NEW ARTS BUILDING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18838, 13 October 1924, Page 8

NEW ARTS BUILDING.

QOOD PROGRESS WITH WORK

LARGE NUMBER OF WORKMEN.

Over 130 men are now employed in the construction of the University College Arts Building in Princes Street. At no previous time has so large a number been engaged on the work, which may be taken as an indication of the desire of the contractors, the Fletcher Construction Company, Ltd., to complete the building at the earliest possible date. To walk through the various floors and note the stage of construction arrived at affords conclusive proof of the magnitude of the work. In various sections the operations are very well advanced. Particularly does this apply to the central part of the edifice, or, as it is known, the rotunda. On the quadrangle, or lowest floor, the whole of the rotunda columns are nqw completely covered in with moulded Oamaru stone. Metal angle beads i>.nd picture rails have been fitted on this floor, and the work now practically is ready for the plasterer!!. If more euch tradesmen were available there would be a greater expedition wii;h the work. On the ground floor level of the rotunda, where the main entrance will be, the masons have begun to cover the 16 columns with Oamaru stone, moulded to a simplo, but artistic design. When this part of the structure is completed it will undoubtedly be one of the finest entrances to a public building to be found anywhere in thß Dominion. The floor will be of the highest quality of mosaic,. This has been made in London by one of the leading films, which specialise in such work. It is expected to arrive in Auckland shortly, but, naturally, it will not be laid in position until all other work in the building bus practically been completed. The groined ceiling in the entrance hall will be finished in Keen cement, with flat Sanels and moulded ribs, to match the esign of the columns. Between the moulded panels and ths top of the columns there will be elaborate caps. Carpenters are now busy in the library, and work is well advanced. The ceiling is of fibrous plaster supported by massive built-up beams of rimu, leading from curved, Oamaru st-one corbels. These beams, most of which measure 12in. by Bin., are an imposing feature of the library. In this apartment, which extends through the height of two floors, dignity, solidity and simplicity are the ruling notes, From the level of the tourelle floor to the steel look-out grating in the tower a spiral 'staircase has been fitted. From that elevation to the level of the clock position a steel ladder is installed. A marvellous panoramic view over sea anjJ country is to be obtained from this altitude.