RESEARCH ON BUILDING

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28532, 11 March 1958, Page 14

RESEARCH ON BUILDING

Institute May Be Formed

(From Our Own Reporter) TIMARU, March 10.

The formation of a building research institute had been considered at a number of meetings arranged by the New Zealand Master Builders’ Federation with interested organisations during the year, said the president of the federation (Mr R. A. Ross) presenting the executive council’s annual report at the annual conference today. Difficulties had been encountered, however, in the proposed methods of financing such an organisation to commence even on a relatively small scale. Providing sufficient finance was available from affiliated organisations, Government support by way of a subsidy would probably be available, said Mr Ross. A set of draft rules had been prepared which outlined the various classifications of membership that were proposed, together with the possible composition of the governing council. The council would comprise representatives from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, the New Zealand Institute of Engineers, the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, and the New Zealand Master Builders’ Federation. Negotiations were continuing in the matter, said Mr Ross.

Speaking of the need for a building research organisation Mr M. J. Graham, a former president of the federation, said that New Zealand lagged behind other countries in that regard. In Australia similar difficulties had been encountered but those problems had been overcome.

“I am sure we can do the same thing here,” he said.