TypeAgencyDate Range18 November 1908-1932DescriptionIn July 1907 two Building Inspectors were appointed to the City Engineer's Department, one for the central city area and the other for Newtown and outlying districts. They reported to the City Engineer. After November 1908 the title for one of them, Murdoch, changed to Superintendent and it appears there were two further inspectors. In 1910, Murdoch was appointed as Assistant Engineer and Drummond was appointed Building Superintendent. The functions of the Building Superintendent and Inspectors was to inspect commercial and residential buildings and other structures, such as walls, platforms, sign boards and scaffolding, to assess that they complied with building acts and by-laws. They previewed applications and plans to 'erect, alter or extend' buildings, approved them and issued permits. They notified any breaches of permits and by-laws. The Superintendent reported monthly and annually to the City Engineer with lists of permits, and liaised with related officials regarding drainage, water, electrical supply, etc. He also liaised with government officers, for example in the Health Department and Works, and with builders, contractors, plumbers and other trades people. For a period, the Assistant Building Inspector Robert McKenzie was responsible for Council-initiated buildings, such as the Housing Schemes from 1919 to the 1920's. The position of Building Superintendent lasted until the retirement of Drummond in 1932, when it was combined with the Chief Architectural Assistant.
Controlling Agency or Organisation
Controlling Agency or OrganisationCity Engineer's DepartmentControlling Agency or Organisation Date Range1923-1972
Building Superintendent. Archives Online, accessed 18/02/2025, https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/nodes/view/7932