BUILDING SAFETY

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1933, Page 2

BUILDING SAFETY

MOdEL BY-LAWS FOR BOROUGHS

PROCEDURE INSTEAD OF RILL

WELLINGTON, Nor,Ml.

Instead of proceeding with the Building Construction Bill, the Government proposes to empower each borough council, throughout the „ Dominion to adopt and enforce a model set of bylaws designed to ensure safety .in building construction. ' . This statement was made yesterday evening by the Prime Minister, Mr Forbes, who -said he did not think legislation would be. necessary to put the proposal into effect. Mr Forbes made it clear that upon the issue of the by-laws, responsibility would rest on individual boroughs to see that the buildings authorised within their areas were designed and constructed in such a manner as to be able to resist earthquakes.

The Building Construction Bill, which was introduced'into the House of Representatives last/ session, but was, not proceeded with, for the establishment of an expert building.', committee of eight, authorises: the making of regulations by Order-in-Council dealing with the design and construction of building, and empowers local bodies to issue by-laws on similar lines.

The chief objection to the bill, it is understood, has been.that it would impose severe restricions on building in country districts where earthquakes, even if they occur, could not do much damage to life or property. Complaints have also been made by the Government members against the formation of the expert committee, which they maintain would be cumbersome in its operations.

The Government feels that the enforcement of special by-laws by ‘ individual local authorities will be just as effective as the method proposed under die bill, and at the same time remove the cause of both these objections.