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Timber Sectional Committee Pinus radiata Grading Rules. —Consideration showed that two sets of grading rules were necessary for this timber, to apply before machining and after. These have been completed, the first set being issued as an addition to the National Grading Rules (N.Z.S.S. 169) and the second as a separate standard specification. This completes a series of grading rules covering all uses for Pinus radiata in building construction. Steps are now being taken to amend Part IX—Light Timber Construction —of the Standard Code to provide more specifically for the use of 'Pinus radiata as defined in the grading rules. Kiln-drying Practice. —The proposed standard code of practice for the kiln-drying of timber was revised by a special panel and endorsed for issue. Kiln drying is now used almost universally in place of air drying, and the establishment of standard requirements should be of the greatest value. Timber Preservation. —The technical Sub-committee reviewed the emergency standard specification for the preservative pre-treatment of timber by the cold-dipping process, and decided that it should be retained in the emergency series until research progressed sufficiently to permit the inclusion of other methods, especially the pressure method. The committee also considered the preparation of a standard code of practice for the preservative treatment of tawa and taraire timbers for use in furniture, as requested by the Household Furniture Committee. Plumbing Sectional Committee Plumbing By-laws. —The complete Standard Code of Sanitary Plumbing and Drainage By-laws was discussed by the Plumbing By-laws Committee with city engineers at a conference which endorsed the code and recommended its early publication. The issue of this standard code will be a further valuable contribution towards the modernization and unification of local-body by-laws. Plumbing Supplies. —During the year the Plumbing Supplies Committee examined 11 British Standards, of which 3 were found to be suitable for adoption as New Zealand standard specifications. A specification for water-taps was approved for issue subject to certain amendments following comment from the South African Bureau of Standards. A draft specification for non-ferrous (excluding lead) traps and wastes was found unduly restrictive and is being revised. Electric Water-heaters. —A specification for thermal storage electric water-heaters has been completed and recommended for adoption. It was emphasized by the Electrical Supply Authority Engineers' Association, in sponsoring the specification, that one-third of the total power consumption was used by thermal storage waterheaters. It was estimated that the installation and use of heaters was responsible forthe wastage of 8-9 per cent, of the total electric power generated. Proposals for the formulation of a supplementary code of practice for the installation of thermal storage electric water-heaters are shortly to be circulated for comment. The series of standard specifications relating to immersion heaters and electric water-heaters is to be supplemented by a separate specification for elements. Preliminary attention has also been given to the development of a specification for thermostats. Ceramics Sectional Committee A British standard for fireclay sinks (B.S. 1206-1945) was found suitable for local conditions subject to minor amendments, and has been recommended for adoption and inclusion in the Standard Code of Sanitary Plumbing and Drainage By-laws.

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