D.—l.

APPENDIX C.

ANNUAL REPORT OF BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT. The Government Architect to the Hon. Minister of Public Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Department for the year ended 30th June, 1932. During the period plans were prepared for thirty-eight new works, of a total estimated value of £122,324, of which fifteen contracts, to the amount of £21,085, have been let. In addition, fifteen contracts, to the amount of £81,957, for buildings designed prior to the 30th June, 1931, have also been let, making the total works completed or under construction £103,042. The latter total includes £18,366 for secondary-school buildings, £2,832 10s. for hospital buildings, and £22,000 for reconditioning the Napier Post-office, which work was done by day labour. Tenders were also received for three buildings of a total value of £21,431 10s., but acceptance has been deferred in the meantime. In addition to the above totals for buildings designed in Head Office, a large amount of minor additions, alterations, and repairs, and general maintenance of public buildings has been carried out by District Engineers, and a considerable quantity of furniture and fittings has been manufactured in the Public Works workshops for various Government Departments. Buildings generally have been thoroughly examined and wherever practicable or desirable have been strengthened with steel and concrete to minimize future earthquake damage. Competition for Government contracts has been keen, and the effect of the general curtailment of private building has been reflected in reduced prices, but not to the extent reported as observable in domestic work. New Zealand manufacturers of building materials have maintained a satisfactory standard, and local materials have been specified, exclusively, except where the use of imported material was unavoidable. Owing to the reduction in building expenditure the personnel of the architectural staff has been reduced by 50 per cent, during the year. Vice-regal Residences. Auckland.—General maintenance was carried out and the wiring of the building was brought up to the standard required by the Power Board's regulations. Parliament Buildings. General maintenance work was attended to during the year. Post-offices. Whangarei District.—A post-office workman's hut was provided at Te Hapua. An air-conditioning plant was installed in the Whangarei Post-office and sundry alterations carried out. Renovations and repairs were carried out to six other offices. Auckland District.—The new post-office in Upper Symonds Street was completed during the year ; electric lighting and power were installed by this Department. Sundry alterations were carried out to the Chief Post-office. The clock and tower of the Cambridge Post-office have been removed, and the roof restored. Alterations, repairs, and renovations were carried out as required to twenty-one post-offices and residences, and in seven postal buildings the electric installations have been altered to comply with the Power Board's regulations. Taumarunui District.—Minor repairs and renovations were carried out to six offices. Tauranga District.—Repairs and renovations were carried out to six offices. Gisborne District.—Repairs and renovations were carried out to seven offices and residences. Stratford District.—At Wanganui the tower and other dangerous features have been removed, and certain strengthening effected to resist earthquake shocks. Repairs and renovations were carried out to twelve other offices and residences. Napier District.—Napier Chief Post-office building was restored and opened to the public on the 6th August, 1932. Extensive rebuilding in steel and reinforced concrete and restoration to the Hastings Post-office is nearing completion. The reconstruction of Wairoa Post-office was completed, the tower being completely removed. Repairs and renovations were carried out to seven other post-offices. Wellington.—The Wellington East Post-office was completed in March, 1932. The additions and alterations to Masterton Post-office were completed. The new automatic telephone exchange at Lower Hutt was completed in February, 1932. Nelson District.—Repairs and renovations were carried out to eight post-offices and residences. Christchurch District.—ln High Street, Christchurch, a new four-storied post-office has been built in steel frame and reinforced concrete. Alterations, repairs, and renovations were carried out to eight other offices and residences. Dunedin District. —Alterations, repairs, and renovations were carried out to thirteen offices and residences.

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