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Mincers, Bean Slicers, and Juice Extractors. —A draft standard specification for mincers, bean slicers, and juice extractors was circulated for comment to tlie interested parties, and during consideration of the comments received it was found necessary to refer it to a special sub-committee to examine the dimensions to be specified and to formulate the necessary test requirements. Further action was deferred pending the report of the sub committee and comments from overseas manufacturers. Carpet Sweepers.—Good progress was made with the consideration of the comments received upon the draft standard specification for carpet sweepers following its circulation to the interested parties for comment. School Stationery and Requisites Sectional Committee (One meeting) School Paper Stationery Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. School Requisites Committee .. .. .. .. Two meetings. School Paper Stationery. —The standard specification for school paper stationery was reviewed, and it was found necessary, in view of the critical position relating to paper supplies, to provide for two grades of paper until such time as the supply position eases. School Bequisites.—-As the initial project in its programme of work relating to school requisites, the School Requisites Committee completed a draft standard specification for school rulers, which was circulated for review and comment. The draft specification provides for two types of rulers, one with simple gradations, for junior classes, and other suitable for use up to Form 11. The nature of the gradations, the accuracy of both linear and angle measurements, and the quality of the timber and its finish are specified in a way that will materially assist manufacturers, distributors, education authorities, and the parents of the children. By specifying a standard type of ruler, it will avoid the confusion and handicap which exists when different children in the same class obtain rulers of different design and with different gradations. Paua Shell Committee (Three meetings) Paua Shell Subcommittee .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Paua Shell Jewellery. —The original emergency standard specification for paua shell jewellery and ornaments was amended by deleting reference to ornaments and to include provision for unmounted jewellery. Subject to review after a period of six months, the specification was recommended for issue in the regular series of standard specifications. Foodstuffs Bread Committee .. .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Bread Approvals Committee .. .. .. .. Three meetings. Bread Panel .. .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Bread Weights.—The standard specification for bread was reviewed in the light of representations received from affected interests, and it was recommended that the weights at present specified should be amended so as to stipulate a minimum weight of 1 lb. 12 oz. and multiples thereof for all loaves of ordinary bread.

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