Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1942. EARTHQUAKE LESSONS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1942, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1942. EARTHQUAKE LESSONS.

PROPOSALS submitted by the Borough Engineer (Mr C. R. Mabson) regarding the repair and restoration of business and other buildings in Masterton damaged in. the earthquake of June 24 may be regarded as drastic. Probably, however, it will not be difficult to show that Mr Mabson’s recommendations amount to nothing more than a thoroughly practical acceptance and application of the lessons and the warnings given in the latest earthquake and in thaf of eight years ago. The Borough Engineer proposes in brief that reconstruction work of a temporary nature should be allowed to serve for the remaining duration of the war, but that when peimanent reconstruction work becomes possible an all-round and considerable improvement in building standards should be enforced—particularly in the matter of encasing all restorable brick buildings in a system of reinforced concrete piers and beams. Mr Mabson recommends also that all existing biick parapets be removed at the earliest possible moment all gable ends be eliminated by hipping back the roofs.” Heavy expenditure admittedly will be involved in carrying these recommendations into effect, but it is dear also that to set the recommendations aside would be to court disaster at some future date. Masterton has been, exceptionally fortunate in that two severe earthquakes occurring within the period of eight years have neither of them caused loss of life or serious physical, injury. So far as the latest earthquake is concerned, this happy immunity was due solely to the time at which the disturbance occurred. Happening at another hour the earthquake might easily have caused a very considerable loss of life. While it may be hoped that similar disasters will, not occur frequently, the only sensible thing to do evidently is to adopt and enforce building standards which will reduce future risks to a minimum. The permanent restoration and repair of damaged buildings of necessity must be deferred, but it should be possible to proceed very shortly with the removal of brick parapets and other heavy and dangerous tophamper on buildings. One very bad example in this category is the parapet on the Municipal Buildings. The Borough Council should give a lead by having this undoubtedly dangerous feature removed as soon as possible.