DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D. C.

MONTHLY NEWS BULLETIN

of

COMMERCIAL STANDARDS GROUP, BUREAU OF STANDARDS

(This Includes: Division of Simplified Practice; Division of Specifications;

Commercial Standards Unit; American Marine Standards Committee.)

Address Inquiries to Commercial Standards,

February 15, 1928. Room 316 Commerce Building, Washington, D. C. No . 35

.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraphs Paragraphs

Activities of Commercial Standards

Group 33

America's Long Purse in 1928 ......... 17

Approves Simplified Invoice Form 30

Architects and Avoidable Waste 7 Belgians Interested in Elimination of

Waste 16

Benefits of Simplified Practice 27

Centralized Purchasing Success in

Oregon. 5 Coordinating Stock and Purchase Plans 19

Correct Address of Division 14

Distribution Enters a New Phase 23

French Automotive Simplification 24

German Uniform Specifications 21

Government Simplifies Its Own Forms 20

Industrial Engineers Offer to Eliminate Waste . 11 Kentucky Saves Money Through Centralized Purchasing 4

Looking Back Over 1927 2

Management’s Part in Maintaining

Prosperity 9

Master Plumbers Hold Institute 29

More Simplification 25

Packaging Simplification 13

Proves Worth of Standardization. 3

Purchasing Agents Strong for Standardization 22

Reduce Waste 6

Self-Government in Business 1 Standard Size of Paper 28

Standardization Aides Automobile

Exports 26

Successful Business of the Future. 12

The Trend Toward Quantum Production 18

Tire Simplified Practice Recommendation 32

Tire Sizes at the Show 31

To Study Time Saving 8

Urges Standardization Practices and

Equipment 10

Wood Utilization Committee Prepares

Exhibit 15

1. SELF-GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS

Ray M. Hudson, Assistant Director, Commercial Standards

Unified effort in the elimination of waste, and other constructive achievements, mark self-regulation and cooperation as the primary characteristics of current trade association activities. In several fields where no adequately representative association exists, the desire and willingness

of members of an industry to cooperate in the solution of trade problems common to them all is

noticeably evident. Not infrequently, groups eager to undertake cooperative efforts have found it

difficult to secure results without a "coordinator" to assist them in harmonizing their views and

in reaching a mutually satisfactory solution to their common problem.

In response to numerous requests for aid in such matters, the Department of Commerce has certain

organized services available upon request to any and all industrial or commercial groups that feel

the need for a "centralizing agency" through which they can cooperate in eliminating waste through

simplification and standardization. These services are afforded by the Commercial Standards Group

of the Department's Bureau of Standards and are briefly described as follows:
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—2.

1st - The Division of Simplified Practice assists groups desiring t - reduce the number of sizes and i dimensions, etc. . in a common line of products. Requests received by it from any branch,,

-producing, distributing, or consuming- are taken up with the other branches likely to be

concerned or affected. When the response indicates substantial support for the proposal,,

the Division then aids the several elements to develop, and establish their own Simplified

Practice Recommendation, and to secure maximum support for it.

2nd - The Commercial Standards Unit similarly aids groups desiring to secure general acceptance of

a.nd support for properly established standards and specifications applying to the products

of those groups. The standards which the Commercial Standards Unit promotes are those

which have been developed by the nationally recognized standards and specifications-making \ bodies, and which the industries concerned desire to have recognized and adopted generally.

The Commercial Standards Unit does not write specifications, neither does it make standards . Instead it assists the several parties interested to secure maximum recognition

for, and use of. common and mutually acceptable standards as a means of reducing unnecessary variety in grades and qualities of essential commodities.

3rd - A logical sequel to the establishment of standards of size, dimension, grade or quality is

certification to the public that the products of the industry conform to those standards.

This may be accomplished by labelling the product, or otherwise advertising the fact.

Provision is made for the inclusion of this feature, in any Simplified Practice or Commercial Standards project, carried on under the auspices of the Commercial Standards Group.

The Commercial Standards Group endeavors to promote interest in, and effort toward, cooperative

action that will result in the elimination of waste in production, distribution and consumption of

commonly used commodities. The economic advantages in waste-elimination are widely known and many

industries have engaged in that field as good business. But beyond this purpose is the recognition

of the fact that when industry cooperates in the public interest, there is no need for legislation

to protect that interest.

