The 210 Block
In 1941, construction began on a radically down-sized 3-wing block to contain 210 beds. There was a desperate shortage of beds by now. It was very difficult to obtain building steel, so the plans provided for a timber-framed construction, as shown in this photograph. By now, the records were referring to the building as the "Emergency Block". The decision to use wood, was in contravention to local building codes, and a building permit was issued only after the Board undertook to have multiple ramps extending from the upper floors as fire exits. Click the image to view detail in a larger version. (Use scroll bars to navigate)
	Reproduced from the Wellington City Council Archives Collection

The 210 Block

In 1941, construction began on a radically down-sized 3-wing block to contain 210 beds. There was a desperate shortage of beds by now. It was very difficult to obtain building steel, so the plans provided for a timber-framed construction, as shown in this photograph.
By now, the records were referring to the building as the "Emergency Block". The decision to use wood, was in contravention to local building codes, and a building permit was issued only after the Board undertook to have multiple ramps extending from the upper floors as fire exits.

Click the image to view detail in a larger version. (Use scroll bars to navigate)

Reproduced from the Wellington City Council Archives Collection