MUSEUM SPIRE UNSAFE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28370, 31 August 1957, Page 12

MUSEUM SPIRE UNSAFE

I Board Decides On Dismantling The spire of (the| Canterbury MUseum has been as unsafe and will be taken down, but, because it dates from 1876 and has considerable arcthitectui'al and aesthetic merit, the Museum Trust Board has decided to open a fund ’for its replacement when the’ rebuilding and extension of the museum are completed. Professor R- S. Allan, chairman of the board, said that members had originally been informed by the present clci'X pf works that the spire was dangerous because of decay and the contractors confirmed this opinion. Before taking action it was decided to seek a full report froth' the Ministry of Works. 'Chis week the ministry had informed a special meeting of the board that the spire was definitely unsafe.

The Ministry of Works report said that tie beams on the building trusses supporting the spire were bowed, joints had opened, and <above the roof line* weathering decay, arid bore* infestation had left the structure in a precarious condition. Ironwork had rusted, and the weight of the lead work was causing it to creep.

“Little .force is required to cause it to sway, and pieces of woodwork could become detached or even the whole of the superstructure could collapse if subjected to a high wind from the appropriate quarter.” the report said. “The Ministry of Works stated that it appeared possible to make repairs, but these would be costly and could not be expected to prolong the life of the spire fdr more than a few years,” Professor Allan said. "Repair would be. difficult and the probable cost not easy to assess. This opinion was (based on a visual inspection, and it was pointed out that defects now hidden under tbe lead casing (will be likely to be revealed and (might be extensive. Cost of Replacement

“’rhe Trust Board was faced with the question of whether, from current income, it could meet the capital cost involved in the repair or replacement of thl spire, and decided that its first responsibility was to use what'income was available to speed tbe re-opening of the museum by completing tbe furnishings of the new wing." Professor Allan said. “This was an obligation imposed on the Trust Board when the Centennial Association decided that a remodelled Canterbury Museum would be a fitting' provincial centennial memorial.

"With great reluctance, therefore. it was decided to postpone the rebuilding of the spire, and in the interest of public safety to instruct the contractor to demolish it. Before this step is taken a photographic record, and measured drawings of rhe structure will be made.

"Realising that many friends of the museum will share the board’s hesitation to remove, even temporarily. a structure of historic and aesthetic merit, tbe board decided to open a fund to finance ( the rebuilding of the* spire at tbe (earliest possible elate, and to this 'end. invites subscriptions horn | the public which the museum ves. The estimated coSt. -of (replacement is about £2500” ‘said Professor Allan.