BIG PURCHASE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 12 April 1926, Page 9

BIG PURCHASE.

NEW ZEALAND OFFICES IN LONDON. Hy Cable—Press Aseoetation—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Asroiun.ion. LONDON, April f). Tho New Zealand Government is paying £.200,001) for the medical buildings, elates Air J. Phillips, auctioneer. The purclu.se is now complete, apart, from legal formalities. The value will lie greatly enhanced when the widening of the Strand is completed. Tim building consists of eight /lours, including a public eincniu in the basement, which is being utilised for displaying films of New Zealand lilc and Hidnstries. iM r .Massey inspected and approved of flic building in 1923, and .Mr Coates brought to a conclusion the agreement, to purchase, utter three years’ negotiations, which were marked by several serious hitches. New Zealand's purchase of the British Medical Council's building, lias rcv.ved i.lio controversy concerning i lie propriety of Epstein's eighteen statuettes studding the facade of the first floor. Wears ago there was strong objection on tho ground that they should not '■ome under the public gaze, and were more tit for a scientific gallery. Questions were oven asked in Parliament. It is underslood New Zealand does not Intend to interfere with the figures, which are now heavily grime coated.