EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 292, 8 September 1942, Page 4

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

Progress Of Restoration

Though the rumble of masonry being removed from damaged buildings is heard in many parts of Wellington city throughout the working day, and scaffolding is being erected in front of more premises requiring attention, substantial progress has been made with earthquake repair work. By August 31,«some 208 business premises had been inspected aud 124 notices had been served under the Municipal Corporations Act and under the Earthquake Damage Emergency Regulations, 1942. Action has already been taken iu approximately 40 cases, and work is proceeding on demolition and restoration work. At August 31. approximately (wS6 houses had chimneys affected, for which the department had received 4589 authorities from owners to proceed with restoration work. By August 31 some 2685 houses had been dealt with, resulting in the reconstruction of 4014 chimneys. As at August 31, some 239 tradesmen and labourers were employed on this work. . , , . With the more serious damage to business premises following the second earthquake shock on August 2, the labour strength on chimney restoration, work did not reach the total hoped for, as a great amount of labour had been required to carry out urgent demolition work. However, it is expected that the chimney restoration work will be completed about the end of • September.