When an industry establishes standards of size, dimension, grade or quality for the products of its

members, and not only maintains those standards, but certifies to the public its products conform to those standards, that industry is practicing self-government, and much credit is due to that industry for its endeavor. The part which the Commercial Standards Group may play in that endeavor is

merely incidental

LOOKING BACK OVER 1927 During the calendar year 1927 there were completed 23 new simplified

practice recommendations, bringing the total effective recommendations up to 80. There

are now 17 of these recommendations in the process of acceptance. In addition, during"'

the fourth quarter of the year, the Division of Simplified Practice was requested to con- sider 10 new projects. This brings the total number of projects under consideration to 61.

During the year the number of association acceptors of simplified practice recommendations

increased from 686 to 898 and that of individual acceptors from 2,775 to 6,676. Based on the recommendations that were called up for revision or reaffirmation during the year, the

average degree of adherence is now 82.61 per cent. There were 49 visitors to the Division

during the fourth quarter, or 208 for the year; 31 of these were from abroad

3. PROVES WORTH OF STANDARDIZATION. In 1904 the City of Baltimore was confronted with one of the

worst fires in its history. Fire apparatus from the District of Columbia, 40 miles away, was sent to aid in fighting the flames. Due to differences in size of nozzles and hose,

the equipment of the two departments could not be used interchangeably. In 1928. the

District of Columbia had a million dollar fire and Baltimore was able to reciprocate the
Monthly News Bulletin No 35—

3

assistance it had received twenty-four years ago. Baltimore immediately sent 10 fire

companies to the rescue. Due to the progress made in standardizing fire hose and apparatus, the two departments were able to function as one.

4. KENTUCKY SAVES MONEY THROUGH CENTRALIZED PURCHASING. The State Purchasing Commission of Kentucky. created by the General Assembly-, has issued the statement that the commission has

saved the Commonwealth $500,000 during the first fiscal year of its existence. The central purchasing agency buys supplies and equipment used by the various departments of the

state. It is stated that particularly noteworthy savings were made in purchases of printing paper, and of coal for the state institutions. The sum of $7,489 out of the annual

appropriation of $20,000 made by the Legislature to cover the expenses of the Commission

was turned into the state treasury at the close of the fiscal year

5. CENTRALIZED PURCHASING SUCCESS IN OREGON The new law creating a central purchasing agency has

resulted in saving the State of Oregon many thousands of dollars, according to Carl

Abrams, secretary of the State Board of Control.

6 REDUCE WASTE. Growing rate of consumption of natural resources, resulting from increased demand

on the part of the public for improvements in the comforts of life, higher cost of raw materials, labor, production and distribution, and the need for effective stabilization

of the social structure are given as primary reasons for adopting simplified practice,

according to Abrasive Industry.

The elimination of needless industrial waste must be practiced by manufacturers who expect

to show a profit in their ledgers at inventory time Increased costs of production and

distribution may be reduced through simplified practice which eliminates or reduces large

investments in special machinery, jigs, dies, and other equipment that quickly becomes

obsolete

.

7. ARCHITECTS AND AVOIDABLE WASTE. In order to better serve the architects of the country, a Chicago concern has organized a service that places the architects in direct touch with

the information they need in their work. Believing that the architects should know more about Simplified Practice, this company is listing the completed simplified practice

recommendations in their current catalog bulletins, together with a. preface regarding the

simplification movement.

8. TO STUDY TIME SAVING. The Time Study Engineering Standardization Committee of the Chicago

Chapter of the Society of Industrial Engineers is investigating existing plans and systems in order to arrive at a standardized procedure applicable to all industries The

primary objectives of the committee are to compile data which will meet the requirements

of a,n industrial text book. This reference work is to emphasize the importance of an understanding of correct theory, practice and procedure, and to correlate time study en- gineering with the many activities and functions of industrial management.

