SHOP SIGNBOARDS

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 90, 16 April 1920, Page 4

SHOP SIGNBOARDS

DANGER TO PUBLIC

RECOMMENDATIONS 01? CITY

ENGINEER.

- Attention was drawn by a report of the City Engineer (Mr.. W. H. Morton) to the City Council last evening to the danger of shop signboards on verandahs

, On 22nd instant, a signboard, measuring. 19 feet 6 inches in length, and 3 feel 3 inches in» depth and compiled of timber, blew off the verandah of premises occupied by Lloyd, jeweller, Cuba-street. "I am informed that t.his signboard fell within 2 feet of a. man on a motor-cycle. The signboard was originally fixed upon the spouting or eaves, of the verandah for its whole length. It required four men to lift the signboard from the street to the passage-way at the side of tho shop. The whole verandah requires an overhaul, and there is another signboard over the footpath about 18 inches lower of a minimum height of 9 feet 6 inches. I have drawn the attention of the council to the danger caused by these signboards to the general public of the city. They are liable to be blown down in any heavy gales, and would be an obstruction to the Fire Brigade in case of fire. There are other places in the city where these boards are erected, and for some considerable time past I have opposed the erection of this means of advertisement. The construction o/ verandahs without columns makes it unlikely thai peoplt will attempt to advertiser in this manner, but I would like the officials- of the council to be strengthened in dealing with these matters. lam afraid that some fairly drastic action is necessary in dealing with these structures."

The Bylaws Committee- in forwarding the report from tha City Engineer expressed the opinion that stringent regulations should be framed, with reference to the construction, maintenance and repair of signboards, in order to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

The report was adopted,