Alterations To Building In Business Area

Northern Advocate, 5 September 1945, Page 6

Alterations To Building In Business Area

Approval of a plan of alternations te premises known ns the Central Dining Rooms was sought of the Whangarei Boroueh Council last night by the Lifebuoy Rubber Co. Ltd, The front portion was to be used as a retail shop in lieu of the present, showroom in Vine Street, while the rear portion of the first floor, which was designed especially for the exclusion ol light, was required and would be used as a storeroom for rubberware. The rear top portion was to be used for office accommodation and staff, and provided for maximum light and ventilation. The internal finishing and fittings would be of a high standard and would be in keeping with the requirements of the progressive town of Whangarei. Early approval was asked so that proper plans and specifications could proceed. Reporting on the project the borouglt engineer (Mr. I. A. Cromie) said the building was in the inner area, and the application was for permission to construct tlie raised office portion in combustible materials. To get sufficient stud height for office accommodation the walls would pro ject about 2ft, through the existing roof, necessitating a new roof at a higher level. Most of the projection would be in glass for lighting purposes, the remainder being in combustible material.

The floor of the office portion would be supported on wooden posts, which were combustible, while no fire escape from the office had been provided. The council’s permission would be required to use these materials as they did not comply with the by-laws The question was referred to a special committee comprising the Mayor (Mr. W. Jones), the chairman of the town-plan-ning committee (Cr. S. J. Snow), the chairman of the works committee (Cr. L. R. Hegley) and the staff, for report.