MANAGEMENT'S PART IN MAINTAINING PROSPERITY. Management's Part in Maintaining prosperity during

the year 1927 has been a most significant one, says a recent bulletin of the Kardex Institute. With the present keenness of competition, satisfactory earnings have been possible through improved production and management methods The business man of today is

being educated to capitalize on the experience of others. In production, man is being

multiplied by the machine. Improved factory management methods are fostering better

relations between labor and capital. There is a clearer appreciation of the importance

in business management of budgeting, inventory control, standardization and simplification

of products, scientific sales management, and cooperative buying and marketing.
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—4

.

10. URGES STANDARDIZATION PRACTICES AND EQUIPMENT. The Board of Advisory Engineers of the Power

Transmission Association, at the first annual meeting held in New York, recommended the

promotion of standardization and simplification of equipment and practices, as a step

toward the elimination of avoidable waste in industry.

11. INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS OFFER TO ELIMINATE WASTE. A proposal to eliminate avoidable waste has

been offered by an industrial engineering corporation of Chicago. The announcement says

that the practice of simplification and elimination of waste in printing is as technical

as the work of an architect.

12. SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OF THE FUTURE. According to an article in Net Results, "the successful

businesses of the future will be the businesses that improve the processes and reduce the

costs of production, rid distribution of its present indefensible waste, bring the price

of the necessities of life lower and lower, shorten the hours of labor and enlarge the

margin of leisure, eliminate periodic depressions and recurrent unemployment, limit the area of the industrial battlefield and enlarge the floor space of the council chamber,

create better and better working conditions, pay higher real wages, and increase the comfort and prosperity of both their employees and their customers."

13. PACKAGING SIMPLIFICATION. Considerable interest developed during 1927 in simplification and

standardization of packing and packing methods for various kinds of goods. Manufacturers

of shoe boxes have indicated the need for simplification of shoe-box sizes, which in turn

would bring about the simplification of shelving and shelf space in retail stores. Another

interest in packing is the apparent need for unit packing, that is, for goods to be packed

in cartons which do not have to be opened or repacked, but go direct to the retailer from

the producers

,

The application of simplification to the packing industry may take several forms. In the case of containers for a uniform line of products, like shoes, the first effort could be

made in the reduction of sizes of boxes used for the same siz9 article This means the

establishment throughout the industry of a uniform series of sizes of boxes or containers

to cover the entire range of sizes of commodity. Following this simplification, the con- tainers or boxes could be simplified by the adoption of a uniform thickness of material

used in the construction of the container. Neither program would interfere with the process of manufacture of the containers.

14. CORRECT ADDRESS OF DIVISION. In view of the diversity of styles of addressing various members

of the Division of Simplified Practice of the Department of Commerce, the following is

offered as a suggestion. Envelopes should be addressed as follows:

Mr . (Name of party)

Division of Simplified Practice.

Room 316 Commerce Building,

19th and Pennsylvania Ave . , N. W.,

Washington, D. C,

15. WOOD UTILIZATION COMMITTEE PREPARES EXHIBIT. The National Committee on Wood Utilization of

the Department of Commerce prepared an exhibit of the efficient use of wood in building

construction for the exposition of the Associated General Contractors of America, at West

Baden, Indiana, January 23-27. An outstanding feature was an 8-foot model of typical

heavy mill construction showing details of approved construction practice.
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—5.

Other exhibits showing the utilization program of the Committee were end-matched lumber,

short-length lumber, tie plates and screw spikes to increase the life of railroad cross

ties, and preserved wood. A demonstration of lumber grades showed that the average lumber consumer is not able to check quality accurately because of existing complexity. The

Committee advocates the general use of lumber carrying proper quality marks placed by ex- perts at the producing mills.

0 Other models illustrate the proper insulation of buildings and use of penetrating acid

stains to cover blemishes and minor color imperfections.

16. BELGIANS INTERESTED IN ELIMINATION OF WASTE. A meeting has been held by the Belgian Association of Engineers and Manufacturers, with a view to establishing a Belgian Association

for Testing Materials. It is stated that such an organization was needed to permit Belgium's representation in the International Association for Testing Materials, which has

been constituted in Amsterdam.

17. AMERICA'S LONG PURSE IN 1928. In discussing America's long Purse in 1928, the executive secretary of Poliak Foundation for Economic Research said in Magazine of Wall Street "during

past six years we have experienced a greater increase in physical production and in real

earnings than during any similar period of industrial progress. Since 1922 the average

productivity per factory worker has increased by one-third, an average income p9r person

has risen above $2,000.

