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APPENDIX F. ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT. The Government Architect to the Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Sir,— Public Works Office, Wellington, Ist July, 1911. I have the honour to submit the following report on the various building works carried out by the Department during the year ended 30th June last: — Viceregal Residence, Wellington. — The erection of this building was practically completed in September, 1910. Various alterations, additions, and improvements to buildings connected with the main residence were carried out; a fire service was installed throughout the main building, and also a system of local fire-alarm ; the new drive and entrance-gates were completed ; extensive alterations were carried out in connection with the drainage of the main building and outbuildings. Government House, Auckland. —This building was completely repaired and renovated before His Excellency took up his residence in March last. Electric light was installed, and drainage overhauled ; minor additions were made, and an independent fire-service main brought into the building. Departmental Buildings. Auckland.- —The floors in the additions to these buildings have been ventilated between joists, with a view to preventing recurrence of decay, which was showing in some parts. A considerable amount of fittings and shelving was supplied to different Departments during the year, and certain improvements were carried out. General maintenance was duly attended to as required. Public Works Workshop, Auckland. —Drawings and specifications have been preparedlfor erection of a new workshop in brick. Te Kuiti. —These buildings were put into a thorough state of repair. Thames. —Proposals have been submitted for collecting the drainage from the whole block of Government Buildings and taking it into a septic tank, from which it would pass to the borough drainage-system. Christchurch. —A contract for the erection of this building has been let, and a commencement made with the work. Excavations for foundations have been taken out. It has been found necessary to pile these, and of the piling required about two-thirds has been driven. Stonework is being prepared. Dominion Chambers, Dunedin. —The erection of the electric elevator was completed in September, 1910. Various subdivisional partitions of suites of rooms have been put in. Invercargill. —The contract for these buildings is approaching completion. The top floor is practically finished, and plastering on the ground floor is in a forward state. It is anticipated that the building will be ready for occupation by the end of October next. Post-offices. Whangarei. —Alterations to the Telephone Bureau have been made. First-floor sanitary arrangements have been connected with the borough drainage, and similar work is now in hand in connection with the ground floor. Kawakawa. —The present post-office building, Postmaster's and lineman's quarters, were painted inside and out and thoroughly renovated. Site for a new post-office has been surveyed and plans prepared. Wireless Telegraph-station, Awanui. —Site has been surveyed and plans prepared. Kohukohu. —A new post-office has baen built, the whole section has been filled in with sea rubble, and outer places pitched with stone. Kaeo. —A contract has been let for erection of a two-storied post-office. Auckland (new Chief Post Office). —The erection of this building, which is being carried out by contract, has advanced fairly well during the past twelve months. The whole of the walls and roof are finished ; the towers are in progress, and a commencement has been made with the side arches. Brickwork is complete, and stonework is almost finished. All steelwork is finished, staircases are built, coke-breeze concrete floors have been laid, and wooden floors and inside plastering are in hand. The installation of hot-water heating service and electric lighting is under way. Auckland. —Various minor improvements and repairs have been carried out. Mount Roskill. —A new brick post-office, with quarters, was completed in November. Kingsland. —Plans were prepared and a contract let for erection of a post-office and quarters in brick. Ellerslie. —A contract has been let for erection of a brick post-office with upstairs residence. Excavations have been taken out, and a commencement made with the brickwork. Takapuna. —Plans are being prepared for a new post-office. Port Albert. —A contract for additions and repairs was completed in November. Warkwarth. —A new post-office in wood, and including quarters, is in course of erection.

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