PUBLISHED MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1916 PUKEKOHE'S BUILDING REGULATIONS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 136, 24 January 1916, Page 2

PUBLISHED MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1916 PUKEKOHE'S BUILDING REGULATIONS.

" We nothing extenuate, nor let down auaht in malice

Now that the Pukekohe Borough Council has in hand the revision of its By-laws the time seems opportune that a brick area for the businees portion of the town should be legislated for. In the majority of instances owners, wben erecting new premises, discard timber in favour of brick or concrete, but it would he an advantage to make the same compulsory, anyhow tor external walls, so that enterprise on the part of the progressive owner should not be exposed to the risk of his premises suffering destruction by fire through the adjoining section housing facilities for the spread of flames. In time most of the existing old buildings will ba replaced by more solid structures, and the present empty sections will be occupied, so that if a haid and fast rule is laid down no injustice will be suffered by anyone. It may be argued that the restricting by-law will stay the erection of buildings. There is, of course, reason in all things, an', provided that reason is exercised in the defining of the area over which tbe restriction operates, we wbole herartedly defend the principle of restriction, and assert that its ttnd? ency will rot be to hamper building. What has been the outcome of similar restricting by-laws in other towns? And, granting the argument that it hinders building operations, tbe class of building hampered is absolutely ot negative quality as a town asset in its congested area. To the individual thu initial cost ol brick or co crete may be greater than for jerry-built structures; but the annual value is, if anything, in favour of the permanent work. Brick or concrete is a more ceitain security, so finances are more cheaply arranged, and insurance on building atd stocks within fire-resisting wall* is fully 75 per cent cheaper. Looked at honestly the whole circumstances are jn favour of the proposed restrjetjon. Its tendency would be tp encourage buidiDgs of the right kind, and so result in a general town benefit.