"Our prosperity is due not only to elimination of industrial waste and increase in standards of efficiency and governmental economy, but to application of capital to new industrial developments. However, precaution must be used in matter of over-production. Prices

will fall if production increases at faster rate than supply of money and tank credit.

Decline in price level curtails production, which necessitates laying off men, and de- creases consumption ability. Today, margin of under-consumption is widening as industry

over-produces with reference to demand. Solution of the problem consists not in limiting

production to available consumer's money demand, but in sustaining consumer's demand on level with available production."

18. THE TREND TOWARD QUANTUM PRODUCTION. An article in Industrial Management on the subject of

Trend Toward Quantum Production observes:

In this age of mass production, vision is apt to be veiled by totals involving quantity

and profit alone. A small plant may grow in the quality of its workmanship, in the re- finement and simplification of its product just as surely as it may grow in quantity of

things produced. We are displaying a readiness to scrap old methods and things and accept

and use whatever is new.

This accelerates change until we question whether any tempo of living can long be stable.

Merchandising imagination, by stimulating and multiplying human wants, increases competition and causes industrial waste through needless duplication. Excesses in manufacturing

contribute nothing to general progress, but in fact, detract from it by causing a feeling

of distrust in the human mind. The manufacturer must hold himself ready to act quickly,

interpret the signs, anticipate new attitudes of the public, and analyze 9ach new invention.

If people continue to want the new and cast aside the old, the time may come when a manu- facturing program will be undertaken only after definite limits have been set. Thus, we may enter the "quantum phase" of production, when products will be manufactured in definite and fixed quantities.
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—6.

19. COORDINATING STOCK AND PURCHASE PLANS. Curtis F. Moss, in the "Executive" writes that large

quantities of raw and manufactured materials lie dormant in yards and storerooms because

needs that never could exist were anticipated. To wait for stock disbursement with no actual knowledge of past, present, or coming requirements is against all principles, of

good management. Detailed study of individual items carried is first precaution. Maximum

and minimum figures should then be established to serve as intelligent basis for organized

turnover plan. Without systematic control of stock, plants may suffer from a shortage or overstock of materials. Visible stock record systems signal low limits, thus allowing

ample time to replenish stock. Properly organized purchase plans controlled by adequate

records will help business to operate on a fact basis.

20. GOVERNMENT SIMPLIFIES ITS OWN FORMS. It is worthy of note, in discussing the simplification of

commercial forms and papers, to observe the strict adherence by the Federal government to the standard contract form for construction, and construction or supply promulgated November 19, 1926. These forms are used without deviation by all government activities, in

connection with every form of contract for the construction or repair of public buildings

or works. In addition standard contract forms for supplies, and standard government form

of contract for coal have also been tentatively completed. This illustrates the possibility of adapting one form to diverse procurement needs.

21 GERMAN UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS "If we wish to produce, operate and consume economically, we must have standards of value and terms that establish positively just what should be

bought and sold", according to the Business Director of the R. A. L., Berlin, Germany, in

"Der Werksleiter" . In his article he discusses at great length the need for uniform specifications in German industry. At this time it is interesting to note that this work has

already been undertaken by the Bureau of Standards in this country.

Present conditions in Germany, have led important business circles there to organize the

"Reichsausschusses fur Lieferbedingungen" (RAL) at the Reichskuratorim fur Wirthschaftlickeit . This organization has been entrusted with the task of cooperating in the work

of preparing and promoting the establishment of specifications, based on scientific facts

and applicable by manufacturers, wholesale and retail dealers, and consumers,

2? . PURCHASING AGENTS STRONG FOR STANDARDIZATION One of the speakers at. a recent meeting of the

American Petroleum Institute, held in Chicago, told of the value of standardization and

simplification to purchasing agents. He said that the purchasing agents are attempting

to ultimately reach two objectives through their standardization program. First, standardization in the manufacture of materials; and secondly, economy of maintenance of these same materials after purchase, as a result of this standardization. In due time, as standard after standard has been adopted the question of price, buying price, will logically manifest itself. This question will most naturally arise for this reason; when ten

manufacturers produce any given article to conform to precisely the same standard, if,

then, a difference in the buying price exists, there must be a reason and this reason

will be found in the fact that efficiency exists in some factories and not in others. In- efficiency costs dollars.

