WHY NOT USE PUMICE FOR BUILDINGS?

Chronicle (Levin), 1 November 1947, Page 4

WHY NOT USE PUMICE FOR BUILDINGS?

Press Association)

(Per

A (J CfLLAN xJ, Oct. 31. While he appreciated that outstanding building research work was oeing done by l\ew Zealanders in certain branches, he was attempting to prepare some connected scneme for tackling the whole subject rather than isolated parts, said Sir Reginald Stradling, head of building research in London and chief scientific adviser to the British Ministry of Works, in an interview. Sir Reginald will leave.by flying boat tomorrow for Sydney after a sevett weeks' visit to study the organisation of building research work. He will report to the New Zealand Government on the subject. "There is a wonderful supply of natural building materials in New Zealand which is not being utilised," said Sir Reginald. Britain would be very grateful if it had the Dominion 's supply of pumice which could serve as lightweight concrete. Research work on the use of this material would open a valuable field in the volcanic country. There Were puzzoianas, volcanic stuffs used by the ancient Romans with lime to make aqueducts and buildings. This material was still being used in Europe and Sir Reginald stressed the value of a survey in the Dominion. "Another approach to building research is the real human problem of what does a human bemg demand of a building," continued Sir Reginald. "I would like to see the same kind of quantitative statement prepared for this subject as is made for the physical side of a. biuiding. ' ' Sir Reginald will undertake building research in Australia before returning to England.