H—44A

has initiated the preparation of a specification which will incorporate some twenty methods of testing in relation to these factors. It has also decided to carry out further investigations relating to shrinkage during laundering. Oily Canvas Clothing.—The committee instituted to develop a standard specification for oily canvas clothing has made good progress with this project. The specification will establish minimum requirements for oily canvas clothing including the various types of waterproof coats, leggings, and sou'westers, in relation to basic measurements upon which sizes will be based, and the weatherproofness of three different grades of clothing as determined by the standard tests to be incorporated within the specification. The committee is also examining the question of including wearing and ageing tests. The manufacturing industry concerned fully recognizes the necessity for this specification, and the value it will have to both producer and consumer interests, with the result that the most active co-operation of all affected interests has been readily forthcoming. Shirts and Pyjama Sizes. —The standard specification for sizes for shirts and pyjamas was reviewed in the light of comments received from the affected interests and was amended in minor respects in order to render its provisions more effective. Leather Dress Gloves.—After careful consideration of the conditions under which the Standard Mark should be permitted to be used on leather dress gloves, the Gloves Committee decided that block-cut and semi block-cut gloves should not be provided for in the standard specification, which was accordingly amended to require- all gloves to be table-cut by competent craftsmen. Foodstuffs ' Vegetables Conference .. .. . . .. .. Two meetings. Meat Grades Committee .. . . . . . . .. One meeting. Bread Approvals Committee . . .. . . .. Four meetings. Vegetable Grades. —The sixteen emergency standard specifications for vegetable grades were reviewed in the light of the experience gained as a result of their initial, use. Some minor amendments were thus made to these specifications, which are now to be converted from emergency to regular standard specifications and issued in printed form. These specifications afford a sound basis for the purchase of vegetables to defined grades of quality by the purchasing officers of Government Departments, public institutions, and other large-scale buyers. In due course the specifications will, no doubt,, become the basis for the purchase of vegetables by wholesalers and retailers and fortheir sale to the general public. Meat Grades. —The standard specification for grades of meat for the retail market was reviewed during the year, and minor amendments made to its provisions as a result of comments received from the affected interests. Bread. —The Bread Approvals Committee continued to consider applications for the approval of special breads not provided for by the standard specification. Furniture Household Furniture Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. Household Furniture Executive Committee .. .. .. Two meetings. Government Office Furniture Committee .. .. .. Five meetings. Household Furniture. —The Household Furniture Committee met once during the vear in order to convert the emergency standard specification for household furniture into a regular standard specification and to review some proposed amendments, recommended for incorporation in the specification by its executive committee. These amendments were of a relatively minor nature, but important to the industry, inasmuch as they reconciled one or two requirements which conflicted unnecessarily with established trade practice. The increased use of the Standard Mark on furniture evidences the value that is being derived from this specification, and consequently the increased quantity of furniture which is being manufactured to its requirements.

20