23 DISTRIBUTION ENTERS A NEW PHASE. Manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer are mutually responsible for the reduction of distribution costs through elimination of waste, lost motion and

excessive duplication of sales effort, says T. W. McAllister, Editor of Electrical South,

in Advertising and Selling. According to Mr. McAllister, profitless investments in duplicate lines, cluttered-up stocks, and untrained salesmen show that we are not operating

according to most economic distribution practices .
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—7.

Manufacture is directing business toward an increase in volume each year, which entails

additional salesmen, new outlets, and more frequent solicitation of old customers. Policy

of excessive number of jobbing outlets means increased selling expense for the manufacturer and smaller orders and price cutting for the jobber. An attempt is being made to reduce expense by eliminating unprofitable customers and restricting sales to that territory which can be served economically.

24. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE SIMPLIFICATION. The movement toward standardization in the French automotive

industry is rapidly taking form and preliminary measures have already been taken in this

direction. Backed by the "Chambre Syndicate des accessoires et pieces detachees" , a leading French association of parts and accessories manufacturers, a "Bureau of Normalization"

has been organized to supervise the work of standardization.

The work of standardizing dimensions of exhaust pipes and various types of joints has

already been accomplished. In one case there were more than 100 models listed in catalogues, and now there are only 9. Among the parts and accessories already standardized

by the committees are: Taximeters, speedometers, radiator parts, washers and nuts, and

bumpers. Such items as batteries and parts, magnetos, gears, clutches, and joints and

brakes of various kinds, are under study now.

While the standardization will not be completely effective for another year, because of

the time required to complete this work, the French automotive industry considers this

work a step in the right direction in the elimination of waste.

25. MORE SIMPLIFICATION. Good Hardware says: "Thanks to the work of the Division of Simplified

Practice, the hardware dealer need keep only 14 styles of flashlight cases now, instead

of 25, to have a complete stock".

26. STANDARDIZATION AIDES AUTOMOBILE EXPORTS. The leadership of the American-made automobile is

established on the basis of better organization, standardization of product and quantity

of production, according to The Index, saying that the American car manufacturers producing an average of 500 cars daily, start with a distinct advantage over the foreign manufacturer with an output of 24 cars a day.

27. BENEFITS OF SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE. The Division of Simplified Practice has compiled a mimeographed extract of information received from users of Simplified Practice Recommendations

discussing the specific benefits that have resulted from simplified practice. These data

are available to readers of the Monthly News Bulletin interested.

28. STANDARD SIZE OF PAPER. The international standard size of paper and newspaper has already

been adopted by the Ministry for Defence, telephone works, electricity works, etc., as well as by a number of private concerns in Finland. The Ministry for Commerce and Industry issued an order according to which all the State works shall adopt the new system.

The reform in Finland will be accomplished in two years, insofar as it regards the State.

29. MASTER PLUMBERS HOLD INSTITUTE. The Massachusetts State Association of Master Plumbers, Inc.,

recently held an institute on Heating and Plumbing with the cooperation of the Massachusetts Sanitary Club, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This was the second

such conference to be held by the master plumbers of the state, the one last year having

a registration of 476.

30. APPROVES SIMPLIFIED INVOICE FORM. Endorsement has been given to the Simplified Invoice Form

by three leading associations. National Electric Light Association, American Electric

Railway Association, and the American Railway Association.
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—8.

The Purchasing and Storeroom Committee of the National Electric Light Association will hold

a 2-day conference in New York on February 23-24, and discuss the form. The Committee on Purchases and Stores of the American Electric Railway Association, is considering the inclusion of the Simplified Invoice Form in the Purchase and Stores section of their en- gineering manual . The American Railway Association has urged, all railroads to adopt the

form

.

31. TIRE SIZES AT THE SH0V7 . A conception of the shake-up in balloon tire sizes during the last

year may be had by checking the equipment of the 1928 automobiles displayed at the recent

New York show . against the equipment on the cars shown in 1927 A survey conducted by

Tires Magazine, shows that the ca.rs at the 1928 show carried 22 different sizes of tires

They were all of the balloon type. The 1927 show brought to light 27 different sizes.

