THE PUBLIC TRUST DEPARTMENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 25 October 1912, Page 5

THE PUBLIC TRUST DEPARTMENT.

NEW OFFICES IN HAWERA

The new offices which have been erected at the corner of High and Caledonia streets for the Public rJßru6t Department in Hawera mark another stage in the progress of the town. For many years tne business of the department was carried on in this district by Mr C. A. Budge, as agent for the Public Trustee. But the work grew from a small beginning to something very substantial, and" the department "found that, in order to cope with the increasing volume of business, it would be necessary to open a branch office here. Offices were taken in Union street in April, 1911, where a staff of five, including the manager, were kept busily employed. But the department soon decided to erect permanent offices of its own, and if accordingly acquired a site and called for tenders for the erection of commodious offices in brick. Messrs Campbell and Burke, of Wellington, secured the contract, and a few days ago completed it.

The building is of old Roman design, and makes rather an imposing structure. It is plastered in white, inside and out, and the entrance to the main vestibule is decorated, with two Roman columns. On entering the public office one finds a large, ventilated room, 31ft' by 22ft-, well lighted, in which the clerks are at work. The office is provided with a beautiful circular counter, and there is ample room between it and the vestibule- The manager's room is on the left of the public office, and measures 14ft. by 16ft. An office for the typists is off the public office, and measures 13ft- by 13ft. A vestibule for the use of Maoris is placed at the Caledonia street entrance to the main office. In addition to the rooms mentioned, there is a large strong room, while the other appointments, lavatories, etc., are of the latest designs. The building i 6 lighted by electricity. Messrs. Hoggard and Prouse, of Wellington, were the architects. The offices cost £1,700, and are a credit to tJjte Department and to the town. The building should meet the requirements &f the district for many years to come.