PREMIER'S RESIDENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22822, 1 September 1937, Page 13

PREMIER'S RESIDENCE

NO. 10 DOWNING STREET IMPORTANT ALTERATIONS HOUSE BEING MODERNISED (Received August 31, 6.5 pjn.) | British Wireless RUGBY, Aiiffust 80 In the absence on holiday of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Chamberlain, alterations and renovations ' are proceeding at No. 10 Downing Street. They include the building of another main staircase, but the existing one, which ends at the first floor., is being retained in its present form in view of its intrinsic beauty. The electrical installations are being overhauled and considerably extended, since much of the present power and lighting system is out of date. Thermostatic control also is being introduced to regulate the temperature in important rooms, and the central heating plant is being modernised and extended. The house was considerably enlarged and reconditioned by the noted architect Kent in the middle of the 18th century. Alterations were also carried out by Sir John Soa;ne in the ea.rly part of the 19th century. Minor changes from time to time have been made since, but in many respects, judged by modern standards, the house was inconvenient for the purposes it serves.