Making for Better Building Construction

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7007, 17 November 1932, Page 9

Making for Better Building Construction

BILL INTRODUCED IN HOUSE Per Pross Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 16. In the House of Representatives this afternoon Hon. E. A. Ransom said the object of the Building Construction Bill was to make better provision for the design and construction of buildings. The need for legislation had been made apparent after the Hawke’s Bay earthquake, the effects of which had been the subject of investigation by exports. Tho bill made provision for the establishment of a building committee, which would consist of the engincer-in-chief of the Public Works Department, registered engineers appointed on the recommendation of the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers, the Municipal Association of New Zealand and the New Zealand Counties Association, a registered architect appointed by tho New Zealand Institute of Architects, and two other persons possessed of scientific and technical qualifications, one of whom must bo a practical builder.

The bill will mako it unlawful for a'ny person after the passing of the Act to commence the erection of any building or tho reconstruction or substantial alteration of any building without a permit from the local authority in the district. It is to bo an offence to fail to comply with tho plans and specifications which have been approved by the local authority. On the advice of the building committee a local authority may be required to amend a permit. Power will be given in the bill for the making of regulations by Ordor-in-Council, and regulations are to be enforceable as if they were by-laws made bV a local authority.' Regulations are to be made, cancelled, or revoked only on the advice of the building committee communicated to the Minister.

Local authorities are to bo givon the power to mako regulations for tho design and construction of buildings and methods of building construction, the heights of buildings, tho forces to be allowed for in tho design of buildings, the working stresses or loads allowable in the construction of buildings, the materials to be used, for fire prevention and control, for means of ingress and egress from buildings, and various other matters.

The engineer-in-ehief or any person acting on his behalf is to have free right to inspect any plans for new buildings which have been submitted to a local authority for approval, and power is also to be given for tho inspection of buildings in course of erection. Local authorities are to be required to obtain the services of a competent technical adviser. Power is also to be given for the appointment of a clerk of works where no appointment has been made or where an unsuitable appointment has been made.

Power is to be given local authorities to demolish, remove or alter any building on which work has been done whicn contravenes the law. Provision is made in the bill for a special permit fee of one-eighth per cent, of one per cent, of the cost of the erection, reconstruction or alteration of any building.