The New Post Office

Cromwell Argus, 15 July 1929, Page 5

The New Post Office

Since the work .i practically reconstructing the' local post office, on up-to-date line*, was put- in hand some few weeks ago, excellent progress lias been made, and with an average staff of 14 men, the contractor Mr W. Lind, has the work wen advanced to completion. In a short period—before the end of the present month—Cromwell wil have its new office, and one which should meet the requirements of the district tor some years. [The splendid progress is very gratifying when the unfavorable season of the year for concrete and plaster is considered. The building occupies a ground space of 65 feet by 33 feet, W ith the exception of the few remaining walls of the old building, the construction is of brick, nnd is divided in such a way as to make for the greatest convenience and efficiency in the work of the staff. On the frontage, the centre is set out 111 white Atlas cement, while the corners are relieved by quoins of the same material, and similar facings set out the parapet throughout, these rising to a Height of 20 feet. The main entrance is in the centre of the building and leads directly to the posting and private boxes. To the right of :ne main entrance arc two swing doors leading to the public room. 24 feet by 32 feet, wherein is also located the public telephone box. On the northeastern corner is the store room, attached to which is the postmaster's room, and on the north-western corner the exchange, considerably enlarged. The operating room takes up the balance of the space at the rear of the building and is remodelled, and located to give greater privacy than hitherto. The mailroom 'on the south-western corner has an independent entrance, and has considerable floor space, practically taking up the whole of the original building. .The inside walls are finished in granite plaster, and the ceilings are Artie pattern fibrous, a new introduction in Otago. Case- > ment windows throughout are ol ■ Amazon and Artie glazings and add appreciably to the appearance of the building. The fittings and furnishings throughout are of figured . red pine. Sanitation has been specially installed, with drainage direct to the river. For the purpose of the new building a great deal of excavation was carried out, involving- the removal ot* 1000 yards of material. T hi.: leaves ample space between the building and the rising; terrace, and the unoccupied space is all laid down m concrete. An extension or the parapet above the main entrance bears the title of the budding, smaller perhaps than might have been reasonably expected. . . 1 1 IM. The whole work is indeed a credit to the contractor and we have it unofficially that the departmental inspectors are well satisfied both with the work and its progress. Associated with Mr Lind in the work were Messrs McTaggart and Aitken, bricklayers, who erected the walls, while a familiar figure in the plaster work is Mr E. Sharp, who has previously carried out similar work in this district in a very capable manner. The painting, etc., was in the' capable hands of Messrs Orr and Burrows. Those are the details of the newpost office which has so long been urged. It is a fine building, and should meet the requirements for > some time. VVe understand that arrangements arc being made for an official opening.