BUILDINGS TO BE STRENGTHENED.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20496, 15 March 1932, Page 14

BUILDINGS TO BE STRENGTHENED.

electricity premises. REPORT TO COUNCIL. An indication that a certain amount of reconstructional work to the buildings occupied by the Municipal Electricity Department may be undertaken was contained in a report made to last night's meeting of the City Couuci) by the Electricity Committee. The report stated that in common with action taken elsewhere, the committees had had under consideration the possible earthquake risk in some oi the department's buildings. A report had been received from Mr R. A. Campbell, formerlj Professor of Engineering at Canterbury College, who was also a member of the Earthquake Investigation Committee. The Converter Station, Armagh street, was an old building, dating from the original installation in Cliristchurcli in 1904. A number of recommendations had been submitted for its strengthening against possible earthquake damage. Among these were the removal of the high brick gables at each end in Armagh street and the yard. _ • The necessary strengthening or a brick building of this type and age was such that an opportunity would be presented of improving the exterior appearance of the Armagh street frontage. This at present had no pretence to architecture, but since its erection the neighbourhood had changed, and the Department's electricity building' had been extended eastwards to adjoin it. and some improvement was now warranted. Estimating on reconstruction work of this kind, with running plant to bo maintained in operation in the building was difficult but an approximate estimate was prepared, and ;i recommendation would be submitted to the Council. In the meantime, the committee desired to report that this very vital matter wan receiving attention, and a substantial amount of recmy struction might be required in a brickbuilding of this type and age. The report was adopted.