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correspond with the respective sizes incorporated in the standard specification. Similar work is being carried out on a comprehensive scale in overseas countries, and particularly in the United States of America and the U.S.S.R. Value of Standardization. —The standardization of footwear, together with the standardization of basic measurements for footwear lasts, that has been carried out over the past few years in New Zealand, it is now found, corresponds with a similar undertaking carried out by the British Boot, Shoe, and Allied Research Association in England, an interesting report of which appeared in the Trade and Engineering Supplement of the London Times as follows : Projects now tinder consideration indicate that those responsible for the well-being of the industry are desirous that it shall enter the post-war world fully equipped to grapple with new problems. The industry is asked to adopt a certification trade-mark as a hall-mark of quality. The proposed mark, " Satra," has been registered. Its use on a shoe would signify that components conformed to specifications, that construction was guaranteed, and that the last upon which it was made had been approved. The responsible character of the steps taken to establish " Satra " is indicated by the detailed and lengthy negotiations that have taken place between the British Boot, Shoe, and Allied Trades' Research Association—the originators of the scheme—and various •Government Departments. The certification mark would not displace ordinary trade-marks, which could be used as additional indices of quality. Grades could be maintained within the scheme. The objective is that the consumer, even though compelled to buy cheaply, would still get guaranteed footwear to the extent of the grade purchased. It is assumed that the provision of guarantees will result in progressively diminishing demand for grades so low as not to qualify for the certification mark. Thus the public would be protected against shoddy, and the trade, to a large extent, would be protected against competition at the point of price. The estimate of the importance of this work revealed in the above report indicates the significance of the corresponding work that has been carried out here. It is acknowledged, however, that there still remains a considerable amount of work to be carried out before this project can be considered to be complete. Textiles Sectional Committee (One meeting) > Textiles Testing Committee .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Oily Canvas Clothing Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. Shirts and Pyjama Sizes Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. Women's and Girls' Outerwear Simplification Committee .. One meeting. Gloves Committee .. .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Gloves Approvals Committee .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Flock Committee .. .. .. .. .. . . One meeting. Parent Committee. —The Textiles Sectional Committee considered the reports of the committees acting under its direction, and also reviewed 17 British standards, 1 draft Australian standard, 8 Australian standards, 8 specifications issued by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards, and 8 issued by the American Standards Association. Of the British standards, 4 were recommended for adoption as New Zealand standard specifications, while, in appropriate - cases, the other specifications were referred to working committees for detailed examination. The parent committee also decided to institute a special committee to prepare standard specifications for uniform and other cloths used by local authorities and Government Departments. Textiles Testing.—The Textiles Testing Committee has examined 3 overseas specifications relating to the testing of textile materials, with the object of determining the testing methods which are most suitable for adoption in New Zealand. The committee decided that the specifications issued by the Canadian Government Purchasing Standards Committee and the Standards Association of Australia afford the best basis from which to develop standard specifications that would establish the most suitable practice for the testing of such factors as tensile strength, tearing strength, fibre, identification, colour fastness to laundering, water and perspiration, &c., in this country. The committee

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