Of the 22 sizes on current year models, five are new; that is, they were not in use when j the 1927 show was staged. A check of cars also shows that 10 sizes listed last year are

not included in present-day original equipment

Thus it is indicated that 15 sizes have either been discarded or added to the tire line-up

during the course of a year. Surely such a drastic change in equipment programs cannot

be charged to the tire manufacturers solely. The change in sizes in the case of some ; cars is so slight as to be obviously unwarranted because of any engineering requirements. .1 Sentiment among automobile manufacturers or among those in close touch with them indicates ! that there is a change in their attitude toward the tire situation The seriousness of

the problem, from their own standpoint as well as from that of the tire manufacturer and

the tir© dealer, is being recognized. It is possible, therefore, that the recent meeting

of the Society of Automotive Engineers may bring about a definite move in the direction

of standardization and simplification of tire sizes.

Whatever action the S.A.E or any organization may mow take to help clear up a situation j that is almost hopelessly bemuddled cannot be expected to be immediately remedial Cars now in service must run their course on present tire sizes before the tire dealers' pro- ; blem is solved But the fact that interests having a real, influence in matters of this

kind are awakening to the need for some corrective measures being adopted is encouraging, j concludes TIRES editorially.

The National Tire Dealers' Association at their annual meeting held last November at J Louisville. Ky . . discussed the subject of standardization and simplification of tires and i rim sizes, S. B. Harper. Vice-President of the Association said: "The multiplicity of i sizes of balloon tires and tubes has caused the tire dealers of the United States to ma- i terially increase their stock, which has resulted in an increase of investment. There are

37 or more sizes of tires being made at present, with 10 cross sections and five different

wheel sizes Despite this large selection . practically 80 per cent of the tire sales during the early months of 1927 were confined to 5 of these 37 sizes"

32 TIRE SIMPLIFIED PRACTICE RECOMMENDATION As a result of cooperation between the manufacturers

of automobile tires and the Rubber Association of America, a tentative simplified practice

recommendation was drafted on January 16, 1928. for the consideration of the manufacturers ; of automobiles. As a preliminary step in that direction the recommendation was given

consideration by a convention of the Society of Automotive Engineers held in Detroit, i Michigan, on January 25. On that date an Advisory Committee composed of representatives j of the automobile manufacturers, appointed by the Convention, approved the purpose of the

first step suggested by the recommendation, namely the reduction in the number of balloon

j tire sizes from 24 to 16. It was deemed premature to move for the adoption of the second

step, namely, a further reduction to 7 sizes, inasmuch as the second step is based upon

the 20 inch wheel diameter, a step which doss not clearly recognize present tendencies in i the industry. The Advisory Committee recommended that the "first revision" table be re- j vised as follows:
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—9.

(1) The tire size designation shall include the tire diameter and section, and the rim

diameter (2) In naming the tire size, the tire diameter should be the wheel diameter

plus twice the tire section. (3) The present practice of marking on the tire, the rim

size on which the tire is recommended for use, is to be continued. (4) The present practice of measuring tire sizes on their respective rim sections is to be continued. (5) In manufacturing practice the Rubber Association of America should, in measuring, hold as near as possible to the section sizes. (6) The 7.00 section on the 18 inch wheel should

be dropped and the 5.25 on the 18 inch rim substituted. (7) The 4.75 section on the 20

inch wheel should be dropped and the 5.25 on the 19 inch rim substituted. (8) The rim

widths recommended by the Rubber Association of America are favorably considered but should

be further studied by the Tire and Rim Association of America

It was recommended by the Advisory Committee that the "first revision" table, as revised,

be adopted. At a date, to be announced later, the manufacturers of automobiles will be

requested to submit their opinions regarding this tentative recommendation and ultimately

the recommendation will be referred to a general conference of all interested, convened

under the auspices of the Division of Simplified Practice, for acceptance.

