D.—l.

APPENDIX C.

ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT.

The Government Abchitect to the Hon. the Minister of Public Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Architectural Branch for the year ended 31st March, 1940. During the year plans were prepared for 558 buildings of an estimated value of £1,698,266, and contracts totalling £872,290 have been let. Contracts to the value of £573,584 for buildings designed prior to Ist April, 1939, have also been let, making the total value of building contracts let during the year £1,445,874. In addition to the above, buildings have been designed by other branches in Head Office and by District Offices in connection with railway construction, main highways, hydro-electric works, and other activities of this Department. The most outstanding feature of the year's work of this branch was the large amount of work undertaken in connection with the erection and fitting-up of aerodromes, camps, &c., consequent on the outbreak of war. The enlistment for overseas service of a number of the staff has added to the work of those left, and I am pleased to report that the programme of work has been adhered to with gratifying results. ' The enthusiasm and co-operation of builders and merchants has enabled this office to record an output unparalleled in its history. These special works have not interfered unduly with the regular work of the branch. A constant endeavour has to be maintained to make use of such materials as are available, and much ingenuity is often called upon to avoid using imported materials. Appended is a schedule of works, which includes maintenance work and contracts prepared in the various District Offices. Vice-regal. Auckland.--Minor alterations, renovations, and general maintenance were carried out. Department op Agriculture. Auckland.—At Ruakura alterations to the farm office building, the erection of a laboratory and residence, and electrical additions were completed, while maintenance and minor interior additions were carried out at Te Kauwhata. Stratford. —Alterations and renovations to a cottage at Flock House, Bulls, are in hand. Wellington.—Erection of a new dormitory block at Feilding Agricultural College was completed, while steady progress was made with the new Animal Health Laboratory, Wallaceville. Christchurch. —A laboratory, sleeping-quarters, and sheep-yards were built at Kirwee, while renovations and additions were carried out at five other buildings. Air Department. Auckland.—All the works mentioned in my last report, together with eighteen new buildings, were completed, at Hobsonville, while at Whenuapai three buildings are in progress and two others were completed. Temporary accommodation was erected at Musick Point, and a commencement made with the residences and single men's quarters. An anemometer mast and buildings were erected at Mangere. Stratford. —Good progress was made with the building programme at New Plymouth, and at the end of the year practically all the major buildings were completed. Wellington.—ln addition to completing the thirty-five buildings which were in hand at the end of last year, many new buildings were commenced at Ohakea, and speedy progress was made with their construction. At Weraroa ten buildings were erected, contracts were arranged for an additional three, and alterations to various existing buildings were carried out. Nelson.—A car-shelter was erected at Nelson Aerodrome, while at Woodbourne forty-five buildings were completed and a further twelve are in progress. Greymouth.—An aeradio-station was completed and one hutment provided at Jackson's Bay. Christchurch. —Twenty-eight buildings were completed and sundry alterations, improvements, and additions carried out at Wigram. At Harewood seventeen buildings were built, together with latrines, garages, and sheds. Dunedin.—The temporary timber hangar mentioned in my last report was completed, together with fifteen additional buildings and several garages and stores.

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