FREEMASON'S HALL, E.G., WARKWORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6750, 6 July 1883, Page 6

FREEMASON'S HALL, E.G., WARKWORTH.

The following is a description of the building, which is one of the best halla north of Auckland, and would be no discredit to any city in the colony, and eminently suited in every way for the purposes of masonry for many. years to come. The building has a frontage of 30 feet to Wharf-street, by a depth oE 60 feet, with walls fourteen feet high from iloor to springing of roof. Outside is a base projecting three inches from face of wall. Thestyleofthebuildingisof acomposite character, the front having rusticated quoins at angles supporting an lonic entablature, in the centre of which is a pedament flanked on eiither side with blind balustrades and pedestals. The outside pedestals are surmounted with a splendid ball on each. In the centre of the pediment is a circular louvre, with a rectangular one at the back gable for ventilation. Round the front louvre is a ribbon with the device Masonic Hall, and date of erection formed with raised letters. The entrance is gained by a flight of three stopa (concrete finished off with Portland cement), on the landing of which is erected an open porch, composed of two Corinthian columns.supporting an entablature with sequrental pediment, enriched with modillions, &c. On the either side of porch, the front of the building is pierced with a circular-headed window with pedimented hoods supported by carved trusses. Upon entering the buiding there is a vestibule ten feet by six feet six inches, with an ante-room on either side, ten feet by ten feet six inches, with doors opening into the main hall. The size of the hall is forty-eight feet by twenty-eight feet six inches, and is lighted by three circular-headed windows on the two sides. The height from floor to ceiling is ninteen feet. The ceiling over the two ante-rooms and vestibule will form the floor for gallery, if required at any future time. The roof (gabled) is composed of wrought 9x4 principals and collar, and tied together with one inch iron tie king rods. On the rafters are checked down 5 inches by 3 inches wrought and chamfered purlins, and the whole is covered with 9xl wrought-tongued and beaded boards. In the three alternate divisions of ceiling ventilators are formed of frets with Masonic devices. Hound the rooms, vestibule, and hall, a dado, four feet high is formed, with 6 inches by 1 inch wrought-tongued and jointed boards with cap and bars. The interior of roof and also dado are varnished, and the rest of the walls and ventilators are relieved by being painted a bluish tint. The architraves and doors are grained, and the outside painted in imitation of stone. The structure is of wood, with 6x2 studs covered outside with 9xl wrought rusticated boards, and the roof is shingled. The hall will be lighted by two chandeliers, and eight reflecting side lights. The sittings are on a new principle, convenient and comfortable. In the hall, over the door leading from the vestibule is a very handsome clock, presented by Mr. Howden, Watchmaker, Shortland-street, and is both ornameiital and useful. The ante-rooms will also be lighted by reflecting side lights, and suitably furnished. The building was designed and superintended by Mr. W. H. Skinner, Architect, Auckland; the contractor being Mr. James Clayden, of Mahurangi. The principal graining and varnishing was done by Mr, William Felton, painter, Ponsonby. The entire cost paid to the contractor, including extras, was £664.—[Own Correspondent.]