D.—l

XXI

usual types of post-office building in tlie Dominion. The architecture embodies many features of modern building; one is the provision throughout of ample light and air. The building is fitted with every modern appliance and convenience. Portion of a building which was no longer required at Whenuakura was dismantled and re-erected at Kohi. This structure was originally part of the old postoffice building at Patea. As the retention of the post-office building at Park vale was no longer warranted, the structure was moved to Koputaroa to accommodate the post-office at that place. At Brightwater the Courthouse building was moved fcoja new site and converted to the purposes of the post-office. A departmental building was provided at Moa|Flat by removing to that place the old post-office building at Poolburn. At Kopaki, the post-office site being subject to floods, the building was moved to a more suitable position. At Omakau, Oturehua, and Outram, where the post and telegraph work was performed by the Railway Department, the business outgrew the capacity of the accommodation provided in the railway premises, and the erection of post-office buildings became necessary. To provide accommodation for the Postmaster, a residence was purchased at Rangataua. Combined garages and stores were erected at Helensville, Kaeo, Kaitaia, Motueka, Te Aroha, Wairoa, and Whangarei. Garages were provided at Huntly, Oamaru, and Timaru. The erection of an addition to the Public Service Garage at Wellington was completed. A property at Feilding, consisting of a section of land, with a building thereon, adjoining the post-office, was purchased. The building was converted into a workshop, garage, and store. Substantial additions and alterations to departmental buildings were made at the following places : Broadwood (additions) ; Bull's (additions) ; Caversham (alterations consequent upon road-widening) ; Christchurch Chief Post Office (alterations) ; Frankton Junction (additions) ; Gisborne (additions) ; Khandallah (automatic telephone exchange, additions); Kopaki (additions); Leeston (additions) ; Mangaweka (additions); Mount Eden (automatic telephone exchange, additions) ; Murchison (additions) ; Nuhaka (additions) ; Otaki (additions and alterations) ; Otautau (additions) ; Remuera (automatic telephone exchange, additions) ; Sanson (additions); Taihape (alterations). Extensive additions to the Palmerston North Chief Post-office building are proceeding, and the added accommodation will be available shortly. Notwithstanding the largely increased accommodation provided, the general need for increased floor-space on which, to conduct the Department's steadily increasing business remains undiminished. The policy of utilizing the funds available strictly in the order of urgency of the Department's requirements has been firmly adhered to. Despite this, at the close of the year several departmental units remained accommodated in rented premises. In most of these cases, however, accommodation within the Department's own buildings is in sight. It is hoped that it will be possible next year to provide additional accommodation at Hastings and Hawera, also to proceed with the erection of new post-office buildings at Dune din, Napier, and Waverley. Mental Hospitals. Avondale : Neuropathic unit, Nurses' Home, and residence for Assistant Medical Officer have been erected. A new washing-machine and hydro-extractor, with motors, &c., complete, has been installed in the laundry, and considerable improvements have been carried out to the drying-room, whilst extensive painting and renovations have been carried out. g§Drury : Land has been purchased for new institution, g - - 1 l " 1 - L Tokanui: A veranda and visitors' room, fire-escape have been erected. Alterations and additions have been made to day-room in unit No. 3 to provide for a cinema operating-box. General repairs and renovations have also been carried out. Improved water-supply has been installed.