A Stately Movement to Auckland's Construrtional Skill

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 187, 9 August 1930, Page 13

A Stately Movement to Auckland's Construrtional Skill

THE new Masonic Temple in St. Benedict's Street bids fair to rank high among Auckland's architectural gems. The stately simplicity of its design renders it highly distinctive from the more ornate structures that have been built, in Auckland during recent years. , Most of the credit for its appearance and worth as an architectural achievement must go to the builders, H. C. Curlett Construction Company, of Ellerslie, who was the J principal contractor for the entire building. Although this is a remarkable example of a builder's ability to carry out in spirit, as well as in specification, the original design of a building, it is not unusual in view of the previous achievements of this firm of contractors. In gaining the contract for this work, Mr. Curlett'js past/ endeavours were borne in mind. Such important works. ■as Seddon Memorial Technical College,, Mount Eden Normal School, v Nurses' Home, Mental Hospital, Tokaanui, Kihikihi, are'among his many successes. This new Masonic Temple is. merely .the., most recent of a chain of sterling architectural aria general constructional works. . .' . , , . . . '~.. : ! '.

The Backbone of the Building. . The;-: 'used' in' the; .actual construction arid ornariiental facing work of this•;■;;building;' • was ty McCallum Brothers, the rioted' vendors of all building materials. One': of the many reasons why •Mr. Curlett in particular, and other builders, chose McCallum 'Brothers' red shingle, is because of the exhaustive and consistent tests this material undergoes to ensure the absolute purity essential for. modern constructional work. Being selected from the best beaches and shingle deposits available, and receiving a rigid refining process, this sand and shingle is eminently suitable, and chosen by most architects, and contractors for any important building work. McCallum Brothers, Ehdean's Buildings, are willing at any time to provide lowest quotations for any quantity of builders' materials; : ~ ; P ■ : Modem Features'. myPlii^mg. An. interesting example ofi what..the modern plumber is capable may lie-seen iri ithis new building; W. Mattson, ./of". Onslowßoad, Ellerslie'is' responsible for.a.superb illustration • of modern, plumbing installation in ; the Masonic Temple; : ; Careful, conscientious workmanship, coupled 'with the use ;df the finest materials,, has enabled this man to produce; a.seryice of which the contractor'must beUproud. In; placing the plumbing contract inMif. Mattson's hands, Mr. Curlett has betrayed,. marked, confidence in plumber, ; and,- from the standard of work, musti have 'earned pardonable pride in his judgment. "\ Initsainobfrusive efficiency, the pluriibing : ;ahd drainage, \york of this building provides: testimonial, to the fine staridard. tv of servide ;of ; which Mr. Mattson is jpapable: He•".' is to. ,be congratulated ori his sterling achievement. . . Striking Oma)^oallrd% : Wbrk^ A feature .which irrimediately Strikes; the visitor as very, novel is! the fine iron; v balustrading work in the ; ■ Masonic Temple, Used as relief to the severe: Doric columns the effect; is;at once harmonious y6t contrasting. This modern iron; work by W. A. Stephenson, of the Stanley Iron Works, Stanley Street. In addition to the ornamental iron work, Mr. Stephenson also fitted all the reinforcing steel work in the building. But the stair rails., and balustrading are the more apparent'successes of this firm. It gives much -credit to Auckland industries to see such fine specimeris of ornamental iron work in a building of such perfect taste in architectural design and interior' decoration. No more emphasis need be placed;upon Mr. 'Stephen- ; son's work than the facti that the work is the ■ product of an Up-to-date plant of modern machinery manned by skilled craftsmen.