FARMERS' INSTITUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10027, 19 July 1918, Page 7

FARMERS' INSTITUTE

NEW BUILDINGS DESCRIBED.

Among the many new buildings ■ that are to grace the Wellington of the near future is that now in course of erection at the corner of Featherston and Ballance streets. Farmers for a long time have felt the need of a permanent instituto in the ijmpire city, and tho Dominion Farmers' Institute decided to proceed with the work without delay. It is about twelve months Bince tho erection of the building was commenced by the woll-kuown building, firm of Fletcher. Brothers, and it will be at least eight months before the structure is completed. Considev- ; ing the difficulty in securing materials land labour, tho progress mado is comi mendable. One of tho most pressing needs of the farmers was a. suitable j meeting-place. In response to a re- , quest by the Institute, the contractors ! agreed to have the conference hall j completed in timo for the conference of i the New Zealand Council of Agriculture, which opened on • Wednesday.When completed, the ■ building will consist of seven stories and a basement, and will be of reinforced concrete; with a flat roof. Tho front elevation, facing Feathcrston and Ballance streets,. is in tho Gothic style, freely treated with the introduction 'of the most modern ideas. The buiktj ing will rest on a total area of 12,2fcU : square feet, there being 52 feet to Feathcrston 6 trwot, 92 feet to Ballance street, and 172 feet' to Jiaginnity:street. . . The' interior is to be fitted up ,to provide all city conveniences for fanners, such as meeting-places, offices and warehouses, and rooms will be lot to all tho different branches of farming. For the period of tho war feho three top floors will bo used to help solve tuo wool storage problem, and when matters become normal after the war the two top floors will be furnished tas a farmers' club. Tho warehouse portion will be ready for tho storage of wool insido two months. Tbe_ offices will be situated on tho three" lower floors. There will be all the latest lavatory and strong-mum a ceo-, mmodation. The conference hull, which measures 45 feet by 40 feet, is: on the ground floor, and is well fitted up, and will be very suitable for meetings and conferences. There is no doubt that when completed the building wlill be one of the finest structures in' Wellington, and will serve the farming community for many years 'to come. The total coat will auproaeu £60,000. Tho architects are Messrs Collins and Harman, of Ohristchuroh.