RIGID CARE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 31, 6 February 1931, Page 8

RIGID CARE

NEW CITY BUILDINGS

EAKTHQUAKE RISKS

The danger from falling cornices and other ornamental work on Wellington buildings in case of an earthquake was stressed by several speakers at thej meeting of the City Council last evening, and the opinion was freely expressed that rigid care should be exercised when the erection of new buildings was' being authorised. The Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) expressed approval of the > action of the Bylaws Committee in opposing the erection of a sky- sign on the top of a city building. Such signs, he said, weakened I the building, and were a menace in case of earthquake. Councillor G. Mitchell suggested that the council might examine the whole of the buildings in Wellington. He was sure that a lot of them would prove deathtraps. While, perhaps, not. much could be done to alter them at the present time, there might be means of finding out how thoy would stand a severe earthquake, and what means could be taken to give those inside a chance of life. Other speakers urged that, the bylaws should be revised, and that the committee should not authorise new buildings unless it was assured that reasonable precautions had been taken. Councillor K. Sempla said that many of the deaths, in the Hawkes Bay district were duo to falling ornamental work. After further discussion the City Engineer, was instructed to prepare a report dealing With the-safety of city buildings in relation to earthquakes.