New Store Open

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30578, 22 October 1964, Page 17

New Store Open

An unusual method of construction was used in the new Rangiora super-

market, the opening of which coincides with Carnival weekend. New to Rangiora the method is called “tilt slab’’ and it is cheap and well suited to this type of building which has a large floor area and few internal walls. Considerable interest waa aroused in the town during the early stages of construction when the walls were being hoisted into position. Basically the method is very simple. A concrete slab floor was laid on a water tight base. Then the six-inch walls were cast on top of the floor. This way the cost of boxing is saved and also as the wall slabs were laid out flat a smooth surface can be worked up. This could be painted without first being plastered. The most expensive part of the construction came next—the hire of a crane to lift the slabs into position. They are held there by metal flanges set in the concrete and which are welded together. Lighting inside is by fluorescent strips relieved by occasional Incandescent

bulbs. Much of the internal wiring is carried, along with water pipe, in ducts in the floor. The architect was Mr A. Goodwin and the structual engineer Mr W. LovellSmith. The internal lay-out was designed by the staff of Foodstuffs (Christchurch Ltd. An Impressive new addition to Rangiora’s shopping facilities came into use yesterday morning when Henleys Four Square Supermarket opened its doors to customers for the first time. A supermarket of this size is something entirely new to North Canterbury and no doubt will attract a lot of attention Somewhere on in 3800 square feet of selling floor area they will be able to buy everything in the food line except fresh fish and many other things besides. The supermarket will be operated by the Rangiora grocer (Mr C. R. Henley) and a staff of 12 who have all been very busy during the last two weeks stocking and preparing the store for opening day in conjunction with staff of the parent organisation Foodstuffs (Christchurch) Ltd.