PUBLIC DANGER FROM ’QUAKES

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 1

PUBLIC DANGER FROM ’QUAKES

Measures Sought For Unsafe Buildings

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 30.

There was an urgent need for the introduction of measures to eliminate a widespread potential danger to the public from unsafe buildings in the event of an earthquake, a special committee reported to the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) today. The committee was set up to consider proposals for strengthening buildings to resist earthquake shocks.

Powers of local authorities should be strengthened to Authorise them to require the elimination of obvious hazards from buildings in the event of an earthquake, the committee says.

In its report the committee said it realised there were complex issues to be resolved before final recommendations could be made.

However, the committee was of the opinion that this factor should not delay the introduction of those measures which it had unanimously agreed were desirable and practicable.

The report of the committee, set up to consider what powers local bodies should have to minimise danger from buildings liable to damage in severe earthquakes, was released by the Minister today.

The proposals were still being considered by the Government, said Mr Seath. The committee said that legislation covering municipalities should be introduced at the earliest opportunity. County Powers Consideration should also be given to the introduction of similar legislation to give county councils equivalent powers.

Any legislation to give effect to the committee’s recommendations should be binding on all bodies including the Crown. The committee said it should continue in existence to consider the long-term aspect of the problems and make final recommendations.

The committee said legislation should provide:— Power for councils to require the removal of obvious hazards such as unsafe building frontages, towers, gable ends, pediments, parapets, chimneys, veneers, glass, or other features. Inspection Right Right of entry to and inspection of any building by councils to determine whether any such hazards exist. Where it is considered that such hazards do exist, power for councils by notice in writing to require the owner of the building to take such corrective steps as may be specified in the notice within a period not exceeding two years. Copies of any such notice to be served on every person having a registered interest in the land under any mortgage or other encumbrance. Copies of any notices to be sent to the Earthquake and War Damage Commission. Notices to be registered against the titles to the buildings concerned. A right of appeal to a magistrate within a period .of 28 days to be provided for the owner or any person having a registered interest in the land against any notice of the council.

Magistrates to have power to determine whether notice is to be confirmed, amended as to time or extent of work, or set aside. Cost Recovery Where notice is not complied with within prescribed period, council to have right

to enter and undertake the work and recover the cost from the owner.

Money expended by the council in undertaking corrective action to be a prior charge against the land. Authority for the Minister of. Internal Affairs to require the council to exercise the powers referred to. Authority for the Minister of Internal Affairs to exercise the powers of the council in those cases where the council fails to do so, and recover all costs from the counciL The legislation to bind all. bodies and the Crown. Authority for councils to make advances by way of loan to owners of buildings ' to carry out alterations required. The powers of the Earthquake and War Damage Commission to impose a franchise should be extended to enable it to cancel the compulsory insurance and impose a higher rate, to impose a higher franchise or to combine these matters.