NO RELAXATION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 44, 15 November 1941, Page 7

NO RELAXATION

Use Of Reinforcing Steel

No relaxation in the present restrictions on the use of reinforcing steel for concrete houses can be made, according to advice received from the Building Controller of the Ministry of Supply by the Christchurch City Council. The council recently decided to inquire the reasons for the restrictions, which some councillors contend were adversely affecting the building industry. < , „ The Controller’s reply is as follows: “Reinforcing steel was in short supply in New Zealand during 1940 and though there was a slight improvement in the position during the latter part of 1940 and early in 1941, average monthly shipments for 1941 are. practically equivalent to the 1940 shipments. It is significant, however, that during the last six months less than 20 tons of steel, .3-8 inch and under in diameter, have been lauded at Lyttelton against merchant stock orders. “It has been in anticipation of a shortage of light reinforcing rods that I have recommended to builders and architects that where reinforced concrete construction is essential, reinforced concrete frame construction should be adopted in preference, to monolithic reinforced concrete construction. Furthermore, as a general policy, I have declined building permit applications covering the erection of reinforced concrete or reinforced concrete veneer dwellings. “I appreciate that this action will create hardship for those builders who have specialized in the construction of concrete bouses, but I am of the opinion that the building trade in general is being served better if any stocks of light gauge steel which become available are reserved for the most essential purposes. It is better and indeed essential that light gauge steel should be utilized for the foundation of several dwellings, rather than in the construction of one concrete house.

“As I do not anticipate any improvement in the steel position and if anything, a deterioration of the supply of steel 3-8 inch and under in diameter I have no alternative but to advise you that the restrictions on the use of reinforcing steel for the erection of concrete, dwellings cannot be relaxed.”