MATERIAL SHORTAGES DELAY COMPLETION OF PENSIONERS’ FLATS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 117, 22 May 1946, Page 4

MATERIAL SHORTAGES DELAY COMPLETION OF PENSIONERS’ FLATS

“Contrary to reports, the contractoi is not allowing grass to grow under his feet,” stated the architect, Mr. K. G. Taiboys, reporting to the Wanganui City Council lasi night on the pensioners’ flats under construction al the corner of Nixon and Kawakawa Streets, Wanganui East.

‘ This work, in common with all building operations, has expeiienced, ano is likely to experience, all the difficulties akin to the building trade to-day,” Mr. Taiboys added. “No building is straight forward at the present time.

“In spite of all the handicaps the contractors have made excellent pro-

gress with the limited staff available. They have also been assisted to the Lest of their ability by the sub-con-tractors responsible for the various supplies, such as timber and other materials. “Cement and steel have been difficult to obtain;, both are required for the party walls and until these are finished, the external walls cannot be wholly completed. “The contractors had made a special trip to Wellington in an effort to ob*aiu steel, and it was hoped that sufficient cement would be made availarie for completion of the walls. Some delay was caused because special lengths of timber were not procurable at the time, but both flats were to a laige extent framed, roof timberr were in position, and as soon as tne Irames were sufficiently dry the wall sncal hing would be put on.

“Whatever the criticism of this work. I take the full responsibilities of an architect. Had things been nor. mal and had it. been possible to make mote rapid progress. I would certainly have delayed the job in order to give tne frame a chance to dry. It is impossible to obtain seasoned timber today. and it is necessary to give the flaming a chance to dry before closing in. Bv the time the concrete walls are in position this should not be required,” Mr. Taiboys added. ‘I can assure the council that the contractors have no intention of delaying the work, and every endeavour will be made to give occupation as early as possible. Any delay will be an.i' has been, due tc conditions beyond (heir control.”