THE BISHOP’S RESIDENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5740, 22 August 1879, Page 2

THE BISHOP’S RESIDENCE.

The Anglican Bishop of Wellington’s new residence, adjoining St. Paul’s Cathedral, is now out of the hands of the contractors, and is ready for occupation. As is well known, its cost has been defrayed by subscriptions from the members of the Church of England, and the committee who have been instrumental in collecting the necessary funds are to be congratulated upon the very successful result which has attended their efforts. The only drawback to the residence is the very small area of land at present connected with it, but as the leases of the land at the back, at present occupied by a number of small tenants, fall in, a considerable piece of ground will be added, which will greatly

improve the appearance and comfort of the house and its surroundings. The Infilling, which consists of two stories, is entered from the front by a hall twelve feet wide by twenty-three long, midway in which are three handsome columns. On the lower floor is the lining-room, the library, the breakfast-room, and an ante-room leading to the conservatory. These are ail large apartments, fitted up with the latest improvements in the way of door and window fittings, fireplaces, mantelpieces, electric bells, Ac. On this floor is also the large kitchen, fitted up with very large cooking range, boilers, Ac., from which branch off the pantry, storeroom, lavatory, and other small offices connected with the culinary department. Alt the bedrooms are on the upper floor where, in addition to the servants’ room, there are sevru large bedrooms for the family and visitors. The staircase from below leads to a large landing eleven feet by thirty-four. All the rooms are large and airy, and those at the back of the house command a splendid view of the harbor. The bathroom is also on the upper floor. Great care has been taken to prevent any obnoxious effluvia from ascending from the lower part of the house where the cooking is carried on—indeed everything has been done to make the comfort of the residents in this as well as in other respects as complete as possible. The building is constructed of timber, with brick foundations. The walls of the principal rooms—of which there are twenty-two in all—are plastered, and flitted in oil colors of delicate tints, all the wood work being highly polished. The outward appearance of the house is very effective, without showing any profuse ornamentation, and the building throughout is well lighted by large windows, which are fitted with patent lifters. Special attention has been given to the subject of ventilation. The various fireplaces are of tile, as is also the front entrance under the porch, where there are seats for those in waiting. Speaking generally, it may be said that the new residence is comfortable and commodious, and that it reflects great credit on both architect and builders. The former has been thanked by the committee at the result of his work, and it might also be stated that the same gentleman was complimented by the Marquis of Normanby (who took a great intero-t in the matter), prior to his departure, nu the general character of the plans. The amount of the contract money was £3200, and it is gratifying to know that this included the various fittings to which we have referred, while it might also be stated, as a somewhat remarkable fact for a building of such pretensions, that there have been no “ extras” of any kind. It was commenced about the middle of December last, and will in all probability be occupied by Bishop Hadfield towards the end of the present month. In conclusion, we may state that Mr. Chatfield was the architect, and Messrs. Mitchell and Thomson the contractors, and that the work has been well carried out in every respect.