The Gisborne Herald IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE TIMES." GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1949 NEW METHODS TO SPEED UP HOUSING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22915, 6 April 1949, Page 6

The Gisborne Herald IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE TIMES." GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1949 NEW METHODS TO SPEED UP HOUSING

<SJLOW progress in overcoming the Dominion’s housing shortage, the continued scarcity of some materials, and the rapid depiction of indigenous timber resources make imperative renewed endeavours to seek a solution in the form of changed methods of construction. With comparatively little alteration, New Zealand’s housing today is following traditional principles which were originally based on ample supplies of materials. But such conditions of plenty do not now appertain and, as far as indigenous timber is concerned, are not likely to be seen again.

Despite production increases throughout the Dominion, stocks of seasoned timber in the yards are reported to be as low as ever; in this district they are almost non-existent. Galvanised iron is still in short supply and is likely to he so for years. Cement shipments arc not even sufficient for meagre needs; about a third the quantity required. House builders are working under conditions of constant anxictv and worrv.

Building in New Zealand was recently investigated by Sir Reginald Stradling, chief scientific adviser to the Ministry of Works in Britain. Tn his report he states that he feels somewhat uneasy about the type of home construction which has been developed under conditions of supply shortages of the post-war period. While the traditional framed timber building appeals to him as the obvious and admirable type to be employed, yet since it is traditional and developed under conditions of an unlimited timber supply, it is also unlikely to be the most economical possible. Sir Reginald says lie feels strongly that work should be put in hand urgently to investigate the structural problem of the small house, and he lists the following factors as requiring consideration: (a) Economy in use of timber and earthquake resistance, (b) Type of timber, (c) Heat insulation and methods of heating, (d) Roof coverings, (e) Maintenance costs.

This, he adds, will involve the elose study of materials: (a) The timber itself and its preservation from destructive agencies, (b) Heat insulators suitable for house construction —pumice concrete blocks, glass wool, aluminium foil, (c) The increasing production of the most suitable form of roof covering, (d) Paints and other types of preservative finishes. Sir Reginald urges that special attention should be given to the use of cold process cements. “It might easily open up a new industry of some considerable importance to the economy of the country and ease the position in Portland cement supply.” Pumice blocks, he says, may prove to be the most economical insulation for buildings which can be obtained in the Dominion, despite the cost of transport.

Research will decide these questions and because of their paramount importance it should be vigorously pursued. So far most energy has been devoted to cutting the remaining stocks of indigenous timber and to training carpenters to transform it into buildings, but this is not even solving our immediate problems. It is more of a palliative. Thousands of'new houses are still required; probably tens of thousands of others are in need of repair. And, meanwhile, the accumulated requirements of the business community have scarcely been touched. There seems to be no escape from the view that if the leeway is to be overtaken, more attention will have to be given in future to the question of accelerating construction from the angle of new methods and new materials.