H.—34a.

N.Z.S.S. 170 Standard Code of Illumination Values. N.Z.S.S. 181p Provisional Standard Code of Clauses for Town Planning Schemes. N.Z.S.S. 95 Standard Code of Model Building By-laws : Parts I-VI, being revision of Sections I, 11, 111, V, and VI of the Model Building By-law issued in 1935 as New Zealand Standard Specification No. 95. The contents of these Parts are as follows— Part I : Preliminary ; revocation ; definitions, &c. Part II: Permits, form of, issuing of, withholding of, deviation from, &c. Part III: General considerations of design. Part IV: Basic loads (fixed, rolling, or vibratory); wind pressure; earthquake forces. Part V : Reinforced - concrete - frame design, covering - materials, workmanship, basis of design (generally, and with respect to such members as columns, beams, and slabs); " flat slab " construction, &c.; and the various stresses which should be used under the appropriate circumstances for various grades of concrete and reinforcement, &c. Part VI : Masonry panels in framed structures, whether they be reir f orced-concrete or steel frames. These will cover panels of brick or concrete, reinforced or plain, and composite panels. (Owing to consideration as to the form in which these proposals will be issued, they have not yet been printed, but will be issued as soon as a satisfactory conclusion is reached in the above regard.) The issue of the above sections of the Standard Code of Model Building By-laws will establish a uniform standard of building construction throughout the Dominion that will provide the same factor of safety in respect of all hazards to which people inhabiting or frequenting buildings or their immediate precincts are subjected. The sections of this code are being issued in a form that will facilitate revisions and enable additions to be made as the provisions of the further sections are completed. New Zealand standard specifications as at 31st March, 1938 .. .. 159 New Zealand standard specifications adopted during the year 1938-39 .. 33 Total as at 31st March, 1939 .. .. .. .. .. 192 In addition, thirty-six standard specifications have been recommended for adoption by the respective committees and only await the endorsement of the Advisory Council. Adoption of these will make a total of 228 New Zealand standards. The majority of these specifications are British Standards Institution standards ; nevertheless, they have been adopted as New Zealand standard specifications only after the closest scrutiny, involving their circulation to all substantially affected interests inviting comment and an expression of opinion as to whether or not they were suitable for adoption as New Zealand standards. This method of adopting as New Zealand standards the standards originated by the British Standards Institution or other standards organizations which, after mutual consultation between all affected interests, are considered suitable for adoption has the advantage of clearly indicating to all concerned the specifications which detailed and authoritative examination has shown to satisfy the balanced needs of New Zealand conditions and requirements. The alternative procedure leaves each responsible party to determine whether such specifications are suitable for New Zealand purposes, frequently without sufficient opportunity to make the necessary detailed examination, and this may lead to material or equipment for one and the same purpose being ordered to different specifications. It may also leave those responsible with no option but to prepare separate specifications, whereas examination on the basis of collaboration residts in amending the provisions in a way that renders them suitable to New Zealand requirements. Should this not be possible, alternative specifications are prepared on the same basis of consultation and collaboration between all affected interests when this is considered to be necessary. Whether New Zealand standards originate in New Zealand or with overseas standards organizations, they are not finally adopted as New Zealand standards except by mutual consent as between Government Departments, local bodies, and industrial and trade organisations, the interests of which frequently interrelate with public administration. Such procedure avoids duplication of effoifc in preparing specifications, and yet provides for pre-defined selection of equipment, material, and commodities on the broadest basis of experience and knowledge. Considerations affecting safe and efficient installation and operation of plant, uniform practice, and minimum diversification of dimensions and tj pes, which simplify and reduce stores and stocks of manufacturers and distributors, resulting in a corresponding reduction in costs, are thus provided for, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, while affording the fullest administrative and service facility. General adherence to the standards issued therefore enables Government Departments, local bodies, and industrial and trade organizations to secure considerable economies resulting from the elimination of superfluous types, sizes, and varieties of materials, equipment, or commodities required for one and the same purpose.

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