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APPENDIX C. ANNUAL REPOET ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT. The Government Architect to the Hon. Minister of Public Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Architectural Branch of the Department for the year ended 30th June, 1924. During the period plans and sketches were prepared for buildings of a total estimated value of £507,995, of which works of a total value of £219,995 were carried out. A large amount of minor alterations and repairs to offices and other buildings occupied by various Government Departments, and the usual maintenance work, has been carried out in all districts. A considerable quantity of furniture and fittings has been manufactured in the Public Works workshops and supplied to various Departments. In common with the building trade generally, the Department has from time to time experienced difficulty in obtaining prompt delivery of seasoned and satisfactory timber and bricks, particularly in the Wellington District, where the brickmaking plant at Wi Tako Prison has proved of great service in supplying local wants, but no serious delays in completion of works have occurred. Builders have tendered freely for Government works, and costs generally show a slightly downward tendency, while it is satisfactory to note that workmanship is gradually returning to pre-war standard. During the year this branch undertook the architectural service in connection with secondaryschool buildings throughout the Dominion, and this, together with the strong forward movement in connection with mental hospitals, has called for sustained and enthusiastic service by the staff, the personnel of which will require to be augmented in the near future; and I desire to place on record my appreciation of the loyal and efficient manner in which all have responded to the demands made upon them. The following is a schedule of the works carried out: — Government Houses. Auckland and Wellington. —General repairs and maintenance as required. Departmental Buildings. Maintenance and general upkeep of buildings, including renovations, repairs, fittings, &c, to departmental buildings in larger towns. Post-offices, etc. Whangarei District. —Additions, repairs, &c., were carried out to eighteen post-offices. An additional room was built at Ohaoawai, and a motor-garage and benzine-store erected at Whangarei. Auckland District. —General repairs, renovations, and alterations have been carried out to fifty-six post-offices; now post-offices have been erected, and fittings supplied, at Ohinewai, Oncwhero, Pukemiro, Waharoa, Waimauku, Waitoa, and Silverdale ; extensive additions have been made at Pukckohe ; and a new shed for lineman erected at Papakura. Taumarunui District. —Renovations have been carried out to six post-offices ; a new post-office erected at Kopaki ; and additions made to Ohura and Piopio Post-offices. Tauranga District. —Repairs and painting were carried out at Whakarowarewa ; additions at Matata, Mokai, Taneatua, Te Puke, and Rotorua ; and a new post-office erected at Ngongotaha. Gisborne District. —Alterations and additions to Tokomaru Bay Post-office were completed ; a new garage and benzine-store erected at Opotiki, and water-supply installed. Renovations were carried out 1,0 six post-offices. Stratford District. —Renovations and repairs were carried out to twenty-three post-offices ; extensive additions and alterations were done at New Plymouth, Tnglewood, Hawera, Wanganui, and Hunterville ; a new lineman's cottage was erected at Awakino ; large new post-offices in brick completed at Stratford, and Patea ; and a new post-office is in course of erection at Ohingaiti. Napier District. --Renovations and repairs were carried out to ten post-offices. Wellington District. —The new Automatic-telephone Exchange, Stout Street, Wellington, is also nearing completion. The building consists of three stories and basement in brick and reinforced concrete, with a steel frame. The wiring for light and power is being carried out by the Department. A large brick motor-garage, store, repair-shop, &c, have been erected on the post-office site at Palmerston North. New post-offices in wood have been erected at Pongaroa and Tinui, and the large brick post-office at Dannevirke was completed in December. Electric wiring for the latter was carried out by the Department, and furniture and fittings supplied. Extensive additions and alterations were carried out to several post-offices, and renovations and repairs to a large number of post-offices in the district.