BUILDING CODE

Evening Star, Issue 23701, 8 October 1940, Page 12

BUILDING CODE

NEW STANDARD FINDS OBJECTORS ARCHITECTS WAIT OK COUNCIL A deputation from the Otago branch of tho Now Zealand. Institute of Architects waited upon tho City Council last night to protest against the proposed adoption of tho Standard Code of Building By-laws, which have been in course of preparation for a number of years by the New Zealand Standards Institute. The principal speakers were Mr H. M‘Dowell Smith and Mr H. H. Mandeno. The keynote of the remarks of both speakers was a note of warning. They stated that if the Code was adopted the cost of all buildings, both private dwellings and larger undertakings, would be increased by another 10 per cent. The Code had been drawn up in Wellington, it was said, and was more applicable to northern centres than to Dunedin.

Air APDoweil Smith said only parts 1 to 6 were available, <vnd it would not bo fair to adopt the whole Code without those affected being given an opportunity of studying the other remaining 11 parts. Parts Ito 6, which laid down the basis for all building construction, should not be adopted. He referred to the further strengthening and reinforcing work which would be required in all buildings, which in turn would mean increased costs. The present war period was not a suitable ono to change over from the existing Code, he added. Such a change, with its consequent increase in costs, would mean a definite halting of construction. Air Alandeno stated the new Code applied more particularly to districts subject to earthquakes, or where there was an earthquake risk. He had seen tho maps of eminent geologists who placed Dunedin outside the earthquake none. Insurance companies were not prone to take risks, but it was noticeable that the premium for such risk increased considerably from Waimate onwards. The cost of administering the new Code would be very high, he further stated. Wellington was not in a position to pass by-laws suitable to tin's part of New Zealand. If the Code was adopted it would mean a halt to building construction. Flat construction had already stopped because of this bylaw. It might be said that Invercargill had adopted the Code, but he suggested it had done so without full consideration. However, two wrongs did not make a right. The Mayor thanked the deputation for its concise presentation of tho facts as it saw them, and said their representations would receive consideration. Tho council finally decided to refer the matter to tho Works Committee for a report, when a special meeting of epuncil will bo called to consider it.