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indicate the types of pigments used. It has been issued with the concurrence of all the affected interests, and in the opinion of those best qualified to judge, paint conforming to its requirements will provide an adequate protective coating and give satisfactory service. To the extent it is used, therefore, it should avoid the serious economic loss, referred to in the last report, which results from the use of inferior paint. Code of Painting Practice. —The committee which prepared the standard specification for paint fully realized that even a completely satisfactory paint would not provide an adequate protective coating if it was not applied in accordance with sound trade practice. Consequently, it decided to proceed with the formulation of a standard code of practice for painting which would establish the necessary requirements relating to such matters as preparation of surfaces for painting, selection and preparation of paints, and methods of their application. Paint Ingredients. —In the course of the formulation of the standard specification for ready-mixed paints it was found that, while separate specifications were in existence for almost all of the ingredients used, there were a few of these for which there was no standard specification. Consequently, it was decided to prepare additional specifications to cover all the raw materials used. Timber Sectional Committee (Two meetings) National Grading Rules Panel .. .. .. .. One meeting. Pinus radiata Grading Rules Committee .. .. .. One meeting. Kiln Drying Practice Committee .. .. .. . . One meeting. Plywoods Committee .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Timber Ladders Committee .. .. .. .. Two meetings. Timber Ladders Panel .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Timber Preservation Committee .. .. .. .. One meeting. Hardwoods Committee .. .. .. .. .. One meeting. Parent Committee.—The parent committee reviewed the work being carried out under its supervision and also gave initial consideration to 1 draft British standard, 2 British standards, and 1 Australian standard. National Grading Pules.—The existing standard specification for the classification and grading of New Zealand building timber (National Grading Rules) was amended to include some additional definitions of timber section sizes. Pinus radiata Grading Rules.—Following upon the issue of an addendum to the National Grading Rules which establishes grading rules for Pinus radiata framing timbers, the formulation of a similar addendum for Pinus radiata weatherboards, flooring, and other boards was undertaken, at the request of the Department of Housing Construction, in order to facilitate the use of Pinus radiata boards, which will augment the supply of properly graded timber. Kiln Drying Practice.—Extensive comments received during the circulation of the draft standard code of practice for the kiln drying of timber necessitated its complete revision by a special subcommittee. Commercial Plywoods. —Consideration was given by the Plywoods Committee to comments received from affected interests arising out of their initial experience of the use of the existing emergency standard specification for commercial plywoods, with the result that a proposal for an additional grade suitable for high-quality finishing and other special purposes should be included. There is clear evidence that the existence of the standard specification for plywoods has been instrumental in raising the quality of this product, notwithstanding the severe difficulties under which the industry is working due to inadequate supplies and shortage of labour.

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