BUILDING HELD UP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2048, 7 September 1920, Page 8

BUILDING HELD UP.

EFFECT OF PERMIT SYSTEM.

From September 1, it has been necessary for permits to be obtained from the Board of Trade in respect of all building in course of construction. Apparently, however, the j necessary machinery has not been I available to deal promptly with applications for permits, and, as a conI sequence, work has been held up in a number of instances. Applications for work tbat was in progress on September 1, and not then covered by a permit, have to be made to the City Surveyor, if the work is within the Greater Christchurch area. The applications are then forwarded to the Labour Department, whose I officials inspect the work and reIport thereon. The report is conI sidered by the Board of Trade in , Wellington, which deals finally with the applications. With the rush that set in, delays I under such a system are inevitable, and contractors and others concerned have some cause for com--1 plaint. In several cases, the difficulty has been tided over by the issue of provisional permits. Some time ago, the related building trades held a conference in connection with the scheme, following an invitation by the Board of Trade asking for suggestions. It is intended that an advisory committee be set up to act with the Board of Trade in connection with the carry-ing-out of the building regulations.' In connection with tins, Messrs W. Goss, W. 11. Winsor and H. St. A. Murray, representing respectively timber merchants, builders and architects, have received notice of their appointment. Probably the Labour Department will also be represented, and it is possible that the committee will Include a representative of Labour.