KEW HOSPITAL

Southland Times, Issue 22498, 7 December 1934, Page 5

KEW HOSPITAL

WORK ON THIRD STOREY RESERVOIR COMPLETED. The dignified lines and pleasing proportions of the large new hospital at Kew are now becoming more apparent. Work is proceeding steadily on the third and final storey, and it is expected that the brick-work and concrete piers will have been finished by the end of this month. The roof structure is now on the operating block, while much of the rest of the roof will also be on by Christmas. All of the principals (roof beams) are Up on the operating block and the rest are ready for lifting. The concrete reservoir for supplying the hospital with water is now completed. The reservoir measures 40 feet by 66 feet and consists of two tanks seven feet deep. When the tanks are filled with water from the roofs of the hospital building a plentiful supply of soft water for the big steam boiler and for laundry purposes will be assured. The town water is also laid on so that there will be no risk of a shortage. The north and west sides of the reservoir have been protected by a substantial concrete wall to prevent the drift of earth and dust affecting the water. All of the earth taken out of the cavity has been tidied up and used for levelling up the adjoining ground. Spoil has also been deposited on the new service roadway from the rear, the formation of which has been completed preparatory to gravelling. The second floor presented a scene of activity yesterday, most of the workmen being concentrated there. The clerk of works (Mr A. Cowan) conducted a reporter over the building so that he might gain an insight into the progress being made. The concreting has been well done, largely owing to the help of a big crane operated by a 25-horsepower electric motor. This crane, which possesses a 70-foot jib, brings up concrete in IJton lots, reaching the third store} without any difficulty. A concrete band is being made right round the third store} 7 of the building. From the elevation of the third floor a fine view of the pleasing hospital surroundings may be obtained. The estuary can be seen in the distance beyond the native bush flanking the southern side of the area, where are the fever hospital, sanatorium, manager’s residence and other cottages. Altogether the site is one most calculated to give benefit to hospital patients. All of the timber has been neatly stacked ready for use, and is thoroughly dry. The slates are also ready for placing on the roof as soon as it is on. The area should present a scene oi great activity at the beginning of next year.