H.—44A.

5. Chemical Divisional Committee. This sectional committee has issued the following New Zealand Standards : — N.Z.S.S. 208 Testing Gelatines, Methods for ; being B.S.S. 757-1937. 209 Crucible Swelling Test for Coal, Method for the ; being B.S.S. 804-1938. 274 Pollard. 279 Sampling of Fats and Fatty Oils in Packages or in Bulk ; being B.S.S. 627-1935. 280 Ampoules ; being B.S.S. 795-1938. 281 Turbine Oils ; being B.S.S. 489-1933. Fifteen draft British and Australian Standard Specifications have been reviewed and comments forwarded to the originating bodies. In addition, several matters of chemical interest have been raised with the British Standards Institution, and suggestions forwarded for consideration on the revision of existing British standards. It having been represented that there was need for a simple specification for creosote for the preservation of timber, a draft New Zealand Standard was prepared, and is now in circulation for comment. The Timber Committee will be associated with this sectional committee in its review of the draft. A draft New Zealand Standard Specification for Dry-cleaning Solvent is also under circulation. Requests have been received from the dairy industry that a standard specification for the tinning of dairy equipment was required, and the Institute has the whole matter covering the quality of the base metal, the tinning, and the use of detergents under investigation. In connection with supplies of suitable base metal, arrangements have been concluded with the British Standards Institution to set up a sub-committee tci prepare, if possible, suitable British standards which will eliminate the defects complained about. At the same time the Chemical Divisional Committee has been gathering information on the practices used in the trade in New Zealand in tinning, in an endeavour to discover whether the subject is one that could be covered by a standard specification, and, if so, the features it should contain. An investigation is also in hand concerning the need for a New Zealand Standard for the Testing of Disinfectants. Meal Sub-committee.—Further consideration was given to the promulgation of a standard specification for meat-meal and meat-and-bone meal, but the manufacturers contended that the varying nature of the raw materials and the climatic and general conditions affecting the industry precluded the development of a standard. Further action in this connection must await fresh representations. 6. Dairy Products and Requisites Committee. The following New Zealand Standard Specifications have been issued :— N.Z.S.S. 207 Density Hydrometers for Use in Milk ; being B.S.S. 734-1937. N.Z.S.S. 247 Solutions and Methods for the Estimation of Acidity in Cream, Milk, and Whey. Eleven draft British Standard Specifications and interim documents were reviewed and comments supplied to London. The interchange of documents and expression of opinion on all matters relating to the chemical and bacteriological aspects of standards for use in the dairy industry have been continued with the British and Australian interests through the national standardizing bodies. There is no gainsaying the fact that short-range collaboration with Australia, through the exchange of minutes of meetings and other reports, and examination of all British documents, is a contributing factor towards Empire standards for the industry. In this respect it will be acknowledged that our Dominion can offer much advice and assistance in the preparation of these specifications. The committee has other specifications in the varying stages of preparation : — The Coagulating Strength of Rennet (in respect of which tests are being conducted). Chemical Analysis of Butter. Chemical Analysis of Cheese. Apparatus and Methods for Gerber and Babcock Tests for determining the Percentage of Fat in Milk and Milk Products. Methylene Blue Reductase Tests for Milk. At the request of the Committee, the British Standards Institution has undertaken to prepare a British Standard Specification for Dairy Thermometers which will take cognizance of the requirements of the Dominion. Moreover, representations have been made to London concerning standards for salt for dairy purposes to the effect that a comprehensive Empire standard should be issued. Detergents used in the dairy industry also came within the purview of this committee, but after examination of the question it was decided that it was not practicable to define standards for these. 7. Plumbing Committee. N.Z.S.S. 245, Water Closet Flushing Cisterns, was established with the object of reducing the unnecessary diversity of types and sizes on the market and providing for the maximum interchangeability of component parts. N.Z.S.S. 248, being B.S.S. 602-1939, Lead Pipes for other than Chemical Purposes, was also promulgated. Plumbing Supplies Sub-committee.—The draft specification for household taps has been advanced to the stage when certain points were referred to the manufacturers for their serious consideration. The work of the sub-committee has had considerable assistance from a similar draft British Standard Specification which arrived during the preparation of the New Zealand Specification. Proposals for a New Zealand Standard Specification for Sanitary Pedestal Pans of the Wash-down Type are nearing completion,

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