DEFECTIVE CHIMNEYS

Evening Star, Issue 20252, 13 August 1929, Page 2

DEFECTIVE CHIMNEYS

STATISTICS OF LOSS IN NEW ZEALAND

The figures given below, compiled by the Government Statistician, relative to fire loss in ,1926 and 1927 known to be due to defective chimneys, hearths, fireplaces. and coppers have been forwarded by the general secretary of the Council of Fire and Accident Underwriters of New Zealand, who makes the comment that in a. great many cases the cause of the fires is not known, consequently the figures are considered to be conservative.

As was pointed out at tho annual meeting of tho Architectural Institute, much of tho loss is undoubtedly due to bad brickwork and a certain amount of lack of knowledge; but as long as the genera! public is satisfied to continue building houses of wood without adequate regard to the standard of workmanship involved the loss will probably remain proportionately high. The proper designing and specifying of all building work of whatever nature, as well as its adequate supervision, will do much to lessen this particular cause of fire loss, but will not entirely eliminate 'it in buildings so-built; for it would not bo possible, except by continual supervision, to ensure that the necessary provisions are complied with. The stimulation of , the public—-and. more particularly, -those.who finance the public—to insist that all building operations are carried out from good designs and specifications and under competent supervision is the surest way to effect a diminution of the risk.

1926. 1927. No. Actual amount No. Actual amount of of loss and of of loss and (fires. expenses. £ s. d. Fi re.'. expenses. £ B. d. Defective diirnncv' 250 91,550 7 1 244 95,0S9 -3 4 Supposed defective chimneys 18 13,519 16 7 18 6,395 7 5 Defective hearths 10 5,579 17 3 15 2,952 12 0 Defective fireplaces IS" 207 0 3 24 2,225 9 6 Defective coppers ... ... 10 161 16 7 17 850 13 i 303 £111,018 17 8 518 £105,471 6 1