GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2742, 22 February 1910, Page 2

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

FEATURES OF CONSTRUCTION

A LARGE UNDERTAKING

Good progress is being made in the erection by the Public Works Department of the new Government House at Mount View, and the residence is expected to be ready by June at the latest (says the “Post.”)

The plans and drawings l give but a suggestion of what the new house will be. but some idea js now possible of the aspect of the building as seen from outside. It is not unlike in “shape” the new Bath House at Rotorua, but will not be so ornate. Indeed, simplicity will bo a. conspicuous feature. The lower part is jarrali weather boarding, and the upper part jarrah timbered with rough cast (whitewashed) in between. The timbers will be left in their natural grain, being merely oiled ; and as they color to a deep red brown by exposure, the effect with the white rough cast and the dull red tiled roof should be very good. The building is a parallelogram in form, with wings at either end. The main entrance to the house faces Newtown, and the entrance to the lawn and gardens (yet to be made) will face the city. At the Eastern end is the ballroom, part of which is under the main roof. At the 'Western end is the. kitchen and domestic offices, and some distance off at this end in the grounds the stables arc to bo built. THE GROUND FLOOR.

'The whole of the ground floor is occupied by tho ballroom, billiardroom —the foundation for the table having been laid in the ground so as to render it independent of the floor—the Governor’s Council Chamber ; drawing-rooms, dining-rooms, and offices; also the domestic quarters. Over the main entrance is a porte-cochere, the roof or which is supported on slender Oarnaru stone pillars. There is an almost similarly imposing portico on the otherside of the. house x giving on to the lawn, and tho verandah lias a balustrade of Oarnaru stone.

Inside the building is a forest of timber at present. Pipes for hot and cold water and other purposes coil round the building and underneath the floors, electric wires encased in tubing are everywhere, and it is a little difficult to tell the false timber from that which has been permanently placed in position. but the liberal dimensions of the rooms can be made out with Mr. C. F. Brockett, who is in charge, as a guide.

THE LONG CORRIDORS. Naturally, the ground floor is the most important —and there are hut- two doors—for hero all the business of the establishment, will be conducted. Ipstairs. to be approached by a grand staircase in the centre of the building and facing the mam entrance, are twenty-eight to thirty bedrooms and children's nurseries. The doors all open on to a c#r ridor 200 ft in length and 10ft wide. On the floor below is a corridor of similar dimensions. J hero will be —for all staircases have yet to be built —approaches to the upper floor from either end of the building, that at the east end for the use of the Governor’s family, and that at the west for the domestics. Entrance to the ballroom will be independent to the house altogether, being direct from the drive. A conservatory is yet to be built, and much will have to he done to the grounds. Tire Governor himself has taken practical interest in the new house and its grounds, and has had alterations made to the original plans. Several (juite new features of building . construction and materials arc to biTseen in the building, as it nears completion, and chaotic as the interior at present appears, there is sufficient material upon which to base a reasonably clear idea of what it will loo»\. like when finished. The great roof, for example, :s of tremendous weight, for the English tiles which are of deep reel with a suspicion of purple, are thin but heavy, boivm subjected to enormous pressure before firing. The attachment of the rough casting, to galvanised steel webbing, too, is of «a specially hard,, white, and durable material, into the composition of which ahestos largely enters.

DAY LABOR. The work is being done by day labor, and is principally carpentering afc present. Plastering and tiling employs strong bodies of woi'kmen, and brick, iron, and steel work figure largely in the construction of the building. There are over 100 men employed,- they are engaged by the Labor Department, and married men have the preference of employment. . r ~ TJ The old buildings of tho Mental rlos. pital—one of which wa s removed bodily —will all be demolished, and that in April, the inmates leaving next month. The laundry will be retained, and bo will the doctor’s residence, as a house for the Governor’s private secretary.