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APPENDIX C. I ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT. The Government Architect to the Hon. Minister of Public Works. Sir,— Public Works Office, Wellington, Ist April, 1919. I have the honour to submit the, following report on the various building operations oi' the Department for|the year ended 31st March, 1919. In this report T have not only included the construction work chargeable, against the Public Works Fund, but also that undertaken out of funds provided under the Consolidated Fund, as well as the Public Trust and Government Life Insurance Departments, and under " War Expenses " for the Defence. General. New Parliamentary Buildings. The work done during the year has been almost entirely confined to the Legislative Council chamber and its surrounding corridor. That portion of the marble masonry facing Museum Street and in front of the Council chamber has been completed, thus enabling one of the four large electric cranes, the supports of which were an obstruction inside the building, to be removed. The offices in connection with this chamber for the Leader of the Council, the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk, the, Chairman of Committees, the members' sitting-room, together with the Whips' rooms, are almost completed. The Legislative Council chamber, although far from completion, has been sufficiently advanced to permit of the opening of this session of Parliament being held therein. At the main entrance to the building facing Molesworth Street the granite steps have been placed in position and the parapet walls of same partially erected. A large proportion of the stones for this front are worked, and it is hoped that the marble masonry will now be more expeditiously carried on. The contractors for installing the mechanical ventilation of the House of Representatives have practically completed that work, and a trial run of the large air-propulsion fan proved to be capable of accomplishing all and more than was specified, for the rapid changing of the air in the chamber when such is desired during brief recesses. This means of ventilation will not, however, be made use of during the present session, as the dust-laden atmosphere, owing to building operations, renders its use inadvisable. Vice-Regal Residences. Both residences (Auckland and Wellington) have been efficiently maintained. At the former the hearths on the ground floor have been built up solid and the woodwork cut clear to avoid fire. Departmental Buildings. Auckland. —Alterations have been commenced to provide accommodation for the North Auckland Land Board, and it is proposed to connect this building and Endean's Building by means of a closed "passage or tube. Wanganui. —A strong-room was built and lavatory accommodation provided. New Plymouth. —A strong-room was constructed for use of the Public Trust Department. Wellington.— The hot-water heating-system was repaired and additional heating-accommodation provided. General repairs were effected to electric light, bells, and domestic telephones. Numerous offices were renovated, and a commencement made with tea- and luncheon-room accommodation for ladies. Nelson. —General maintenance was effected and office erected for the Clerk of£the Court. Christchurch. —The roof was again tarred}.in places and generally repaired. Soakage in the basement has been dealt with by means of a sump in the yard and the installation of a Gould's rotary pump. Provincial Buildings. —Offices, &c, were renovated and furnished as required. An intercommunication system of electric bells was installed in the Lands Offices, and electric light and heating connections were concentrated on one meter-board. Post-offices. Dargaville. —Inside of Postmaster's house was papered and painted. Hikuramgi. —Drainage scheme completed. Kaeo. —Two additional bedrooms, bathroom, passage, and exchange, were erected. New tanks and stand put in, and the living-quarters were papered and painted. New wire and close-boarded fences were also erected. Kamo. —Repairs were carried out to spouting, roof, doors, windows, &c, and three new tanks were erected.