DEVONPORT SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23429, 19 August 1939, Page 19

DEVONPORT SCHEME

NEW COUNCIL CHAMBERS OLD POST OFFICE BOUGHT EARLIER PROJECTS RECALLED Negotiations for the purchase by the Devonport Borough Council of the old post office in Victoria Road have been concluded with the Public Works Department at a price in the vicinity of £3300. When the negotiations are officially confirmed by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Sample, it is the intention of the council to have the building remodelled for use as its future offices. The deal represents the culmination of several attempts by Devonport's municipal authorities to improve their council facilities. The present building has been in use for approximately _ 50 vears, and the need for new premises lias been realised for a considerable period. Several loan proposals tor new chambers have been placed before the ratepayers, but these have been defeated at the polls. Plans were recently prepared for an attractive structure on the present site, but when they were submitted to the Local Government Loans Board the terms of loan repayment imposed were regarded as too stringent and the scheme was dropped. The proposal to purchase the old post office was formulated when Devonporfr"s new post office was first mooted, but negotiations were then not possible. A new approach was later instituted with the present successful result.

Funds to meet »the purchase price are already in hand from the disposal of land to the Government for State houses at Narrow Neck. For the sections sold the' borough received £SIOO, so a balance of £IBOO is available for remodelling and furnishing the building now purchased.