33. ACTIVITIES OF COMMERCIAL STANDARDS GROUP

Division of Simplified Practice

REVISION CONFERENCE ON SLATE - In conjunction with the annual convention of the

National Slate Association, held in New York on January 17 and 18. the question of revision of Simplified Practice Recommendations No. 13, Structural Slate; No. .14, Roofing

Slate, and No. 15, Blackboard Slate, was taken up. The recommendation on Blackboard Slate

was reaffirmed without change, while the recommendations for Structural Slate and Roofing

Slate were modified. The industry has suggested to the Division that the acceptor list

in each one of the three recommendations be revised to include the individual names of

all acceptors, in lieu of listing only the associations. The conferees recommended that

these changes be effective as of February 1, 1928. for a period of one year, subject to the regular annual revision.

BANK CHECKS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL INSTRUMENTS - A meeting was held in New York on January 27, for the purpose of securing the support of manufacturers and distributors of

mechanical payroll equipment for Simplified Practice Recommendation No. 50 - Bank Checks.

It was brought out in this conference that the three sizes of bank checks adopted as standard had become nationally recognized in the commercial field and that an estimated

75 to 80 per cent of the checks in circulation were in accordance with the recommendation,

A second meeting of this group is scheduled within six weeks to obtain the final decision

of concerns represented at the conference.

B0XB0ARD THICKNESSES - Simplified Practice Recommendation No. 44 on boxboard thicknesses. has been reaffirmed, through the standing committee of the industry, for another

year, effective January 1, 1928. The results of a survey conducted by the industry at the

time of the reaffirmation conference, indicated 65 per cent adherence to the recommendation, which reduced the varieties from 244 to 60, an elimination of 75 per cent.

COMPOSITION BOOKS - A general conference was held in New York City on January 31.

to consider the simplification program prepared by manufacturers of composition books.

The action of this conference resulted in the development of a simplified practice recom- mendation for this type of stationery. Manufacturers, distributors, and users will be

circularized in the near future for acceptance to the program.
Monthly News Bulletin No. 35—10.

LEAD PENCILS - On January 10, a preliminary conference was held at the Stationers & Publishers Board of Trade in N9w York, in connection with the development of a program for

the simplification of lead pencils This meeting was attended by manufacturers, who have

been conducting a survey of the existing variety with a view to effecting a reduction in

the number now offered, and to the development of a simplified practice recommendation,

j

HOLLOW METAL AMD KALAMEIN DOORS - On January 25 there was held at the Department of

Commerce, a joint general conference on the simplification of Hollow Metal and Kalamein

Doors. This conference adopted two simplified practice recommendations, one for Hollow

Metal Doors, and one for Kalamein Doors. The one for Kalamein Doors provides for four

stock door sizes, five semi-stock single doors and five semi-stock sizes for resultant

pairs, while the recommendation for Hollow Metal Doors provides for nine sizes for single ! doors, and the same for the resultant pairs.

FORM DIMENSIONS FOR CONCRETE RIBBED FLOOR CONSTRUCTION - The tentative simplified

practice recommendation on this subject, which was circularized to a representative group |j of manufacturers, distributors and users, has met with general approval. Such criticisms 1 as have been offered are minor in character It is expected that a general conference | will be held about the middle of March.

HOSPITAL PLUMBING FIXTURES - At the third preliminary conference of manufacturers of

vitreous china, solid porcelain and enamelled iron plumbing fixtures, held at the Department of Commerce on January 11th a tentative simplified practice recommendation was developed covering overall dimensions for hospital plumbing fixtures. The schedule is now before the hospital authorities for their review and recommendation as to definite sizes

and heights considered best adapted to hospital use.

POLISHING AND BUFFING WHEELS - A representative number of manufacturers and users of

j polishing and buffing wheels have expressed the opinion that the principles of simplfiied

practice could be applied to these commodities. To that end it has been proposed that the

manufacturers make a survey of present production and demand, as a basis for establishing

a simplified list of sizes.

BEVERAGE BOTTLES - A simplified practice committee of the beverage bottle industry

is now engaged in compiling data which will lead to the promulgation of a simplified list

of bottle heights, acceptable for the combined needs of the producers and the bottlers.

JAM JARS AND JELLEY GLASSES - On January 4, the National Preservers Association

initiated a survey of present practice in the use of jars and glasses, insofar as sizes and ! capacities are concerned. A composite report, including the veiws of individual preservers,

will finally be presented to a general conference of the whole industry for its consideration and adoption as a simplified practice recommendation.

