ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL BUILDINGS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1819, 19 December 1879, Page 4

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL BUILDINGS.

These buildings are now completed, and it only remains to place round them the very tasteful wooden fence which Mr Bruce has designed. The buildings are admirably situated, being in the centre of the town, and facing Baring Squire, which has been planted with trees and sown down, so that the aspect is a most pleasant or.o. The Council chambers arc very plain, and rather severe in their Doric simplicity, but are most substantial, exceedingly convenient, and thoroughly suited for the obj> ot for which they were designed. The building is of wood stuccoed. From the portico, which is very roomy, the visitor enters through seme hi.nduorao doors, with stained glass sidelights, into a spacious hall,l3ft. 6in. x 13ft. A dado of stained kauri runs round this, the height (which is the height of all the rooms) being 1-1 ft. from floor to ceiling. On the right of the hall is the Council chamber, which is 18ft. by 30ft. It is a beautifully proprrtioned room, with a pannelled ceiling, the contra piece, representing Now Zealand ferns and flowers, being of great beauty. A handsome stained and pan nailed kauri dado runs round the room, which is well lighted, tbo windows being Set. high and 3ft. 4in. broid. There is a lavatory at the end of the passage and a strong room of 14m. brick, cemented over, with double iron doors, shelves, map racks, &o. This is sft. 9in. by sft. On the other aide of the passage are the clerks and engineer’s offices. The former is in front, and is 18ft. x 13ft., and fitted with every convenience, varnished kauri cupboards and pigeon holes, &c. The engineeer’s room is 18ft. x 15ft. 4m., and contains a drawing table, map drawers, cupboards, &o. The rooms are all plastered, and the mantelpieces are of black slate with a steel bar, and arc exceedingly handsome. The outbuildings are in every way suitable. Mr J. Stanley Bruce is the architect, and Mr Gordon, clerk of the works. Mr D. Lusk, of Christchurch, is the contractor, and deserves great praise for the way in which the work has boon carried out, being as near perfection as possible, Mr Jones, of Christchurch, was the plasterer, and Mr Lummis, also of Christchurch, the painter, and all have done their particular work admirably. The clerk’s residence adjoins the Chamber.