LIFTS AND STAIRWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18567, 27 November 1923, Page 9

LIFTS AND STAIRWAYS.

SEPARATION REQUIRED.

NEW WELLINGTON BY-LAW.

A deputation representing the Chamber of Commerce arid Institute of Architects waited on the By-laws Committee of tho Wellington City Council to protest against the new by-law, which proposes that stairways in buildings shall not be built within "20ft. of lift wells. The custom is to economise in space by winding the stairway round the lift shaft, but in case of fire this was considered to be unwise. Mr. Crichton said the demand that a stairway should be 20ft. away from a lift was unwarrantable, and he illustrated why that was so by exhibiting plans of buildings recently erected in New York, buildings typical of what would be erected in Wellington on a narrow section. They were firm on having the walls of the stairwav of fire-resisting material.. The Chairman, Mr. M. F. Lackie: Do you think that the lift itself ought to be walled in with fire-resisting material ? Mr. Crichton said he did not, and showed modem designs to prove that such a mode of construction was not bemg followed in progressive centres. Mr. H. D. Bennett said if the council s officers could consult with the architects no doubt they would be able to bring something definite before the committee, and a sub-committee to consult with the architects with respect to a by-lav/ governing the construction of lifts and stairways was appointed. ___________