Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-02-08

In response 10 the invitation Of City
Council, several builders and others in
terested in the proposed new building
ordinance were at the City Hall last even
ing and discussed the pending ordinance,
but at the request Of some of Che builders,
who wanted an extorsion OF time TO con
sider the matter, adjournment was made
until tomorrow evening, when tbs subject
will again be taken up.
The request for a continuance was
made by S. J. Newman, chairman Of the
executive committee of the Master
Builders Association, who suggested that
the matter be continued two weeks Build
ing Inspector Connolly opposed any COM
tinuance, on the ground that he thought
there had been ample time for considem-
ton, copies of the ordinance having been
in the hands of tho builders for some time
IL was finally decided to let the matter
20 over for two days.
During the evening there was some
discussion on the merits of the draft.
John b. Bird, engineer for the Joseph
Bancroft g. Sons Co.. said he had found
apparent contradictions in the ordinance
and he thought il was not in shape for
passage Building Inspector Connolly
remarked that the object of the conference
was 20 point out defects, whereupon Mr..
Bird said it might require all night to
consider the matter Mr.. Connolly APP
peared to be anxious TO have the matter
disposed of and he expressed a willingness
20 remain all night if necessary. Mr..
Bird said in one place the draft prohibits
the erection Of frame buildings in the city,
while in another place the use of wood is
permitted.
Mr. Connolly explained that shingles
could be used for the upper stories OF o.
building where the first story is of brick
OF stone.
Concerning retaining walls Mr.. Bird
said he thought the law should specify
the width according to the height. Mr.
Connolly said that matter was left will
the discretion Of the building Inspector
Mr.. Bird thought provision should bS
made in the law for a test where Il requires
certain material TO stand a test,
As about three months were required
10 draft the ordinance, according to re
port, William ID. Haddock thought tn,
builders should have more time for con
sideration than they have been allowed
Mr.. Haddock said he understood that the
law was largely patterned after the Cleve
land, o.. law
Councilman MoCaiIerty said the obiec
Of the new law was to get the very best
and Council would welcome any obiec
tions to the draft, but he thought IN,
matter should be disposed of without
delay, as the present law is a hindranc,
to building. In reply to Mr.. Bird, Mr.
McCafierty said it was hoped that the new
law would make special Legislation on the
subject of building unnecessary.
Councilman Ross was favorable to 3
continuance and Mr.. McCaiierty said he
would be willing to let the matter 20 ovei
for two weeks If it should be undorstoo,
that il would be disposed of at the eN
piration of that time. James J. keonar
said the builders would be satisfied Will
a two-weeks continuance.
W. N. Overdeer thought the law apple,
better to cities larger than Wilmington
than TO this city and he thought then
should be one that would fit this cit,
better He was of the opinion that if /
should become operative it would increas
the cost of building operations. lie dil
not like the idea of preventing the ereo
ton of frame buildings in the suburbs.
Mr.. Connolly said Wilmington is not
one-horse town; that "a l2-story buildin
is now being erected and there should b
law governing such buildings MI
Overdeer said he did not want to be under
stood as considering Wilmington one
horse town.
Mr.. Bird feared that the new law woul
operate against some of the manuiactm
ing concerns erecting temporary fran
buildings, although such buildings ar
, generally substantial.
At this juncture the discussion ende
for the time being and the decision {
meet again tomorrow night was reached