SKY SIGNS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 71, 25 March 1931, Page 11

SKY SIGNS

LOCAL AND IMPORTED

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Two correspondents' have written regarding the City Council's discussion over the possible danger from, sky signs falling to the street in the event of earthquake. "New Zealand Made" considers it remarkablo that tho council should discourage all types of day and night signs placed on buildings, as the council regulations clearly state that "no signs other than those part and parcel of buildings, or erected in such a manner to bo so, are to bo fixed in position"; thorefore, if the regulations are adhered to, signs are, emphatically, not dangerous, in tho event of earthquake, these signs would stand' as long as the buildings to which they are attached. Tho writer also suggests that the revenue obtainable from the lighting of signs should he very acceptable to the council just now, though admittedly there are imported typos of signs which consume very little electrical power, and those might well be discouraged. The council would be conforming with its "Buy New Zealand-made Goods" policy if it discouraged tho imported variety, thus fostering a New .Zealand industry. "Kiwi" considers that the Mayor is to bo complimented upon the attitude he took in opposing the application (for permission to erect a 14-foot sign). "These bylaws governing tho erection of signs are definite," his letter continues, "and as far as the local firms dealing in outdoor advertising are concerned are complied with to the letter, any application not strictly in compliance with these regulations being promptly turned down. There is, however, an American concern operating in electric signs in Wellington, whoso erections, in a large percentage of cases, are a flagrant breach of the bylaws. As a permit is necessary before these are erected, may I ask if there is a separate set of bylaws affecting this company aloney or is their obvious non-compliance with our City Council bylaws being 'winked at.' The fact of having actually commenced work on a sign at variance with tho regulations suggests that, having 'got away' with it so many times, they would be quite safe again." NO DEFINITE DECISION. The sign which was discussed by the council is one which it is proposed should bo erected on a four-storied building in Courtenay place. The bylaws prohibit tho erection of signs of more than twelve feet in height, and this sign was to be 14 feet high. The chairman of tho Bylaws -Committee, Councillor Luckie, urged that the application should be granted, as the position of the sign would make it impossible for it to fall into the street, and the design was such tlij.it to reduce the height to 12 feet would cramp the lettering. Tho Mayor first moved that the application should be refused, but later agreed that; the question should be referred back to tho committee for further consideration. No decision has yet been reached.