AMERICAN MARINE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Approval of the program of the American Marine Standards Committee was given by the mem- bers attending the annual meeting of the Committee at the Department of Commerce on January 23-24. During 1927 the Committee developed 22 standards, making the total marine

standards developed to date, fifty-four Numerous additional standards covering a variety

of subjects are in course of development by the committee

Members of the Executive Board of the Committee for 1928 have been elected as follows:

Colonel E. A. Simmons of the Simmous-Boardman Publishing Company, 30 Church Street, New

York City. Chairman of the Board; Captain R. D. Gatewood, U. S. N., Vice-Chairman; Edwin

C. Bosnett , Naval Architect, M®w York City; Rear Admiral J. D. Baurot , U. S. N.; Homer L.
Monthly News Bulletin No . 35—11

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Ferguson of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company; Theodore E. Ferris, Naval

Architect, New York City; Hugo P Frear of the Marine Engineering Corporation, Philadelphia; William F, Gibbs of Gibbs Brothers, New York City; Edward C. Gillette of the Department of Commerce; Rear Admiral John Halligan, U. S. N.; D. N. Hoover of the Steamboat In- spection Service; Henry C. Hunter, National Council of American Shipbuilders', New York

City; Major General Edgar Jadwin, U. S. A.; Captain Charles A. McAllister, American Bureau

of Shipping, New York City; S. D McComb of the Marine Office of America, New York City;

Captain John F. Milliken of the Neptune Association, New York City; Robert W. Morrell,

Consulting Naval Architect, New York City; E. H. Rigg, Naval Architect, Camden, N. J.; Dr. Herbert C. Sadler, University of Michigan; Joseph J. Tynan, Bethlehem Shipbuilding

Corporation, San Francisco; H. B. Walker of the American Steamship Owners' Association,

New York City, as members.

Members of the Advisory Committee are: John W. Gray, Philadelphia; C. L. Warwick, Philadelphia; Lieutenant Commander Leo 0. Colbert, Coast and Geodetic Survey; R. A. Beekman

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Schenectady, N. Y.; S. D. McComb, New York City; Dr. P. G. Agnew , New York City; and A. V. Bouillon. Bureau of Standards. Mr. Bouillon was reelected Secretary of the American

Marine Standards Committee .

A standard specification for marine glue for seams of ship decks was approved for promulgation. The next meeting of the Board was set for the latter part of May, 1928.

A meeting of the subject committee on "Metallic Packing for Condenser Tubes" was held on January 11, and conclusions were reached as to final recommendation for standard specification. A meeting of the subject committee on "Safety Equipment" was held on January 12, at which proposed standards for medicine chest and supplies for ships were tentatively

approved. Proposed standards for hubs for built-up propellers of the flush-faced type and

fairwater caps for same, were submitted to the subject committee on "Shafting". Proposed

standards for scupper valves, scuppers and deck drains were submitted to the Technical

committee on "Hull Details" . The proposed standards for medicine chest and supplies tentatively approved by the subject committee, were submitted to the technical committees on "Hull Details" and on "Ship Operation Details" .

Good progress was made in the development of proposed standards for locks for ship doors

and other items of joiner hardware; also on proposed standard pecifications for propellers .

A number of printed publications of marine standards have been received which are to be

be distributed as a group.

COMMERCIAL STANDARDS

PORCELAIN PLUMBING FIXTURES - The meeting of the manufacturers' advisory committee

on porcelain plumbing fixtures held January 10, decided to distribute mimeographed copies

of grading rules and marking of culls to wholesalers of plumbing equipment and to put

these rules into effect immediately. The committee also agreed upon a dimensional standard for porcelain stall urinals. It is planned to complete dimensional standardization

and simplification at the neeting scheduled for March 6-7, at the Bureau of Standards.

FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS BOARD

CAST IRON SOIL PIPE - Federal Specifications Board specification for cast iron soil

pipe was revised and revision submitted to the Board for comment and criticism, as a re- sult of a joint meeting with manufacturers held January 13. The Soil Pipe Association has

requested that the story of Commercial Standards procedure be presented to the next meeting of the Association, which will be held this month.