SAFELY HOUSED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 198, 21 August 1929, Page 6

SAFELY HOUSED

WANGANUI COLLEGIATE . SCHOOL > WELL CONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS In view of the serious results of recent severe earthquake elsewhere the Wanganui College Trustees, the governing body of Wanganui Collegiate School and of St. George’s Preparatory School, decided to obtain authoritative opinion as to the fitness of the build* ings in their charge to withstand earthquake shocks. A thorough in* spection of the buildings was mad§ by Mr A. G. Bignell, chairman of the trustees, himself a building conlrao tor of large experience, and Mr R. G. Taiboys, A.N.Z.1.A., and the following very gratifying report has been submitted to the trustees by Mr Talboysf “Tho buldngs generally have beeit substantially and faithfully built. Th© brickwork being of greater thickness than usual and built in cement mortar, offers a greater resistance to- earth* quakes than a great many buildings cheaper construction. The buildinJy have no ornamentation or embellish, monte which are likely to break away and cause damage through Only in one instance is there likely to be danger from falling materials, and this is in the case of the chimneys of the school block falling. They " are, however, on the far side of the exits and any danger should be easily avoidled. I consider this building is particu* larly well constructed, the arches and buttresses of the main hall give a stiffening to the building and also provide a substantial support for thd heavy roof that they carry. Pupils could assemble from the adjoining class rooms in this portion of the building with safety and leave by the main entrance, reassembling on th© courts below.

Use of Ropes Suggested. “I consider, however, that ropes or collapsible poles hinged to the piers should be provided for the pupils on the first floor to enable them to gain the ground floor with greater ease. This, apart from earthquake risk, is necessary in case of fire, as at presefei the stair is the only means of access. ’ “The question of falling tiles hag been raised, but as each tile is securely wired to battens at close centres, little trouble should be experienced in this direction. “Most of the entrances have heavy hoods over the doorways, and these, 1 consider, are an advantage and would form a safe protection should any material fall.

“The chapel, while well built, ia, in my opinion, the weakest building nf the whole block. It cannot be otherwise, as, in a building of this type, n< great internal tie or bracing can b< had, the high walls depending solely eg the supporting buttresses. It must no| be thought, however .that the chapel is dangerous—it ie not. In the event of any serious earthquake I would consider the entrance near the chance] the safest exit. The vestries on gitter side give this portion greater stability, and, again, there is not the danger of the gable ends falling out. The means of exit from this building are ample and your Board need have no fear for the safety of the pupils. l Dormitory Blocks. W

“These buildings are of similar design and are well and properly constructed; thSy are low set with heavy 14-ineh brickwork on the ground floor, well tied with internal partitions. Ths first floor walls are abo of 14-inch brickwork and have no great height, being of the storey and a-half design. A continuous reinforced concrete band securely ties the buildings at this level and holds the roof. As with the school block, the chimneys and tiles are a possible source of danger, the former, however, have no great height and are well built, and the tiles, as previously stated, cannot be considered a serious danger owing to the wiring. The doorways are protected by hoods as in th© other buildings and should form ample protection to th§ exits. The dormitories are well braced internally and they should prove safe and secure structures in the event of earthquakes.

Folly of Cheapness. “I feel it is unnecessary for me is go into further detail concerning buildings; may I summarise my report™ by stating that I consider your trustees are to be congratulated on the type of buildings which they have from time to time erected. It is to be regretted that so many Boarls consider 4 . e first cost of building, cheapness being the chief factor. Good construction must in the long run come into its own, and it is now that the country is in danger of earthquakes that many ar© realising the folly of cheapness first. “Your Board need have no such regret, the buildings under their control have been built faithfully and well, of simple design, the cost has been been put into good construction rather than useless ornamentation. In conclusion, your Board need have no fear concerning the safety of the scholars for, in my opinion, they are well housed in safe and wcli-built buildings. ” While the foregoing report by Mf Taiboys is calculated to prevent any anxiety whatever among parents of pupils at these schools, in the event of the recurrence of a severe earthsA, quake shock, additional reassuranejr may be derived from the fact that earthquake drill has been established by which the complete Evacuation or the buildings is accomplished in tho shortest possible time.