H—44a

Chemical Sectional Committee (Five meetings) Glues Committee .. .. .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Glues Panel .. .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Fish Oils Committee .. .. .. .. .. Three meetings. Rodent Poisons Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. Electroplating and Protective Metal Finishes Committee .. One meeting. Parent Committee. —This committee reviewed the work being carried out under its. direction, and also considered 54 draft British standards, 29 British standards, 3 Australian standards, and 10 amendment slips to British standards previously examined. Eleven of the British standards were found suitable for adoption in New Zealand and 6 of the amendments were endorsed for incorporation in the corresponding New Zealand standard specifications. Capsules Containing Vitamins A and D. —After considering the comments received from the affected interests during the circulation of draft proposals, the Fish Oils Committee recommended the adoption of a standard specification for capsules containing, vitamins A and D. This specification prescribes the minimum vitamin A and D potency of each capsule, incorporates the necessary methods by which this potency may be checked, and also includes requirements relating to the capsules themselves and toproper package and storage, which is important to prevent deterioration of the vitamin content. Adequate marking provisions are included so that purchasers may have a. reliable basis to evaluate and compare the various products. Fish-liver Oil.—The standard specification originally issued in the emergency serieswas reviewed in the light of comments received during its initial use and, with minor amendments, was endorsed for issue in the regular series of standard specifications. Joiners' Glue. —The original emergency standard specification for joiners' glue was, reviewed in the light of experience of its initial use and, after amendment, was recommended for issue in the regular series of standard specifications. In the course of the review, the provisions were extended to cover casein glue, in addition to the animal glues previously dealt with. When it is realized that most furniture and other work in which glues are used are ultimately no stronger than the glued joints, the importance of an adequate specification for this product is readily apparent. Rat and Mouse Poisons. —A draft standard specification for rat and mouse poisons, was completed, except that further investigation is necessary in relation to certain of' the tests specified. When these investigations have been completed, draft proposals, will be circulated to interested parties for comment. Metal Coatings.—A draft standard specification for electro-deposited metal coatings, was circulated for comment during the year. This specification establishes minimum requirements in respect of zinc, cadmium, copper, tin, brass, lead, nickel, and chromium coatings in a way that ensures that plating with these metals will provide an adequate protective coating. Camelback Retread Rubber Committee (One meeting) Tire Retreading.—The draft standard code of practice for the repair, retreading, and 1 recapping of tires, referred to in the last report, was circulated to affected interests forcomment, and the comments received were reviewed by the responsible committee. After considering the comments, the committee made extensive alterations to the draft provisions, and withheld the issue of the completed standard specification pending furtherexamination of the revised provisions.

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