NEW POST OFFICE.

Motueka Star, Volume I, Issue 21, 22 October 1901, Page 3

NEW POST OFFICE.

It is always a pleasure to chronicle improvements in a rising township, because the}' are visible indications of its progress. For many years past it has been patent to all those whose avocations took them to the local Post and Telegraph office that the building was altogether too small for the volume of business transacted, within its walls. The space set apart for the public use was inadequate in every sense of the word, anil the casual observer- could not fail to observe that the officials needed more elbow room behind the counter; indeed it speaks volumes for the obliging postmaster, Mr H. E. Gilbert, and his staff, when it is remembered that the wants of the public have been attended to in such an expeditious and satisfactory manner as has been the cas-e. Accompanied by Mr Andrew M'lier, the contractor, we have had an opportunity < f inspecting the new bu lding erected on the. site of the old post office, which is to be occupied during this week. The building, a distinct improvement on the old wooden structure, is built of brick, set in With mortar- having a 2£ inch cavity, and lias a frontage to High Street of 32 it (the height being 19 ft.) with 32 feet to Stafford Street; it is, apparently, an assimilation of several styles of architecture, and may be termed, for the want cf a better woi d, modern. The spacious porch in the main entrance is i a ">ped on the outside with a pediment. With tympaning work and corbels, the figures 1901, enclosed within tl e letters E R. being painted below. A large window, with semicircular Mich, adds to the neat appearance of the front, which is set with moulded pila.-ters, filled in with brick work, tuck p. i ited will black joints : Just inside the porch, to the right, are the apertures for letters and newspape: s Upon opening the folding doors, the private boxes —twenty in all—ar3 to be seen also on the right. The public office is fitted up in the most approved style, a long de.-k under t're windows on the north side being suitably partitioned off, securing privacy to those wishing to write telegraph messages or letters. The postal and money order counters are divided by a narrow partit on, the top portion of which is of fluted glass. At the end of the public office is the teleph me bureau, equipped with all necessary appliances. Crossing over ti that part of the building set aside f >r the staff we find ourselves in a large room, where mails aresoited and despatched and telegraph work attended to. It is fitted up with the usual accessories, such as counters, letter sorting desk, stamping table, pigeon holes, etc The postmaster's room,

supplied with a handsome stationary cabinet and ample office furniture, is so placed that Mr Gilbert can easily e< n.municate with the mail room and office, strong room, and public portion of the building. The lavatory is at the southern side from which a door leads to the outbuildings at the rear. The whole of the interior woodwork, of colored riniu, has been varnished, the walls and ceiling, which is corrugated iron, distempered with a light stone tint. A four feet dado around the walls gives the room a finished appearance. Sufficient light has also been provided. The dimensions of the rooms are: public office 24ft by 10ft; mail room, 24ft by 18ft; postmaster's lift by 13ft ; telephone 7ft by 7ft ; height of rooms 12ft clear. The roof, of corrugated iron, is painted dark brown.

Altogether the new Post Office, which is firmly set on solid concrete foundations is a credit to Motueka, and furnishes another proof of the ab'lity of the contractor, Mr A. Miller, to faithfully and successfully carry out, according to specification, work entrusted to him. The painting and decorating was given to Mr Frank Hargreaves, who has finished his work in a, very satisfactory manner. The plastering was done by Mr T. Foley, of Wellington. Mr Thomas Roberts, C.E. of Nelson, acted as supervising engineer on behalf of the Public Works Department,

A suggestion has been made that in order to relieve the building of its " squat" appearance the Government be approached, through Mr R. Mclvenzie, the member for the district, and asked to add a click tower. The cost would be a mere bagatelle, not to be considered when the public convenience is taken into account.