BUILDING IN CLAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1920, Page 6

BUILDING IN CLAY.

INTERESTING URENUI EXAMPLE. As exemplifying the utility of papa ciay for the purposes of house-building, it might be mentioned that there is now standing at Ferngrove, Urenui, the property of Mr. A. H. Haleombe, a building constructed of this material some thirty-four years ago, and it has the appearance of being practically everlasting (writes our Wai-toi-toi correspondent). This building was erected by Mr. Halcom'be when dairying was not at such an advanced stage as at present, and used as a dairy, for the manufacture of butter. It answered the purpose admirably, being much cooler than a wooden system somewhat similar to the pise de terre, the only difference being that, instead of being used in a dry state and rammed, the elay was moistened and mixed with outty-grass, t.nd then slightly tamped. To show its strength, Mr. Halcomb'e stated that some nine years ago a pinus insignis, measuring 70ft in length, fell across the building, and a slight crack in one of the inner Vails was the only damage sustained. In these days of ex-, pensive house-building a structure li!:e this has much to recommend it in the manner of cheapness and comfort, being both warm in the winter and 'cool m the summer;