A GREAT MODERN NEWSPAPER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10127, 9 May 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

A GREAT MODERN NEWSPAPER.

NEW ZEALAND JOURNALISTIC

ENTERPRISE.

THE HERALD NEW BUILDINGS.

A MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE,

PINAL COMPLETION AND OCOU.

PATION.

It is just three years since the proprietors of the New Zealand Herald decided to go forward with an outorpiise thoy had long boon preparing for, namely, tho erec* tion of one of the largest, finest, and hostequippod modern newspaper offices in tho world, and to devote the wholo of tho then existing brick premises to tho large and rapidly-expanding goneral printing and manufacturing business. They were not shaken in their determination to proceod with the work by the great banking crisis in Australia, which just then threatened to extend to New Zealand, but showed their firm belief in the future prosperity of this colony, and of Auckland in particular, by embarkiug upon a very large expenditure of capital, ab a period when a most serious financial panic existed in tho neighbouring colonies. ,

To carry out tho scheme of expansion referred to, three adjoining sections of land, with buildings upon them, had boon gradually acquired ; ono am ill building having beon occupied for a number of years as a publishing office, whilab ono was an auction room, and the other was formerly known as the Board of Education promises, all of which were romovod to make room for the new structure. Those sections adjoin the original Herald buildings in Wyndhamstreet, so that) the pile of buildings now atanding, and covoring a total area of 13,485 feet, has threo frontages to Queen-street, ono to Wyndham-strcot, and one to Mills's Lano—which give ample light and free access bo tho immense structure.

For the building just completed an architect of great reputation and skill, who had had tho special experience of erecting a motlorn newspaper office, was selected for the purpose of drawing the plans and designs, and another architect was appointed to carry out the work, with power to modify, alter, or change tho plana and details if required, so that even as tho work progressed there might be improvements effected if those wore found possible, under the guidance and experience of the two architects.

The comprehensive building scheme docided upon was placed in tho hands of Mr. Mansfield, of Sydnoy,F.R.Lß. A., who drew tho plans, and the carrying out of the work was ontrustod to Mr. Arthur P. Wilson, of Auckland.

The first contract was lot to Mr. James Heron, on Juno 1, 1893, and although some portions of the promises wero completed and occupied a year ago, the wholo of the internal fittings and changes havo only just been finished, whilst tho furnishing is not yot quite completed. The cost of tho new promises and the alterations made, havo involved an expenditure of from £21,000 to £22,000.