Earthquake Damage

Hutt News, Volume 16, Issue 7, 15 July 1942, Page 5

Earthquake Damage

Reporting on the damage! caused by the recent earthquake at Monday''* Council meeting, the Mayor, .Mr. J. W. Andrews, said that so far, 2 If) 7 chimneys, affecting "12 0 0 to 15 00 houses, had been reported down, cracked or demolished. Work was in hand on 13 9. The shortage of bricklayers was a matter of considerable concern and the Council would, be glad if any further assistance was offering. The acting Member for the district, Mr. Combs, had promised to Sike the" matter up with the Prime Minister and endeavour to obtain some tradesmen for the district. Councillor Muir said that in his opinion 95% of the chimney damage could be overcome by the employment of haudy men used to concrete work. Councillor Gieson said that a vigorous protest should be made to the Government, who had promised to assist in the matter and had done nothing but place obstacles in the way. Thousands of pounds worth of damage was being caused to tin homes where the roof was still open and the rain runnTng down the walls. Councillor Hewer said that nothing was being done owing to the interferance of the Government. In many cases the chimneys could have been repaired by (he owners had they been allowed to do so. Councillor Dudding paid a tribute to the members of the plumbing trade who had risen to the occasion and restored many wat«>r services, etc., but their work' could not bej completed through the lack of bricklayers.