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clear that they intend to conform to the requirements of the specification, and so gain and hold the Ml confidence of user interests as a basis for the sound and full development of this important industry. Timber Ladders. —The special committee set up to draft a specification for timber ladders has continued with its work, and has completed a draft specification for consideration by its parent committee. Those responsibly concerned with the safety of workers engaged in occupations in which ladders are frequently used have displayed a very keen interest in the development of this specification. , Kiln-drying Practice.—The special committee set up to formulate a standard code of practice for the kiln-drying of timber has completed draft proposals for circulation to, the interested parties for comment. This standard will define the practice by which the moisture content of timber should be reduced to its proper limits, without causing warping,, splitting, or other damage. It will thus remove the causes of dissatisfaction and conflict which arise in the absence of such clarification of these considerations. The standard code of practice will therefore provide a reliable trade textbook for the kiln-drying of timber, while the use of the Standard. Mark on timber treated in accordance with its provisions will assure users concerning the adequacy of the treatment and the quality of the treated timber. Pinus Radiata Grading Rules-.-'-Following upon the decision to use Pinus radiata (insignis pine) for building construction, the Department of Housing Construction requested the preparation of standard grading rules for "this timber. After an examination of the available data, and the carrying-out of practical grading tests,, .the special committee,set up to undertake this work completed tentative grading rules, which will be issued-as an addendum to the National Grading Rules. -It is intended to review these provisions in the near future in the light of experience gained during their initial use. In the meantime, the addendum will provide the best-known basis for the grading of Pinus radiata for building purposes, and will ensure the most satisfactory use of this timber as an alternative to other building timbers, thereby assisting to overcome the shortage of building timber. Timber Preservation.- —A standard code of practice for the preservative pre-treatment of timber by the cold-dipping process was completed and issued during the year. This specification lists approved preservatives, and stipulates a minimum concentration for each, together with the types of solvent to be used for different classes of timber. It also. includes provisions concerning the preparation of timber prior to treatment, the methods by which the preservative shall be applied, and the marking which will certify conformity with the standard specification. In an introductory note to the specification it is acknowledged that its provisions are not complete or final, inasmuch as they may be inadequate to ensure permanent protection against insect and fungi attack, which, so far as is known, can be assured only by thoroughly impregnating timber with an effective toxic therapeutant. While the cold-dipping process, for which the specification provides, does not thoroughly impregnate the timber, it at least affords a partial protection if the materials specified are used in adequate concentrations as provided in "the specification. It is intended to extend the specification to cover pressure and vacuum treatment as soon as necessary research work concerning these methods has been completed. DOMESTIC COMMODITY STANDARDIZATION Commodity Divisional Couneil (Two meetings) Tinned and Galvanized Utensils Committee .. .. .. Two meetings. Dust-bins Committee .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Paua-shell Committee .. .. .. .. .. Two meetings. - Soap Committee .. .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Parent Committee. —At its two meetings the Commodity Divisional Council considered 1 British standard, 2 draft British standards, 22 Australian Commonwealth Food Control Specifications, 74 U.S. Department of Agriculture specifications, and

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