REHABILITATION

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 34, 10 February 1931, Page 8

REHABILITATION

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

COMMISSION SUGGESTED

Reports from Hastings and Napier regarding the damage to buildings have been really under-estimated, stated Mr. James Fletcher, who, with his brothers, Messrs. Willam, Jack, and Andrew Fletcher, directors of the Fletcher Construction Company, visited the devastated area, and returned yesterday to confer with the Prime Minister regarding the demolition of dangerous buildings and other practical steps towards restoration; ; ' , '.'■'■.','' /'Unless a personal inspection is made," continued Mr. Fletcher, "it is impossible to gather an adequato picture of the dreadful results of the earthquake. Various reports have beeii published alleging a lack; of organisation. They are not false, but really a slander on the wonderful:work which has'been carried . put by . ,the. Navy, Chief Engineer of i, tile Public Works Department, Mr. B. W. Furkert, and his staff, and the citizens of Napier and Hastings. A more' complete organisation could not have been possible. ■•■■';■•_ • ... '. ■;■' ....■ ; ,'y, ;..;• "Here we have two cities, with' hardly a public building standing, roads blocked from side to1 side, with debris piled up in some-instances 'as high as five feet, power, light, water, and drainage cut off, and telephone and telegraph wires a tangled mass. Yet within four, days of this devastation we have the streets of Napier so far cleared as to permit access to-almost overy pa"rt, electric- light and power available, a telephone system connecting up the various headquarters of the relief organisations, and a newspaper printed in the area, giving news regarding the victims, and also instruc-; tions of the utmost value in the common interest, and directions where relief depots may be found. Provision was made in this brief time also for drainage on the higher levels, and a water supply for everyone. , "As regards food and clothing, this is organised to a wonderful degree of efficiency. All stores of food and clothing were commandeered, and are being distributed in such a" manner as to supply all the requirements .without waste. So we must lift our hats in admiration to the men of the Navy, Mr. Furkert, and his officers, v and the wonderful men and women of Napier and Hastings. < The efforts they have put forth cannot be described in words, but it should stimulate every man and woman in the outside areas: to contribute to the utmost for their relief. RESTORATION SHOULD PROCEED. "Thd absolute lack of panic, combined with the wonderful spirit of determination on the part of these people to see their cities rebuilt must be encouraged," continued Mr. Fletcher. "It is the duty of everyone outside to help with contributions or labour. This is not a time to exploit these people, but a time to 'give them the utmost assistance. Nobody should be allowed in the area unless, on urgent business. There should -be, a census of everyone within it, and then ■ such classes. of labour as are required could \be allowed to return under permit. Thousands of chimneys will have to be rebuilt before the winter sets in, but we must guard against a repetition of the West Coast earthquake experience, where bricklayers were making up to £.2 per day on this necessary work. Every; home, .can be made , ready .■ before tho; winter, but this must ;be done under a proper system of control. The Public Works officers in Napier are fixing iron over the holes in' the roofs where the chimneys have b^en destroyed, thus saving ; thousands of pounds' of further damage, should the/weather break.' •' • .. ;•'.':.;.■'■ . ■.-.. -. ; BUILDINGS OAMf BE SAFE. "After viewing the destruction, do you think buildings can- be built in the area, with a reasonable prospect of safety?" Mr. Fletcher, was asked. He replied confidently in the affirmative. "In Hastings," he said, "there is a building standing which was constructed of brick and reinforced concrete, on plans which embodied experience of the San Francisco earthquake. And there is. not one single mark on it. Stock which ■ was : loose inside has been thrown about, smashed to atoms, but the building is'sound, a tribute to the design and the builder. It is .an absolute proof that properly designed structures will withstand the t most severe earthquake. They may be damaged, but they will stand, thereby considerably reducing; tho loss; of life. We must all realise thatl New Zealand will always be subject to earthquake shocks. Therefore, in the national interest, we must have national building bylaws for;tho future; which' will ensure that the "buildings constructed:will be reasonably safe. I feel confident that a Government which- tackled emergency measures so quickly and effectively will also handle this problem with equal determination. Therefore }I expect that after the position has been fully considered that a code of building, bylaws necessary will be enacted and a standard set for the whole country. ' "There are months of clearing to be done. That gives time for -the consideration of standard of building. This should be determined by a Commission, not selected on account .of the official positions Jthe men hold, but because of their known ability to decide such matters. A place should be found for designing engineers and, for men who construct, as well as the architect who plans. Until such investigation is complete only temporary permits should bo granted for reconditioning -such buildings i 4 Hastings as are only partially damaged, but beyond that I would urge the Government not to proceed. There are many problems to solve,'but if tackled in such v a wonderful spirit as has so far been shown by the various people handling the affairs, they will be overcome."