MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.

Shannon News, 8 February 1927, Page 3

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.

ALTERATIONS NOW COMPLETED. The work of alterations and additions to the Municipal Buildings for , which work the ratepayers sanctioned , the raising of a loan of £7OO, has now ; been completed. The result is that we now have a building of better appearance with far more up-to-date conveniences. The Council are to be congratulated on the judgment used in undertaking the scheme, also the Building Committee who attended to the carrying out of the work. The work was done under the supervision of Cr. Spencer, chairman of the Building Committee, who spared no pains to see that the best results were obtain and the cost kept within the £7OO loan. This has been accomplished and the greatest critic must admit that the under talcing has been a great success, and a boon to the ratepayers. Cr. Spencer is deserving of the best thanks of the citizens for the time and labour lie has devoted to seeing the scheme through So successfully. A brief outline of the work is as follows:—Firstly, it Avas necessary to raise the old structure at least ten inches to dispense Avith the damp conditions that existed, giving the old and neAv work greater life. The process of raising the building Avas difficult owing to the wet weather, pumping having to be resorted to, "to alloAV of the. . Avork being carried out. This worfc meant the success or otherwise of the undertaking. The result has proved perfectly satisfactory and to-day the building stands on a first class foundation. The additions consist of a hoav reading room, Toavu Clerk's office, shop and the necessary entrances to the above. This work is all that can be desired and in the Toavii Clerk's opinion consideration has been shown in producing comfort and utility to carry out the arduous duties of a borough office. The original section of the building has been treated by repapering and renovating where necessary and hoav presents a pleasing finish. A long felt is attached to the hcav Chambers by the addition, of a large strongroom, "giving ample room for all documents, etc At the rear of the building a ladies' restroom Avith conveniences has been provided and should prove a boon to residents and visitors, fulfilling a duty Avhich all councils oAve to their toAvn Facilities for the duties of the ordinary household have been carefully thought out, giving a iicav Avashhouse, scullery, back porch and modern conveniences to the caretaker's residence Careful attention will be given to the draining and cleansing of the surroundings, which Avill necessitate the removal of all old sheds and now structures erected in their stead, thereby completing a scheme of Avhkh every ratepayer should be proud. To mark the completion ef the Avork a "house warming" Avas held at the conclusion of the Borough Council meeting on Friday evening, Avhen His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. Butt) treated the- councillors, borough employees and press representative to supper, during Avhieh a number of toasts Avere honoured and a pleasant hour v/as spent. Cr. Spencer, in proposing the toast of '' The Mayor,'' referred to the steady progress that had been made during the latter's. term of office. In every question that.had come before the Council the Mayor always alloAved it to be fully debated, with the uesult that quite a lot of work had been, carried out Avhich should have been done long ago. In all matters the Mayor used forethought, which had a steadying inliuence over councillors.

The Mayor, in returning thanks, said anything he had done for the Borough had been made easy by the support he had received from Councillors. Whether he served again or not he would always look back and feel proud of the position he filled Every councillor had willingly carried out the duties allotted him, while great assistance had been rendered by the Town Clerk and other employees. He was pleased to say that progress had been made and the Borough work was not going back. He quoted the cemetery, for instance, where a short time ago there was not a yard of concrete footpaths, and now thc-y had chains of concrete down. In conclusion he s&id it was very pleasing to him to know Ihat his leadership had given satisfaction. Cr. Downes, in proposing the toa;t of the chairman of the Building Committee (Cr. E. J. S. Spencer) complimented him on the manner in which he had supervised the carrying out of the repairs and additions to the Municipal Buildings, which, he said, reflected great credit on him. The work had

been executed well within the estimate

and he did not think the worst of the critics could find fault, and he felt sure after making an inspection all would agree that the work was a credit in every way. In Cr. Spencer they have one of tiie best workers on the Council. Cr Spencer replying, thanked Cr. Downes for the compliment he had paid him. He said he was pleased with the result, which he thought would appeal to ■vveryone. Ho had been confident at the commencement that the work could be done for the money and he had publicly voiced his opinion to that effect, lietherefore recognised that he owed a duty to the people of Shannon to see ' that the scheme did not exceed the es- ' timate. In conclusion, he thanked his | colleagues on the Building Committee j for the assistance they had given him. j The gathering was brought to a close j by all present joining- hands and singi ing "Auld Lang Syne."