STANDARD CAR BELTS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29913, 29 August 1962, Page 20

STANDARD CAR BELTS

Australian Makes Comply (N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. August 28. In a statement today Mr David A. Syme, of Wellington, commented on a report published today in which Mr T. R. Pollard, director of the Canterbury University industrial development department, was quoted as saying: “Our advice to the public is to purchase only safety belts with the New Zealand standard mark (an s within a circle) or the British standard mark (an s inside a kite shape).” Mr Syme said: “We note that Mr Pollard referred only to the British and New Zealand standard specification. and it would be unfortunate if the impression was created that these were, in fact, the only car safety belts which the public could accept with assurance. Belts carrying the Australian standard mark No. E. 35 comply w’ith specifications which are identical with the specifications of both the United Kingdom and the New Zealand standards, with one exception. The exception is the force required to release the buckle, and here the Australian requirement is a force not in excess of 251 b, while the United Kingdom and New Zealand requirement is not in excess of 451 b. All other details of the specifications of the three countries are. identical. “We feel th ait it w’ould be more correct to say that the public, when buying car safety belts, should take care to see that they comply with the standard specifications of the United Kingdom. Australia or New Zealand. In support of this statement we would refer to the magazine ‘consumer,’ published by the Consumer Service. The issue of March. 1962, on page 20, says: 'We advise that you choose a belt which carries the New Zealand standard mark, or one labelled to show it complies with the New’ Zealand. Australian, or British standard specification.’ The transport department has also made similar statements.”