H—44a

The absorption and moisture tests for hollow loading concrete blocks were completed by the Dominion Physical Laboratory and the standard specification for these products is now ready for issue. It is required for citation in Part X—Masonry Buildings of Bearing-wall Construction —of the Standard Code of Building By-laws, which provides for the use of bearing walls of hollow blocks in single-story residences. Mechanical Sectional Committee This committee examined 81 draft British standards, 55 British standards, 4 draft Australian standards, 12 draft South African standards, 1 draft Palestine standard, and four amendments to British standards. Four of the British amendments were found suitable for incorporation in New Zealand standard specifications. Electrical Sectional Committee As well as reviewing the work of sub-committees, the parent committee has examined 25 draft British standards, 2 British standards, 2 draft Australian standards, 3 draft South African standards, and 7 amendments to overseas standards. Seven British standards were recommended for adoption as New Zealand standard specifications, while 24 British amendments were 1 endorsed for incorporation in New Zealand standard specifications. The Electrical Accessories Appliances Committee has made further progress with the revision of the existing standard specification for electric plugs and sockets, and with the formulation of a comprehensive series of standard specifications for domestic appliances. Specifications covering electric toasters and domestic electric irons have been completed, while good progress was made with further specifications for immersion heaters and electric cookers. Prehminary work has been undertaken in connection with the preparation of a standard specification for the connector boxes commonly used in dwellings and similar locations ; a specification is also being prepared for appliance connectors, and will make for interchangeability as well as safety and quality. A special conference, called to discuss insulators, decided that a specification was necessary, and that the British standard for porcelain and toughened-glass insulators could be used as a basis. Affected interests are being circulated to determine its suitability to New Zealand. Welding Sectional Committee The Resistance-welding Apparatus Committee has reviewed the draft standard for the electrical performance of resistance-welding apparatus following comments after circulation, and the specification has been recommended for issue. The committee also examined 2 British standards, one of which, dealing with spot welding for light assemblies in mild steel, was recommended for adoption in New Zealand. Drawing Office Practice Sectional Committee The Architectural and Building Drawing Practice Committee has carefully examined both the British and Australian standards for architectural and building drawing office practice ; the Australian standard was found more suitable to New Zealand requirements, although many of the symbols are different from those used in this country. Consideration is being given to whether the standard can be adopted with suitable amendment, or whether an original New Zealand specification is necessary.

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