EARTHQUAKE REPAIRS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 287, 2 September 1942, Page 8

EARTHQUAKE REPAIRS

Palmerston N. Post Office And Civic Buildings Dominion Special Service. PALMERSTON N„ September 1. Cracks having appeared in the parapet skirting on the outside edge of the older portion of the Palmerston North Post Office, precautionary repair work is being undertaken with a view to .replacement of the damaged portion with reinforced concrete. The heavy chimneys in the building also present danger, and as thev tre unnecessary in view of the central heating installation they are io be removed. Workers today began the erection of a protective barricade at the points on the footpath immediately beneath the position where the parapet repairs will be made. Arising from discussions. at a special meeting last night concerning the quake damage to the civic buildings, the Palmerston North City Council approved proposals to demolish the front .portion of the City Chambers and. rebuild to a height of two or more stories and to strengthen the rear portion, which is not as old as the front. Application is to be made to the Anglican Church trustees for the acquisition of one foot of frontage in Church Street for the purposes of strengthening the council premises. It was agreed that the mavor, Mr. A. E. Miuisford, and Cr. Hoilgeris. M.P., with the city engineer, Mr. J. R. Hughes, go to Wellington to interview the Minister of Internal Affairs, the chairman of the Local Government Loans Board and the Building Controller.