RENOVATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 22, 26 January 1934, Page 5

RENOVATION.

CHIEF POST OFFICE. many alterations. MORE SPACE AND LIGHT. I " " In many respects tlie Chief Post Offica is undergoing a transformation as a result of the comprehensive scheme of renovation which is now in progress. Apart from conserving a State asset and enhancing thfe appearance of the city's most imposing public building, the alterations will provide more space and light, as well as increased facilities

and convenience for the general public. It will take several months to complete , the undertaking, and at a later date . appropriate steps will he taken to preserve the exterior stonework ot the structure. . ~ , The surface of the roof of tlie post office has been recooked and relaid. In wet weather trouble was experienced with leakages, but this difficulty will not be encountered now that the ar has been resurfaced. The concrete base was coat-limed, then lined with liessian, and finally given two coats of hot-mix. Long-needed coats of paint were to the whole of the light area, and the effect on the rooms which face this extensive space has been remarkable. The reflections of the natural light ha\e been creatly accentuated, and the offices forming the quadrangle are now receiving the full benefit of them. Similarly, the treatment accorded the six domes in the main space of the building has considerably improved the natural light- . ing of the public office, and the newlyinstalled electric lights are required for use at night only. Non-Slip Steps. Largely with the idea of preventing accidents, fresh carborundum nosing ,re being fitted to the three flights ot iteps which lead to the main lobby, ind also to those leading to the m ° n ®y irder and savings hank office and to the private box lobby. The nosings as tow fitted, will retain their rough sur-

face,, and provide what is regarded as being a practically noil-slip or non-skid step. As well known, almost, as tlie buildino- itself, the four electric light standards on the frontage have been painted and fitted with new globes. The fia ' nl r of each window are being picked out in white, and when the stonework ultimately treated the effect should be distinctive. Fresh coats of maroon paint have been given to the slot telephon boxes, and the woodwork inside is to be restained. The collapsible lobby steps are to be repainted to tone with the colour of the telephone cabinets. In the private box lobby the boxes themselves have been painted green and the numbers picked out in white to ma -e them the mire readily Previously the numbers were ,n b.«ue, j with a background of nearly the sai , shade. |

Relieving Congestion. Ther» have been many changes in the interior renovation. Tiles and marble are being cleaned, woodwork counters are to be sanded and polished, and all the walls are being stained or painted The public office is already taking on < brio-liter appearance, and the altera ions now in process are designed as well to relieve congestion in the rush hours. The stamp rotunda and the desks which embraced the four pillars have been permanently removed. They will be: le placed by two double rows of wntm desks, containing 52 compartments and running at right angles to the main entrance. Their situation inside the nillars will give a clear passageway from the door to the telegraph and toll counters. Stamps are now sold at tliiee divisions of the circular counter on the left-hand side of the public entrance. In addition to adding considerably to the space available for the transaction by business by the public, the Department is instituting a new system of indication signs of the suspended .riass panel indicator, so populai with the large department stores. The lettering is raised, and picked out in white and gokl on a dark background and the position of suspension will such that each notice will catch the eye : immediately the main space is entered. The work, which is being carried out : bv the Department's own staff, was , commenced about two months ago, and • it is expected that several months will ! elapse before it is completed.