NEW ANCHOR BUILDING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 February 1928, Page 8

NEW ANCHOR BUILDING

FINE SHIPPING OFFICES The handsome exterior appearance of the new building that has been erected at the Port for Uic Anchor Shipping and Foundry Company does riot belie an interior which comprises a very fine suite of offices. The new building is on the .site previously occupied by the Union Steam Shipping Company's old offices, and a portion of steel-framed windows, giving the total area covered being 56ft by 40ft. It is two stories high, erected in reinforced concrete, with certain portions faced with pressed brick. The building is designed on comparatively plain lines, but, with its parts well arranged and of good proportions, is quite an imposing structure. The design is materially enhanced by the inclusion of a large proportion of steel-framed windows, giving the building a cheerful appearance. By these, too, is ensured ample light and air to every part. A further pleasing effect, especially from the interior, has been gained by the inclusion of several iarge lead-lights designed bv the architect (Air A. R. Griffin). The main entrance is from Wakefield Quay, and leads to a spacious public office, access from the outer vestibule thereto by means of swing doors. Lying directly before one on entering is a”circular counter, at the back of which are arranged the various offices in which the work directly connected with the public is carried on. These comprise what are known as passages, claims, freight, manifesting, and wharf offices, the last-named having an extra entrance direct from the road leading to the wharf. The strong-room, and a large bicycle room for the clerks, occupy the remainder of the ground floor. A roomy staircase leads from the public office to the upper floor, and the passage from the top landing of this, leads direct to the manager’s and chief clerk s offices. Other offices on this floor are the invoicing, ledger, auditor’s, and typists’ roojns. A large stationery room is also provided... The offices have been very carefully arranged so that all those in which work is regularly carried on receive the benefit of the sun for a good portion of the day. The building is heated by what is known as the central heating system, hot water flowing from a coke-heated boiler, through a series of radiators placed at the various points required, and ensuring a pleasant, even Warmth throughout. Lavatory accommodation is conveniently placed, and is on up-to-date lines. The floors to the public office, manager’s, and chief clerk’s offices, and passage thereto, are covered with "Rublino tiles, recommended for their good wearing qualities and artistic appearance. An important matter not overlooked, Is provision for convenient access to the roof, part- of which is flat. This will enable the manager and members of his staff to make a survey of the bay (from a height of about 32ft from the road level), in respect of the company s vessels approaching port, or the weather conditions. , . , r The architect for the building is Mr A. R. Griffin, of Nelson; and the contractors Robertson Bros., Ltd., Nelson. H. J. Savage and Sons carried out the painting and glazing woi l k. The plumbing was done by W. All electrie lighting work was put in by the Company's own electricians. Speaking to a “Mail” reporter yesterday the architect, said he wished to specially compliment the contractors on the splendid job they had done From the plastering downwards everything had been carried out with first-cl;|BS workmanship. i