EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN MASTERTON

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 8

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN MASTERTON

Reports Of Engineers

Dominion Special Service. MASTERTON, August 26. Reports dealing with earthquake damage in Al asterton were presented by Messrs. A. G. Harris and D. J- Burns, of the Public Works Department, and the borough engineer, Air. C. R. Mnbsvn, at a special meeting' last night ot the Masterton Borough Council. Messrs. Harris and Burns acted as honorary building surveyors after the earthquake of June 24, and’ Mr. Harris attended the meeting to give councillors the benefit of his experience in rebuilding in Napier and Hastings after the 1931 earthquake. Mr. Mabson stated in bis report that it was quite impracticable to carry out any of the major reconstruction work at present, and possibly not till after the war, so that temporary permits permitting certain work, often contrary to the by-law, as would enable the firm concerned to carry on till men and materials were available, would have to be issued. If remaining brick buildings were to be brought up to the required standard, it would be necessary for the council to adopt the report of the surveyors. Giving effect to these recommendations, wlneli were deemed absolutely essential, would involve the property-owners concerned m considerable expenditure, and this niigln in some cases necessitate assistance from the Government or other sources. The quality of the mortar used throughout the Wairarapa was the subject of frank comment by Messrs. Harris and Burns in their report. The report stated that the mortar was in almost every case of abnormally poor .quality, and that much of the damage received by brick structures eould be ascribed directly to this basic laek of quality. It stated that temporary measures should aim at, restoring buildings to their origins, strength, and the removal of all immediate hazards. .. , The reports on some buildings called for substantial reconstruction in cases where little or no damage had been suffered, and at first sight 6'uch recommendations might appear somewhat radical. However, a briek building with poor mortar was a perpetual earthquake hazard and even though it had not shed ns bricks in the recent earthquake, it remained a potentially dangerous structure. In such cases there were usually two alternatives, either complete demolition, and reconstruction in some su.tab.e material; or the insertion, not only ot continuous band courses, but also of reinforced concrete columns cast into chases in the walls, virtually amounting to the construction of a concrete frame iacing or tying the building together. The reports were adopted, and tne borough engineer was empowered to have the work embodied in the engineers report carried out as time and labour permitted.

Red Cross headquarters have been advised by Miss R. Elliott, honorary secretary of the Wairarapa Centre of the Red Cross, that the response to an appeal for articles to replace those lost in the Wairarapa earthquake has been splendid. Goods came from as far south as Dunedin and Greymouth, and as far north as New Plymouth, Opunake, and Napier. Fifty-three families have been assisted and there are still some goods on hand. All who received help are deeply appreciative of the spontaneous response. Air. W. Jordan, mayor of Masterton, has also written to the Red Cross expressing thanks for the sympathy and help.