H—44a

Further progress was made with the development of a Government purchasing standard specification for domestic electric ranges sponsored by the Housing Division of the Ministry of Works. The School of Home Science-, University of Otago, carried but cooking tests which showed that the tests specified in the relevant British standard were not suitable for Nev/ Zealand. Alternative tests have been suggested and are now being examined. A draft Government purchasing standard specification for carpets was formulated 1 and circulated for comment, and a proposed specification for Government office furniture was further considered by the Government Office Furniture Committee. Particular attention was given the height of typewriter desks by a special Typistes' Desk Panel. Commercial Stationery Sectional Committee Sizes for cut and packed duplicator and typewriter paper are provided in a specification which was completed during the year and which will greatly facilitate the handling and filing of office papers. DOMESTIC COMMODITY STANDARDIZATION Commodity Divisional Council The parent committee met to review and direct the work of commodity standardization under its control. It also considered 2 draft British standards and 1 draft Australian standard which were referred to the appropriate committees for consideration. Textile Sectional Committee The existing standard specification for men's working garments was reviewed in the light of comments from interested parties and was amended in minor respects torender its provisions more effective. Further progress was made towards the establishment of a standard range of sizes for women's and girls' underwear. A wall chart illustrating the sizes of the British standard was distributed to appropriate trade groups in New Zealand, and it is hoped that agreement will be secured on a draft New Zealand specification. Representations from women's and consumers' organizations stress the urgent need for standard-size ranges and designations. Proposals have been formulated for a draft standard specification establishing sizedesignations for girls' frocks, gym frocks, and coats. Garments are being made to theproposed measurements as a practical check of their suitability. Footwear Sectional Committee The Wood Heels Committee reviewed the emergency standard specification for heels for women's footwear (N.Z.S.S. E. 17) and recommended that this be retained and reissued in the regular series. The Slippers Committee decided on minimum requirements for men's and women's woolly-lined slippers, and recommended these for incorporation in the main standard specification for footwear. A similar draft standard for women's felt wood-heel slippers was approved for circulation and comment. The Footwear Survey Advisory Panel examined the fitting of shoes made on trial lasts, and a sub-committee is being set up to make further investigations. Foodstuffs The existing standard specifications for vegetable grades were reviewed by a conference of commercial growers and representatives of Government Departments,, and later by the Vegetable Grades Committee. Some amendments were made to the

10