53

D.—l

Oxford. —These buildings were thoroughly renovated. Papanui. —The erection of a new post-office is well under way and should be completed early. The work has been undertaken by our own workshops staff, on account of the tender received being far in excess of the Department's estimate. Rahaia. —General repairs to buildings were carried out and new fire-grate was supplied. Rangiora. —An addition was made to this building. Electric lighting was installed, and foundations and brickwork were repaired. Fittings and furniture for the new portion were supplied. Shirley. —This building was completed and occupied. New fittings were supplied. Sumner. —This building was thoroughly renovated and a strong-room built. A sorting-case was supplied. Sydenham. —Renovations were carried out and a gas heater supplied to the Telegraph School. Taitapu. —The fence of post-office site was set back to proper boundary-line at the request of the Halswell County Council. Temuka. —A bicycle-shed was erected and linoleum laid in post-office. Timaru. —Exceedingly good progress has been made during the year. The whole of the brickwork has been completed and roof erected. Plastering, exterior and interior, will be finished at an early date. The drainage-work was carried out, and a considerable amount of flooring laid ; this was delayed on account of the wet state of the timber. The electric wiring has been commenced by the Post and Telegraph Department. Alterations were also effected to old portion of building to make same suitable for additions. The bulk of the work yet to be done is in the interior portion of the building. Upper Riccarton. —A new building has been erected. Furniture and fittings were supplied by this Department. Waddington. —A set of letter-boxes was provided. Waiau. —Improvements to water-supply were effected. A well was sunk, piping and tank fixed. New blinds were supplied for the private quarters. Renovations and necessary repairs to lineman's quarters and store were attended to. Waimate. —Additions to this building were satisfactorily completed by the contractor. A public telephone was provided and fixed. Woolston. —Renovations were carried out and new linoleum laid. Chatham Islands Wireless Station. —The s.s. " Rama " sailed from Lyttelton on the 30th March with materials, accompanied by Inspector Hemsley and three carpenters, and a start has been made with the additions to post-office and new residence. Alexandra. —The contract for the erection of new post-office was started in October, 1920. Considerable delay was experienced in the earlier stages through difficulty in procuring timber and joinery, but it is now proceeding satisfactorily. Ranfurly. —Tenders having proved unsatisfactory for this, it was decided to construct it by day labour. A start was made in April, 1921, and for a time difficulty in procuring timber delayed progress, but it is now proceeding well. Clinton. —The provision of a new bath and tank, repairs to spouting, and cutting down of trees have been completed. Grookston. —The erection of new office has been completed. Dunedin. —Alterations have been made to money-order branch ; new strong-room, &o. New cork linoleum has been provided for money-order branch, and stairs and Postmaster's room renovated. North Dunedin. —The private quarters have been renovated and repaired. Telegraph-office, Dunedin. —A Lamson despatch-tube has been installed, and the premises generally renovated. Kaitangata. —The bureau room has been painted, and general repairs have been completed. Miller's Flat. —The alterations and additions have been completed. Owaka. —The erection of telephone bureau and conveniences for staff, and general repairs, have been completed. Port Chalmers. —This building has been repaired and renovated. Ravensbourne. —The private quarters have been renovated. Sutton. —The erection of new office has been completed. Tapanui. —Ten additional private boxes have been put in. The yard at the Postmaster's residence has been asphalted. Invercargill. —Extensive alterations were carried out in the money-order and savings-bank branch. Waikaka. —Extensive alterations and additions were made at this office. Lumsden. —A new post-office has been erected by day labour. Garston. —A new post-office has been erected by day labour. Nightcaps. —A new post-office is under construction by contract. Tuatapere. —This building has been repainted and repaired. Gore. —A storage-shed for telegraph material has been erected, and grates renewed in the postoffice. Bluff. —Miscellaneous repairs were carried out. Wyndham. —Additional private letter-boxes have been supplied, and general repairs carried out. Wairio. —Additional accommodation has been provided. Riverton. —Building has been painted, and new water-supply tanks provided. Queenstown. —The Postmaster's residence has been extensively renovated. Edeniale. —The official quarters have been repaired and renovated.