M.E.D. ADMINISTRATION BLOCK

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20983, 11 October 1933, Page 7

M.E.D. ADMINISTRATION BLOCK

TO THE EDITOn OF Tng PSE33. Sir, —Following the discussion at the City Council meeting last evening, I would like to point out. as architect for the building, that the structure which was erected in .1917 Q6 years ago) fulfilled the requirements of the department, but in spite of the criticism, was quite recently added to on exactly similar lines. The steel columns on the outside walls were adopted in lien of brick piers so as to obtain a maximum of light to the show room and so far as strength of construction is concerned, either laterally or otherwise, it; was approved by the then city engineer, Sir Arthur Dobson. and the late Mr E. E. Stark, and it will be admitted that both these gentlemen knew their business. Nothing has happened during the lapse of time to suggest that the building is not safe. The only settlement occurred when the department excavated i round one of the concrete blocks carry- | ing the columns on the extreme cor- ] lier, and that was so slight as to be almost negligible. Little notice can be taken of this as settlement happens in numerous mcciern buildings of today. Scaremongers make a lot of noise about the earthquake menace, and whilst it is possible that one may occur, it is also acknowledged that the Canterbury plains would resist a shock better than any other part of New Zealand owing to their peculiar shingle formation. When the building was put up it was designed with a view to utility and economy. The department had' little or no reserve to draw upon at that ume, and, as Cr. MeCombs states, it has stooct the teat of time and earthquakes. There is little doubt that the buildings of to-day can be made earthquake proof with little additional cost s ?i bothcr about correcting an allegedly incorrect design: better to put up a new building, which could be done lor well under £l2 000 rirric ) ?, un , dreds buildings in Chi tstchuich that are obviously unsafe 11JrL 0rnf l l0J ,' ln rt en . t of ex Perts outside , Siaft I s commendable, but has i.ot been, unfortunately for those Dartv l nn ? ractice ' tho policy of the paity now m power.—Yours, etc.,

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