FIRE STATION COST

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 258, 28 July 1936, Page 10

FIRE STATION COST

Big Retaining Wall Now Necessary

When it was decided, in preparation for the erection of the new central fire station, to reduce the level of the old lower playground of the Clyde Quay School site to that of the footpath, it was not expected that trouble would ensue with the bank, as it all seemed to be composed of firm rock. However, the excavations which have left the back nearly vertical, exposed a “greasy back” or section off soft friable rotten rock nearer the northern than the southern end, and actually within a few feet of the front of the northernmost block of flats (now well on the way to completion). A fall about three weeks ago exposed the weakness, since when it has been decided to support the bank by the erection of a substantial reinforced concrete wall. As the average height of the bank is about 16 feet, and it extends the full breadth (north and south) of the block, the work is one of some magnitude. Tn the meantime, in order to make the situation safe for the men working below, a series of heavy timber struts with substantial bases has been erected. These struts will also protect the men who will be engaged on the erection of the wall. The necessity for the big wall, coming on top of the extras caused by recent legislation, will add a substantial sum to the original estimate of the cost of the station.