BUILDING BY-LAWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15922, 7 May 1912, Page 8

BUILDING BY-LAWS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l see by this morning's "Times" that a defendant, in a by-law case, protested at his being sued instead of tho builder by the City Council. Being the builder in this case, I wish to show that the defendant is entirely wrong when he says that action should be taken against the builder. In the first place, it is the proprietor's business to see that tho by-laws are complied with. In this individual case, I was merely employed by the defendant das'labour. He had some material; I had to use that, and then make up the balance required, and charge for same. If the work had been done by contract I should have applied to the Council for a permit, which is the usual method of procedure among builders. Even if the work is done by contract it does not relieve the proprietor of his responsibility with respect to the by-laws. As you have voiced the defendant's protest in the news column, I have written this letter to try aiid prevent the public receiving a wrong impression.— I am, etc., T. Y. TINDALL.