Earthquakes could raze Parliament

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33932, 27 August 1975, Page 2

Earthquakes could raze Parliament

A'pic Zealand Press Assbetatian

NEW PLYMOUTH, August 26. Parliament M Buildings were not designed to conform with today's knowledge .of earthquake risks, and they should be replaced as soon as was practicable, the Minister of Works and Development (Mr Connelly) said in New Plymouth today .

Commenting on a re'port that he has recomI mended demolition of the buildings because they would not withstand a moderate earthquake, Mr Connelly said that his submissions on the future of the buildings would he considered by a special committee soon. He declined to elaborate 'on the contents of his reI port. but said that the build- [ ings were designed when knowledge of earthquake re- ■ sistance engineering. and standards, were not as advanced as they were today. “In fact, any building built before the 1930 s in NewZealand cannot be said to be adequately designed to offset the consequences of earthquakes.” Parliament Buildings were erected when transport and I communication were just! starting to develop. “Today we have much more sophisticated methods of transport and communication, including satellites and television. It is appropriate now to consider a building designed to meet the needs of the 1980 s.” Mr Connelly said that it was no secret that he was preparing submissions on the future of the building.

-, Any announcement would . be made by the Prime Minister (Mr Rowling) after the 1 report had been discussed, f According to the Labour -Party’s newspaper the _! “Nation”, the Cabinet will ■j be asked to consider demolishing Parliament Buildings. I A recommendation for the -I demolition is understood to | have been made by the Min- '! istry of Works. ? “Even structural alterations to strengthen the building would not save it in -Jan earthquake." "I The “Nation" said that the ‘ cost of reinforcing the whole! I I building was estimated at! ■|slsm. But the building would] " still suffer severe damage, forcing it to’ be demolished Mafter a moderate earthquake. ' The “Nation" said that the J l Ministry of Works was be--1 lieved to have recommended J that the building be demolished and replaced with a ■ sl6m complex and a s2rr llconference centre. .! The new 13-floor. Beehive will provide accommodation lionly for the Government’s ; administration. It will also - cater for the “social side” of ; Parliament, containing Bellamys, dining rooms, Minisi terial suites, some members : of Parliament offices and a lecture-theatre room. The Beehive which will be ; finished in 1978, will not i contain a new debating' I chamber.