NEW POST OFFICE

Evening Star, Issue 20995, 8 January 1932, Page 8

NEW POST OFFICE

MASTER BUILDERS' VIEWS GOVERNMENT SPECIFICATIONS EXTRAVAGANT REPRESENTATIONS TO PRIME MINISTER Dunedin builders met this morning to discuss the position which has arisen as the result of the announcement of the Prime Minister that the building of the new Post Office for Dunedin is to bo indefinitely postponed. Keen disappointment was expressed by all at the decision, as it had been confidently hoped that the erection of tho building would not only give employment to a great many tradesmen out of work, but would also give other people confidence to go on with work. It was pointed out that, by the preparation of tenders, costing a great deal of time and money, for a job which was to be postponed indefinitely, builders had not been very fairly dealt with. Tenders closed on January 12, and prices would be disclosed and builders compromised to some extent. Tho suggestion that a local loan might be raised was viewed with favour by several builders, who were of the opinion that, if the Government could not find the money, an effort should be made to get the money locally, as the job meant so much to the city. It was decided to wire the Prime Minister as follows“ Respectfully suggest that closing of tenders for Dunedin Post Office be deferred for one month to enable position to be fully investigated. Members reluctant to submit tenders in view of your statement that the building would not be proceeded with.” It was pointed out that, wlnlo Mr Forbes had stated tho cost of the new buildings to be about £200,000, it would possibly cost nearer £300,000 if the Government specifications were adhered to. Members of the Builders’ Association were of the opinion that there was a good deal of extravagance in the specifications. Considerable alterations, resulting in a considerable saving, could be made in the specifications without materially altering tho plans or the building. There were such things as bronze window frames, bronze balustrading and hand rails, which could be reduced; the plumbing work and heating systems were too costly; and too much seemed to be allowed for the lifts. Further, there was a bronze coat of arms which would cost between £SOO and £7OO. Another economy could be effected in the use of new white cement in place of stone, which it was proposed in the specifications to bring from Auckland—an expensive item. In the specifications it was provided that the two bottom stories be built of granite and the remaining stories of the stone from Auckland. It was considered that a.u equally effective and just as lasting a job could be turned out by the use of white cement instead of the stone on the upper stories. _ It was decided to wire to tho Builders’ Associations in tho other centres asking for support of the representations to the Prime Minister.