. As a result of this work it was often found possible to limit the supposed requirements of purchasers and concentrate producers' energies and resources upon an article conforming to the specifications of a definite "British standard."

His present visit, Mr. he Maistre said, was designed to aeertain at first hand the special requirements in this Dominion, and although they differed in many instances from those of the Old Country, it would, he thought, be possible to arrange many uniform sets of specifications—probably designated as BritishNew Zealand standards. Touching upon Government regulations so far as they affected industry, the speaker said he had been astounded to find that in so democratic a country as New Zealand a system of Government autocracy and bureaucracy in regard to had gained so great a hold. In Britain it had come to be recognised that it was far better to allow industries to work out their own salvation free from legislative interference, and with such assistance as the Government could reasonably give. The speaker mentioned that a committee had been formed in the Bonnnion to co-operate with the parent body in England. The vote of thanks was moved by Rotarian J. F. Mitchell. , President Harry Goldie occupied tW chair, and among the visitors were: "JJ Drs. A. Douglas (Oamaru), K. Campbell Begg (Wellington), H. Douglas (Hamilton), Jas. McKenzie (Timaru), Messrs. A. Drummond (Wellington), H. «• ■ James (Whangarei), P. Gill (Christchurch), Jas. Hogg (Dunedin) and Geo. Howe (Wellington). , Mr. L. W. Tattersfield was installed I as a new member. The president reported upon the "Do& ; Street children's mission which, " e I stated, was doing excellent work, W IS I apparently well organised and was de- i serving of members' support.