LEAKING ROOFS: NO IRON FOR REPAIR WORK

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 June 1948, Page 2

LEAKING ROOFS: NO IRON FOR REPAIR WORK

[SPECIAL TO STAR] AUCKLAND, This Day.

The serious deterioration of many houses in Auckland as a result of leaking roofs; which could . not be repaired because of the shortage of iron, Was referred to by the City , Council's chief sanitary inspector, Mr C. F. Pauli, in a report to the council’s Housing Committee. Mr Pauli said more than 600 council requisitions for repairs to be done to roofs, spoutirigs and downpipes were outstahdirig. This was only a small percentage of the houses quiring work to be done, and did not take into account the premises where the occupier was also the owner. “In many instances, complete reroofirig is required,” said Mr Pauli. “Partial re-roofing is necessary m some places, and in hundreds of others from One to 20 sheets of corrugated iron are needed to effect repairs. The roof construction of the older type of house required the centre guttering, and in a great number of cases this is rusted and leaking. It cailriot bd replaced because of the lack of galvanised sheet iron.” “This lack of sheet iron is more apparent in connection with eave spoutings arid downpipes. Thousands of feet of these two commodities need to be manufactured to catch up with the leeway. Tarpaulins Above Ceilings “inspectors of the sanitary depart-; ment investigating complaints of root leakages have found instances of tarpaulins being stretched between the roof and ceiling to catch the writer and divert it to the outside,” Mr Pauli continued “Tarpaulins and Waterproof materials have had to be placed over furniture, and floor edvei-ings have had to be lifted to prevent damage. Tenants are also having difficulty in finding’ dfy spots in which to place their beds in addition, numbers of rooms are unusable.” , , • j UH 4-r, Mtibh damage was being done to ceilings, wallpapers, foundations and the general Woodwork of the structures, said Mr Pauli. Incipient decay was apparent in rilUharts of the city. He was repeatedly beiiig approached by owners and agents asking if he could assist them to obtain materials, as they were willing to make their properties waterproof THev had stated that they were anxious to carry out complete renovations to the buildings, but it would be uribconomibal to spend [considerable sums on that work until roofs, spouting, etc., could be repaired. Deilige Of Complaints After Rain Master plumbers had mentioned to him the intolerable position m which they were now placed, Mr Pauli added. A nilmfier of them had said they would not take orders for roof or spouting repairs. After every heavy fall of ram, the office of the sanitary department. was deluged with fresh complaints of roof leakciQes. r ohe committee decided to bring the matter before the council with a view to approaching the Government for increased supplies of the materials to be made available.