STATION TAKES SHAPE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 756, 31 August 1929, Page 1

STATION TAKES SHAPE

INTERIOR NEARING COMPLETION CONTRACTORS’ TIME EXTENDED ; the clang and rattle of steel -*- girders being placed in position has given way to a battery of hammers and chisels at the new railway station. During the past few weeks splendid I progress has been made with the building, which is now taking on its final shape. Although it was contracted that the station should be finished next February, the contractors have obtained an extension of time, and it is estimated that by next July the station will be ready for use. Even then passenger trains will not use it. Before the station can be made fully available to the travelling public the entrance roadways leading from Beach Road will have to be completed. This means that for some weeks all South-bound trains will leave from the present station and go out through the yards over the Westfield deviation. Before the main entrance to the new stadon can be completed the present main lines from the South will have to be removed. As much of the entrance roadways as possible on either side of the station will be completed before this is done and then, when the changeover comes, every available ounce of energy will be expended in finishing them. The roadways will be finished right up to the two sets of rails leading in from Newmarket, and this will leave only about two chains to be finished after the changeover. Standing at the entrance to the new station it Is now possible to visualise the spaciousness of the big building. The specially imported terracotta, which is being used for the front facing of the building, is now being put into place and looks most attractive. The four huge columns of Whangarei granite, which are a feature of the main entrance lobby, are now in position, and are boxed in to prevent them from being disfigured. The tiling of the subways is practically complete. A geometrical design has been used, the prevailing colours being brown, fawn and cream. At intervals through the subways spaces have been lett for advertising posters in the form of panels. These advertisements are to be made a feature in the same way that advertisements are featured on the English railways. The Coromandel granite facings on the outside of the building have been finished to above the first floor. Inside the building ail is industry. Floors are being concreted, and the pillars are being finished off with concrete facings. Hollow tiles are being used to divide the interior into the various rooms and offices, and this work is being pushed forward as quickly as possible. The cantilevered platform verandahs are all in position, and give a good appearance. These are unique in New Zealand, and will probably be followed when any new stations are built.