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The Coagulating Strength of Rennet. —During the past year a number of laboratories throughout the Dominion have been carrying out confirmatory tests of the application of the provisions of a proposed New Zealand Standard Specification for the Coagulating Strength of Rennet which has been prepared with the object of providing a reliable method of standardizing the strength of rennet for cheesemaking. When these tests have been completed, the draft proposals will be reviewed and a decision will be made concerning their suitability for adoption as a New Zealand Standard. Chemical Analysis of Butter and Cheese.—Draft New Zealand Standard Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Butter and Cheese based extensively upon the corresponding British Standards have been circulated for review and comment to the interested parties in this country and overseas. When completed, the New Zealand Standard will prove a valuable guide and reference for those concerned with the laboratory examination of these dairy products. Detergents for Use in the Dairy Industry.- The committee has examined the practicability of drawing up New Zealand Standards for Detergents for use in the Dairy Industry, but has come to the conclusion that the time is not yet ripe for action along these lines. Salt for Dairy Purposes. Tubular Woven Cheese Bandages and Bleached and Stiffened Cheese Caps. Sampling and Analysis of Casein. Coated Tinfoil for Use in the Dairy Industry. Vegetable Parchment for Wrapping Dairy Products. The committee has exchanged views with the corresponding committees of the British Standards Institution concerning the above matters which are the subjects of draft British Standard Specifications, and has submitted comments thereon from the point of view of the Dairy Industry in New Zealand for consideration by the British Committees before the draft proposals are finalized for publication as British Standards. In this way the requirements of this Dominion are related to manufacturing conditions in Great Britain with the result that the standards when issued are completely acceptable to all concerned. Reductase Test. —A special sub-committee has given preliminary consideration to the preparation of standards for the Methylene Blue Reductase Test and has decided to cover dye-strengtli and methods of test in a New Zealand Standard Specification. As this is a basic test for milk used for the manufacture of dairy products and for human consumption, the promulgation of the proposed standard will prove a valuable contribution towards the maintenance of the quality of these foods. Plumbing Committee. Plumbing Supplies Sub-committee .. .. .. 18 meetings. Plumbing By-laws Sub-committee .. .. .. 9 meetings. Parent Committee. —While this committee has not met during the year, it has reviewed the reports of its sub-committees and directed their work by post. Plumbing Supplies Sub-committee. —This sub-committee has been engaged upon the formulation of original New Zealand Standards for plumbing materials. A draft New Zealand Standard Specification for water-closet pans has been circulated to the interested parties for review and comment, and the sub-committee is now engaged in an examination of the comments which have been received. The sub-committee has also continued with the preparation of an original New Zealand Standard Specification for household water-taps, and is revising its original tentative proposals in this regard in the light of comments received from the manufacturers to whom they were sent for preliminary review. Endorsement of the standardization of plumbing supplies and equipment has been expressed in resolutions carried at the annual conferences of the responsible trade organizations from time to time. This is a sphere of activity in which the duplication of types and sizes of equipment and parts inevitably manifests itself on a scale that incurs heavy increases in costs, and resulting general inconvenience, confusion, and waste. Hence the value of the work of this committee. During the year one draft specification received from overseas has been referred to the subcommittee for attention. The following British Standard Specification has been recommended to the Standards Council as being suitable for adoption as a New Zealand Standard: — B.S.S. 539-1937 Dimensions of Drain Fittings, Salt-glazed Ware-and Salt-glazed Glass (Vitreous) Enamelled Fireclay. Subsequently it was found that this standard specification did not, provide for the Buclian type of trap which is used in New Zealand, and it was decided that suitable provisions in this regard should be prepared for inclusion as an Appendix to the New Zealand Standard. Draft proposals for this appendix have been prepared and will be examined by the committee shortly. Plumbing By-laws Sub-committee.--This sub-committee has commenced the preparation of a New Zealand Standard Code of Plumbing and Drainage By-laws, taking as a basis an amended form of the regulations administered by the Department of Health. With the full concurrence and co-operation of the Department these proposals have been completely reviewed and entirely rearranged, and it is anticipated that they will soon be circulated to the interested parties for review and comment. 4 Timber Committee. Hardwoods Sub-committee .. . . . . .. I meeting. Parent Committee. —This committee has had no occasion to meet during the year. Hardwoods Sub-committee. —This sub-committee has completed its consideration of the comments received from the affected interests upon the draft New Zealand Standard Specification for New South Wales Hardwoods, but has directed that before the amended provisions are recommended to the

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