DEATH-WATCH BEETLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 2 (Supplement)

DEATH-WATCH BEETLE

RAVAGES AT CATHEDRAL DAMAGE ABOUT £6OOO The 600-vear-okl cathedral at Wakefield, Yorkshire, is in danger.. According to a statement by the Bishop of Wakefield lately alarming developments have been reported by the architect. An investigation of the timbers of the church reveal that the main timbers are crumbling, and that large pieces come away by pressure of the lingers. Photographs taken during repair work reveal the depredations of the death-watch beetle. " It is clear that immediate action is necessary to save the roof from disaster," says the Bishop. " We propose at once to erect interior scaffolding as a preventive against disaster, and to proceed with the reconstruction of the roof as soon as funds permit." The original church on the site of Wakefield Cathedral was built in the Ilth century, and the present

structure, built following the collapse of the main tower early in the 14th century, dates from three centuries later. Five or six years ago £SOOO was raised to carry on repair work at the cathedral. Exterior repairs to the stonework are being done at a cost of £2500, and it is estimated that the cost of saving the roof of t.he nave and the south nave will be £6OOO.