NEW BUILDINGS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1921, Page 7

NEW BUILDINGS.

SOME SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURES. PROGRESS OF NEW PLYMOUTH. A steady advance in the activity in the building operations in New Plymouth is recorded from year to year, and the result is to be seen in substantial form by the number of new structures which make their appearance from time to time, and reflect the growth of the town. The studied opinion of those in close touch with the trade is that there is no falling-off. in the amount of work going on this year. New houses on the outskirts of the borough are constantly adding to the size of the residential area, and a feature noticeable is that the better class of buildings is finding favor. Recently substantial buildings which have been erected by the Taranaki Hospital Board for a nurses’ home provide a splendid asset to the town’s architecture, and the Taranaki Club have in course of erection a clubhouse which, judging from the plans, will be a distinct credit to this institution. NEW PUBLIC TRUST. Latest additions to the town’s business premises include the Public Trust offices at the corner of Queen and King Streets, and the New Zealand Insurance Company’s buildings in Devon Street.

The structure built to the order of the Public Trust Department is of solid concrete, well reinforced, and while at present only a single storey building has been erected, it is designed with a to the addition of another storey when the volume of business demands the increased accommodation. The exterior is finished in white cement, nicely lined, and has a very substantial appearance. The windows on the street frontages are of circular pattern, with ventilating hoppers. The main entrance faces King Street, and from the main doors there are large double glass swinging doors leading to a porch from which opens, on the right-hand side, a door into a waiting or interviewing room. All the interior woodwork is of heart rimu, and the oiling of the wood gives it an artistic and handsome appearance. The office fittings, which are new throughout, are all of the same character. The offices are lit and heated throughout with electricity, with the exception that fireplaces have been built in the manager’s room and in that for interviewing clients, which adjoin each other. Another important feature in connection with the building is the provision of a public eaJe deposit. A new departure in regard to business premises is the fact that t space on the section not occupied by the buildings is to be laid out in a lawn, with ornamental shrubs. FOUR-STOREY BUILDING. The first fowr-atorey building has made its appei rance in the modern offices erected 'Jy the New Zealand Insurance Company, which occupy a prominent position in Devon Street not far from the Post Office. The height to the street from the apex of the gable is 75 feet, and to the top of the flagstaff it is 100 feet. The building is of concrete and outwardly is of pleasing design. In the interior everything is substantial, but attractive. All the door fittings are of solid bronze, engraved with the company’s monogram. The walls and the ceilings are covered with white plaster, which effectively sets off the doors and other wooden fittings of oiled rimu. Where wood is used a simple style of ornamentation has been adopted. Two important features of the building from the utility point of view are absolute fire proofness and splendid lighting.

Communication between the floors is obtainable either by electric elevator or staircase. The elevator works on the automatic principle, but an attendant will be in charge of it during the daytime. The cage ia handsomely fitted up inside. The staircase runs round the elevator well, and is bounded by an iron balustrade. The steps and landings consist of red tiles, with nosings to match. In several casec suites of offices have been designed and fitted to suit the convenience of the prospective tenants, and they will be ready for occupation at the end of this month. The quarters the New Zealand Insurance Company has reserved for its own staff provide a model of office convenience and comfort. They are at the rear of the ground floor.