Merits of Steel Windows

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 114, 7 February 1935, Page 11

Merits of Steel Windows

Sir, —“Strong objection to the use of steel windows was made by several members. The chairman, Mr. W. H. Bennett, eaid these had been a failure wherever they had been employed.” Such were the expressions of opinion made at a meeting of the board of governors of the Wellington Technical College, reported in your issue dated January 29.

While the building under consideration may be safely, and better, left in the hands of the architects concerned, surely this scathing statement should be refuted for the benefit of tiie general public as well as for other public bodies who may give an expression of opinion emanating from a city board more credit than it rightfully deserves. It seems' strange that such _ general condemnation of a product so universally used by our leading architects should be made. On what authority does Mr. Bennett base his opinion? And would the cases of failure stand investigation? After reading "recent reports regarding trouble experienced 'in school foundations among other things, can it be that steel windows not up to specification have been allowed in our schools; or is it that the windows are allowed to deteriorate irreparably through lack of commonsense maintenance; or again, perhaps those responsible for our school troubles .-of to-day considered cost rather than value for money and got just that for which they paid? Fresh air and good light are surely vital factors in our school buildings and steel windows appear to ensure these necessities.

When on looking around the city we find steel windows in such modern earth-quake-resisting and fireproof buildings as the new assurance buildings, our Dominion Museum, several banks and commercial buildings, and it is understood that they will bo installed in the new railway station and Government Life Building, it is surprising that Mr. Bennett dares to voice such an opinion against the architectural ability behind the above-mention-ed works. An investigation into the real causes where a “failure” has been experienced may reveal other interesting failures. — I am, etc., WINDOM’S. "Wellington, February 4.