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APPENDIX C ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT The Government Architect to the Hon. the Minister of Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Architectural Division for the year ended 31st March, 1946 : During the year and in conformity with the reorganization of the Department this Division has decentralized to three zones, each including two engineering districts, and District Architects have been appointed and staffs set up in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, whilst Resident Architects, acting under these main centres, have also been established at Hamilton, Palmerston North, and Dunedin. The results have been beneficial to all concerned and greater efficiency and expedition in the handling of works is already evident. Details of a full establishment to give 100 per cent, service to the Government have been drawn up, but it is expected that some time will elapse before this objective can be reached, as the necessary skilled and experienced staff, both professional and technical, as is common in other activities, is not yet available. However, training schemes are in operation both for new appointees and rehabilitation assistance for returned soldiers, and it is expected that a flow of these young men will be progressively coming forward with benefit to the architectural work of the Government and the Department. Training of apprentices and building overseers is also being taken in hand, and it is expected to build up a division of highly trained supervisory and inspectoral staff to fully and adequately supervise all building construction work, which will ensure that our plans and specifications are properly carried out. Working drawings were prepared for buildings of a total value of £563,2-31. In addition, sketch plans were prepared for buildings and ancillary works of a total value of £1,103,139. Wherever possible and when suitable, use has been made of buildings erected for Service purposes and prefabricated steel huts ex-Pacific, the records and information of the War Assets Realization Board being available for this purpose. My officers are also called upon to assist with professional advice and technical investigations in connection with earthquake damage and restorations, with the Commissioner of Works, the War Assets Realization Board, the Standards Institute, the War Damage Commission, with research work, and schemes submitted to the Local Government Loans Board for report and "examination. The closest liaison is maintained with the Administration, Engineering, and the Housing Divisions, whose officers co-operate with mine in a most satisfactory manner, their services being utilized to the full in a consultant capacity. In addition to certain defence works, costing about £396,000, the following works were carried out: — Department of Agriculture.—Accommodation has been provided for the Animal Research Station at Manutuke, near Gisborne, and a library block fitted up at Ruakura Animal Research Station. A small animal laboratory is in hand at Wallaceville ; office accommodation has been provided for Plant Research at Hall's farm and the installation of agitators and alterations to existing plant undertaken at Te Kauwhata Winery. Renovations have been carried out to the Stock Inspector's residence at Lumsden, and alterations to the Stock Inspector's residence at Otautau are in hand.

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