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Mild Steel Dustbins Sub-committee.—This sub-committee has completed the development of a New Zealand Standard Specification for Mild Steel Dustbins, which has been adopted by the Standards Council as a New Zealand Standard . This specification provides for two sizes of dustbins of the type considered to be most satisfactory for domestic and similar use. In the course of its preparation full attention has been given to such essential matters as handling, durability, public health, and manufacturing conditions. Electrical Engineering Divisional Committee. (In recess.) Heating Elements Sub-committee .. . . .. 2 meetings. Plugs and Sockets Sub-committee .. .. . . In recess. Wallplates and Flush Switches Sub-committee .. .. 1 meeting. Ceiling Roses and Fuses Sub-committee .. .. .. 1 meeting. Parent Committee.—There has been no occasion for this committee to meet during the year. It has, however, been active in so far as it has reviewed the reports of its sub-committees and directed their work by post. Heating-elements Sub-committee. —This sub-committee completed the preparation of a draft Now Zealand Standard Specification for the Ratings and Methods of Test for Heating Elements for Hot-water Cylinders, which was circulated to the interested parties for review and comment. By laying down standard methods of test and specifying standard wattage ratings, this standard specification will prove of value to the manufacturers, who will know in advance of the requirements of the purchaser ; to the electric supply authorities, who will benefit from adherence to the standard ratings specified ; and to the users, who will be assured that the elements will give efficient and economic service. Wallplates and Flush Switches Sub-committee. —This sub-committee has prepared a draft New Zealand Standard Specification for Flush. Mounting Wall Switches, Wallplates, and Outlet Boxes, which has been circulated to the affected interests for review and comment. This draft specification, which covers both physical requirements and the mechanical and electrical performances of the materials used, is designed to allow the interchange of switches, plates, and outlet boxes, while allowing freedom for the manufacturer and the user to produce and obtain any variations of design which do not affect the essential dimensions. The draft specification also deals adequately with matters affecting safety and performance. Ceiling Roses and Fuses Sub-Committee.—This sub-committee has formulated a draft New Zealand Standard Specification for Ceiling Roses made of Synthetic Resin Moulding Materials, which lias been circulated to the interested parties for comment. While leaving the details of design to each individual manufacturer, this draft specification covers fully all such matters as essential dimensions, safety requirements, and quality of materials. It also includes adequate tests which will ensure that ceiling roses will prove safe and efficient in use. The sub-committee has also examined the position concerning fuses and fuse holders, and steps are being taken to prepare a draft New Zealand Standard Specification for the domestic type of fuse and its holder. Chemical Divisional Committee. (Seven meetings.) Meal Sub-committee .. .. .. .. .. .. In recess. Dry-cleaning Solvent. —This committee has prepared an original New Zealand Standard Specification for Petroleum Dry-cleaning Solvent, which has been adopted by the Standards Council as a New Zealand Standard. This standard specification will distinguish an efficacious cleanser that will not damage the materials to which it is applied from products the claims of which are not supported by reliable facts or established tests. Tinning of Dairy Equipment. —Further attention has been given to the question of Standards for the Tinning of Dairy Equipment, but before proceeding further with this work the Committee is awaiting the results of investigations which are being carried out concerning the purity of the tin used in tinning baths throughout the Dominion. Regenerated Lubricating Oil. —The committee has prepared an original New Zealand Standard Specification for Regenerated Lubricating Oil, which will be published shortly. In view of the economy to be derived from the reclamation of waste oil, the regeneration of oil is becoming increasingly important in New Zealand. It is therefore necessary that some means should be provided whereby it may be ensured that the regeneration process will result in the maximum restoration of the lubricating properties of the oil. The New Zealand Standard Specification is designed to achieve this object. Pumice Sandsoap.—The formulation of an original New Zealand Standard Specification for Pumice Sandsoap has been undertaken by the committee, and a draft specification has been circulated to the interested parties for review. When isgued, this standard specification will provide an equitable basis for agreement between suppliers and users concerning the quality of the product. Alkaline Cleansers. —Consideration has been give by the committee to the question of standards for mixed alkaline cleansers in respect of which there is at present no means whereby the purchaser may relate quality to price and so ascertain the value of the product. Creosote for the Preservation of Timber. —A New Zealaad Standard Specification for Creosote for the', Preservation of Timber has been completed by the committee and has now to be submitted to the Timber Committee for examination before being recommended for adoption as a New Zealand Standard.

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