H—44a

iii respect of dimensions, physical properties, and methods of sampling and testing, which are a necessary corollary to the design requirements incorporated in the Building Code. Concrete Fencing-posts. —Work has continued on the formulation of a standard specification for concrete fencing-posts, and a draft specification has been completed to the stage where it has been necessary to carry out a series of tests on posts manufactured in different parts of the Dominion, in order to arrive at suitable methods of test and test requirements. Precast Concrete Drainage JPipes.—Following upon comments received from affected interests as a result of their experience during the initial use of N.Z.S.S. E. 112, Precast Concrete Drainage Pipes, an amendment has been issued to this standard specification in order to clarify the provisions relating to the test for crushing-strength. Wire Nails. —A special sub-committee set up to formulate a New Zealand standard specification for wire nails has examined the corresponding British standard in the light of the comments received as a result of its circulation to affected interests. The project has been temporarily deferred, but will be further considered during the ensuing year. Household Septic Tanks. —This standard specification will supplement the general requirements for septic tanks incorporated in the proposed New Zealand Standard Code of Plumbing and Drainage By-laws by establishing minimum requirements in respect of materials, construction, and design in relation to performance, for septic tanks for single-dwelling units, whether precast or constructed on the site. Roadmaking Materials Sectional Committee Road-binding Materials Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. Road Aggregates Committee .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Road-binding Materials.—The Road-binding Materials Committee at its inaugural meeting devoted its attention to the examination and consideration of the British and Australian standard glossaries of highway engineering terms, definitions of which, it recognized, were much needed in New Zealand. In addition, overseas standards for road-binding materials were grouped by the committee under the headings of tars, emulsions, asphalts, and cut-back asphalts, for determination of their suitability for adoption as New Zealand standard specifications. In all, the committee has under examination 14- British, 2 Australian, and 17 American standards. It is also studying reports of the current work of other standards bodies on the subject of road-binding materials. Road, Aggregates.—The Road Aggregates Committee is endeavouring to establish uniform grades for the various classes of .roading aggregates, which would greatly reduce the multiplicity of specifications to which such aggregates are crushed, screened, and mixed, so long as suppliers are required to satisfy orders to the individual specifications of each separate authority. The establishment of uniform grades would therefore greatly simplify and facilitate the placing and supply of orders and correspondingly reduce the cost of aggregates. Drawing Offiee Practice Sectional Committee Engineering Drawing Practice Committee .. .. .. One meeting. The Engineering Drawing Practice Committee recommended to its parent committee that the British standard for Engineering Drawing Practice (B.S. 308-1943) should be adopted as a New Zealand standard specification, subject to an amendment incorporating the Australian standard sizes for paper, which are better suited for photographic reproduction, and the addition of the corresponding Australian standard (C.Z-1) as a

4