H.—34a

The foregoing list of projects constitutes a heavy programme of work that is being effectively prosecuted by the various committees. One item —local-body building by-laws —in itself involves a comprehensive range of activity which, because of its significance, is referred to in a special section later in this report. The importance of standardization of corrugated iron, not to mention paint, flushing-cisterns, plugs, and sockets, is but indicative of the significance of the projects listed above. According to tests, galvanized roofing-iron, for instance, varies from 24 to 29 in gauge ; in weight from 12-5 oz. to 18-6 oz. per square foot ; while the weight of the zinc coating on both sides varies from 1-2 oz. to 24 oz. per square foot. It follows that there should be some means whereby the buver will know the relative service life of the roofing iron he purchases in relation to its cost. The necessity for this work could be similarly demonstrated by an analysis of the position in regard to any of the other projects, though in some cases from a somewhat different point of view. In the case of fire-extinguishers, for instance, the main consideration is that of safety as distinct from economy. Heating, ventilation, and illumination standards relate to considerations of comfort and health, while those for plugs and sockets relate essentially to convenience. The development of these original projects, together with the examination of specifications from overseas, the circulation of the draft proposals, the co-ordination of the comments and the final adoption and issue of the standards concerned, is a work of considerable magnitude which, nevertheless, yields advantages to the Dominion that are far beyond the effort entailed. A general appreciation of the work and recognition of its need is evident in almost all responsible quarters. Kesolutions have been received, for instance, urging the standardization of local-body by-laws from local-body and public-authority interests, which assembled in conference to consider this question on the Bth September, 1937. These have been fully endorsed by resolutions received direct from the Counties' Association and the Municipal Association of New Zealand (Incorporated). In addition, more than seventy representations have been received from individual local bodies emphasizing the need to expedite this work. These are referred to under the heading " Standardization of Localbody By-laws " later in this report. In addition, numerous representations have been received throughout the year concerning the need to develop standards in relation to various types of materials, equipment, and goods. Indeed, the demands in this respect are far in excess of what can be met at the present stage of development. Further appreciation of the value of standards is evidenced by the purchase of some three hundred standard specifications for the treatment, grading, and classification of hides, yearlings and calf-skins within two months of its issue. Sales. An indication of the value of standards is also to be found in the fact that for March, 1937, 27 specifications were sold, as compared with 401 in March, 1938, the total sales for the year amounting to 1,371 copies. Bureau of Industry. The obvious waste which arises from lack of standards in industry, resulting in the manufacture of a superfluous diversity of types of goods and duplication of stocks, is evident in this country. In all plans prepared by the Bureau of Industry, consideration has therefore been given to the question of standards, and it is pleasing to report that the interests concerned have been quick to recognize the benefits to be derived from the application of the standards principle. Consequently, a number of industries are making every endeavour to formulate satisfactory standards. Two important matters which were specifically referred to the Standards Institute from the Bureau were the preparation of a standard specification for the treatment, grading, and classification of hides, yearlings and calf-skins, and the standardization and simplification of the statistical and financial returns required by the Government from industry. In addition to these, the Standards Institute is collaborating with the Bureau of Industry and the Department of Industries and Commerce in the formulation and adoption of standards for a number of industries, including asbestos-cement products, pharmaceutical goods, and footwear. The work of the Bureau of Industry has therefore assisted in securing the fuller development and adoption of standards in this Dominion, with resultant benefit to both consumer and producer. Co-operation of Government Departments, Local Bodies, Technological, Industrial, and Tbade Organizations. The various phases of standards activity have been generously contributed to by expert officers of Government Departments and local bodies, while industrial and trade organizations have freely co-operated by nominating representatives to the committees. Only the contribution of this co-operative effort on the part of outside agencies has made possible the very satisfactory progress of the work. It also evidences a general recognition of the advantage that accrues to the interests concerned from the advancement of standardization which results from this common effort. Activities of Committees. Technical Advisory Committee (Five Meetings). This committee has been appointed to direct and review the work of all technical committees in order to focus attention upon projects that satisfy the most important and urgent demands, and to ensure that the work of the committees is carefully checked and co-ordinated. The committee held its inaugural meeting on sth October, 1937, and at the following four meetings has directed 101. standard specifications and 54 draft standard specifications to the various committees.

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