BUILDING PROBLEMS IN N.Z.

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 January 1948, Page 5

BUILDING PROBLEMS IN N.Z.

BRITISH ADVISER’S REPORT STRUCTURAL WORK OF SMALL HOUSE NEEDS RESEARCH (P.A.) Wellington, Jan. 16. Investigation into the structural problem of the small house is urged by Sir Reginald Stradllng, chief scientific adviser to the British Ministry of Works, in a report to the Government on building and ci>'!l engineering research in'New Zealand. Sir Reginald, whose report was released by the Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research (Mr. McCombs), added that he felt strongly that this work should be put in hand as a very urgent matter. He said inter-play of the following factors required consideration:— Economy In the use of timber and earthquake resistance, type of timber, heat insulation and methods of heating, roof coverings (sheet materials versus tiles and earthquake resistance), and maintenance costs.

All these inter-related factors in home construction involved close study of materials—the timber itself and its preservation from destructive agencies, heat insulators suitable for house construction (pumice, concrete blocks, glass, wool, aluminium foil), increasing of production of the most suitable form of roof covering, paints or other types of preservative finishes.

Sir Reginald said that if some of his remarks appeared critical, they were at least not meant to do anything but help. “I have been permitted to see extensive work, both on housing and engineering sides, and as a stranger to the country very much of it indeed, appeals to me as of the highest class, worthy of comparison not only with the best work in other countries but also with the magnificent pioneering engineering work of which New Zealand is so justly proud,” he said. “But. troubles are showing in places and ones which an efficient technical intelligence service, backed by adequate research facilities, could certainly help to surmount. He also had seen examples of mod ern brick and masonry buildings which indicated clearly that the use of materials was rather foreign to the designer and erector, for troubles were showing which, if they developed as they would in England, would result in failure of the buildings to the extent that would entail serious alterations, if not demolition. Very much more knowledge, which could only be obtained by extensive investigations of local materials ana conditions, was essential if efficient use was to be made of the natural resources of New Zealand in brickwork. masonry, and concrete, and their various combinations in structure.