THE NEW CATHEDRAL

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 23

THE NEW CATHEDRAL

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS. It is a little over two years since the actual work of erecting the new Anglican Cathedral in the Octagon was commenced. It is evident to anyone now that the -building of the nave, which is the first stage of this extensive undertaking, is nearing completion. The contractors have been fortunate in the matter of labour, and have been able to keep the work moving on steadily at a satisfactory rate. At present all the side walls of the nave, including the clerestory windows, are finished up to their total height, complete with flying buttresses and pinnacles. The next operation to be gone on' with will be the putting in of the roofing timbers, after which the vaulting of the nave will be commenced. This work is of particular interest, as no vaulting on any considerable scale has ever been undertaken before in New Zealand. It is one of the most important parte) of the whole structure, arid as there is a clear span of 30ft from pillar to pillar, it will have an imposing effect. The roofing slates were ordered about two years ago. and after such delay the contractors had very little hope that they would ever come to hand. It was a pleasant surprise, therefore, when the green American "slutee required suddenly made their appearance during the recent holidays. The great east window (40ft in height), facing the Octagon, is now complete, and the main front gables and turrets will shortly be gone on with. The front steps are to be built of white Ne\v Zealand marble, simpler to the material being used in the Houses of Parliament. Provision has been made for two massive pedestals on which may ultimately be placed commemorative statues to mark the conclusion of peace. Before tho scaffolding can be taken down and a comprehensive view of tho stvwcture obtained, there is much cleaning down and painting work to be done, nnd all the stone work has to bo coated with preservative. Several of the aisle win'dows have already been arranged for as stained glass memorials, and it is anticipated that others will bo utilised in similar manner. Owing to tho impossibility of getting copper, the aisle i-oofs have been constructed of reinforced concrotj covered with Neuchatel asphalt. and thus a much better and more permanent roof has been secured. Tho local architect (Mr B. B. Hooper) anticipates that the nave, which will accommodate 800 or 900 people, will be ready for use about tho middle of the year, but it, is possible that the glass for the windows may cause delay. The plan is to add to tho nave a temporary chancel partly con-

structod out of materials from tho old church, and in it will bo placed most of tho stained gla.sa windows from the old church. Tho nave and temporary chancel will complete tho structure for the time being, and it can be used in that form until it is found possible to go on with the remainder of the plan.