The Times WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1936. Central Heating

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 22, 27 January 1937, Page 4

The Times WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1936. Central Heating

New Zealand lies in what is termed the temperate zone, l,’ rom this it would be inferred that the climate does not provide extremes of heat and cold. This is correct when comparison is made of our climate with that of Canada, Queensland or South Africa. Despite this reputation for temperatures, there is quite a considerable degree of variation in ouf climate. The Manawatu could fairly be said to represent the average New Zealand climate. Here is to be found a temperature variation in the shade of from 3(5 degrees on a frosty night up to 76 degrees on a hot summer’s day. Actually the heat is seldom troublesome, but the cold is sufficiently uncomfortable for at least four months of the average winter to warrant attention. At the Science Congress in Auckland, Dr. Kidson, the New Zealand Government Meteorologist, read a p.apet on Now Zealand’s climate. He gave as his considered opinion that lack of scientific central heating produced a low standard of comfort in our homes, workplaces and schools. It was further stated that very probably the great frequency of colds, influenza and other minor ailments arc associated with lack of proper air conditioning. The general adoption of central heating would almost certainly reduce the. incidence of these sicknesses. In bringing this question to public notice, Dr. Kidson has performed a useful service. In countries where the winters are unquestionably cold central heating is almost universally practised. In this Dominion the influence of the myth of our mild winters has prevented the general adoption of this comforting health-giving installation. The question of introducing air-conditioning to our buildings is one that might well be studied earnestly by architects, home engineers and the Government Housing Department, too. Also, by all firms and departments erecting work buildings, schools,"places of accommodation and recreation. A few homes, some offices and many theatres have installations. Some of these are so ineffective as to be of little value; others are excellent. Central heating is not expensive to run. There is, however, the rather considerable capital cost of installation to consider.

In the past there has doubtless existed a belief that the cold was not sufficiently cold to warrant the expense. Dr. Kidson’s observations challenge this belief.