Not Secure Against Big Shake

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6621, 6 August 1931, Page 3

Not Secure Against Big Shake

FEILDING FIRE STATION.

PROPOSALS FOR ALTERATIONS,

At a special meeting of the Feilding Fire Board held yesterday it was resolved to act upon a report received from the Public Works Department regarding the Feilding Fire Brigade station which, tho report stated, would collapse in the event of an earthquake of the intensity of the recent Hawke's Bay shake. Tho report was prepared at the request of tlio Fire Board which was not altogether satislied as to tho security of this two-storey brick building. Early last month Messrs C. W. Turner, B.Se., structural engineer, Public Works Department, M. Gayford, superintendent of construction, and P. K. Hay, borough engineer, Feilding, inspected the building, preparing a comprehensive report, in which tho weakness of the structure was pointed out. “Considering tho lack of through tying,” stated tho report, “the absence of reinforced hand courses, together with the extremely poor mortar in which tho bricks arc laid, wo have not tho slightest hesitation in saying that an earthquako approaching tho intensity of tho recent Hawke’s Bay earthquake, would reduce this building to a niin. “In its fall there would be likelihood of loss of human life duo to the rear wall falling on tho living quarters, and (of great importance to the general community of Feilding) the front wall would probably completely block the exit of the fire engines of which there would undoubtedly be great need at the time. “Having in mind these points mentioned and also the financial expends turc which alteration and strengthening of the building as a two-storey structure would entail, Wo have come to the conclusion that the best way to ensure safety would bo to rcduco the building to a single-storey structure, having incorporated in it a strongly reinforced concrete band and parapet encircling the building and a simple lcanto root sloping from front to rear.” * After considering the report members of tho board proceeded to tho lire station to inspect the structure, after which tlio meeting was resumed, ft was then agreed, provided tho Feilding Borough Council is agreeable, that the borough engineer prepare plans, specifications and estimates of the cost of alterations as outlined, in the report and also to report on the best method of making the alterations. It was further agreed to obtaiu a report on tho cost of demolishing the present structure and erecting in its place a modern wooden building. The board is aiming to secure the .fullest information ou alternative proposals to enablo it to come to a decision on the best course to follow. The reports will be prepared right away to enable tho board to take early action.