THE BRICK AREA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2065, 9 December 1919, Page 2

THE BRICK AREA.

MUST ADDITIONS BE IN BRICK?

APPLICATION FOR WOODEN PORCH.

At last night’s Council meeting, Mr A. Speirs, represent ing the local Presbyterian Church, waited on the Council, and asked for permission to erect a small wooden porch at the entrance to the Sunday school at the back of the church. This was in the brick area, hut in view of the fact that the proposed addition was a very small one (only Bft. by 7ft.), and that it was far removed from all other buildings, it was asked that permission should be given to build in wood. To make this small addition in brick would be most incongruous, and would not be any more safeguard against lire than if it were built in wood.

Cr. Thompson moved that, in view of the special circumstances, the permission asked for he granted. This was seconded by Cr. Walker.

Cr. Coley said he was opposed ti> the motion. The brick area was causing too much trouble altogether, and he considered it was time the Council put its foot down and absolutely prohibited any building whatever being erected in the area that did no,t comply with the by-law. He moved as an amendment that under no circumstances will a building permit be granted anywhere in the brick area that is not in compliance with the by-law.

The Mayor, in seconding the amendment, said the Council must not make llesh of one and fowl of the other. They should stand by their by-law.

Cr. Bryant’said the by-law really referred to new buildings. He did not think it was meant to apply to a small addition like the one proposed.

Cr. Coley said he would like to support the application, but in view of the by-law he did not think it was fair to do so. -

Cr. Thompson said that the special circumstances should be taken into consideration. The church was a public building for the public benefit, and was not conducted for profit. Seeing that the building was not used for private gain, he thought somewhat altered the case, and they should consider those circumstances. Cr. Walker endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. To build a brick porch would spoil the look of the whole building. The porch was badly needed, and would be a great protection from the weather for the children. Cr. Hunt said that in all towns permits of this kind were given. Even in Wellington a similar application would be granted. The Mayor said he would like to support the application, but the Council must not show undue favouritism—they must be fair to all parties.

On a vole being taken, the amendment was lost, the voting being: For; the Mayor and Crs. Coley, Parkin, and Hand. Against: Crs. Thompson, Walker, Hunt, Bryant, Me Murray and Pearson. Cr. Coley: The by-law is absolutely no good! The motion was then put and carried.