H—44a

SteelworJc.—The final editing of the Steelwork Code, referred to in last year's report, has proceeded during the year, with the result that this code, which will constitute Part XI of the Standard Code of Building By-laws, is now ready for submission to the Building Code Sectional Committee for its approval, as is also the related Standard Code of Practice for the Workmanship of Metal Arc Welding, which was completely reviewed by the Structural Welding Committee in the light of developments in welding practice during the period it was necessary to hold this project in abeyance. Light Timber Construction. —As Part IX, Light Timber Construction, of the Standard Code of Building By-laws was issued in February, 1944, it was deemed advisable to seek from local authorities and other interested parties comments upon their experience of its use during the past three years. The comments received clearly showed that it had been of the utmost value to local authorities, architects, builders, and other interested parties. It was, however, found necessary to amend the provisions in several minor respects in order to meet various points raised in the comments. In addition, following upon the issue of an addendum to the National Grading Rules (N.Z.S.S. 169), which establishes grading requirements for Pinus radiata for building purposes, the Timber Building Code Committee is amending the Light Timber Building Code to prescribe the conditions under which this timber can be used to relieve the critical timber-supply position, while at the same time safeguarding the essential considerations of safety and durability. Adoption of the Standard Code of Building By-laws. —At the close of the year fiftyfive local authorities had adopted Parts I-YI of the Standard Code of Building By-laws as their own by-laws, while, of these, forty-four had also adopted Parts VII, VIII, and IX, the remaining eleven having the adoption of these last-mentioned three parts under consideration. In addition, a further twenty-five authorities have indicated that they are giving attention to the incorporation of the Standard Code in their by-laws. With the issue of the Masonry and Steelwork Codes, referred to earlier in this report, the Standard Code of Building By-laws will establish a complete range of minimum requirements in respect of all forms of construction which are commonly used in New Zealand, in addition to further requirements in respect of such essential matters as means of egress and residential buildings. These parts of the Standard Code, together with the separate standard codes for boardinghouses (already issued), plumbing and drainage (recently completed), fire-prevention (nearing completion), and the separate standard specification for dwellinghouse-construction, will establish all the necessary code and by-law requirements to ensure that all building activity in the Dominion is carried out to adequate standards relating to durability, safety, health and amenities, and in accordance with principles that permit the most economic use of materials and labour without in any way hampering design. The value of the Standard Code of Building By-laws to local authorities, and the pressure which exists for the extension and acceleration of this work, was well evidenced at the 1946 Municipal Conference, which passed remits urging that the formulation of the Standard Code should be proceeded with as a matter of urgency, and also that the by-law making powers available to Town Boards should be amended to permit them to adopt the Standard Code in toto. The adoption of this course in relation to Town and Counties would enable all local authorities to avail themselves of the full advantages of the Standard Code, whereas it is at present available only to cities and boroughs, except that Town Boards and counties, which are not empowered to enforce its provisions, may use it for reference. Measurement of Buildings Committee (Seven meetings) Five further parts of the proposed Standard Method for the Measurement of Building Work were completed, relating to metal-work, brickwork, stone masonry work, carpentry work, and joinery work, which, together with the six parts completed during

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