OFFICES AT DRILL HALL

Southland Times, Issue 23438, 19 February 1938, Page 12

OFFICES AT DRILL HALL

NO REMOVAL FOR SHOW PURPOSES Some time ago the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association made application to the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) for the removal from their present position of the departmental offices at the Drill Hall and asked for the erection of new offices on the northern side of the building. With this alteration it was hoped to increase the amount of space within the hall for show purposes. “The offices as they stand occupy practically a third of the floor space of the building,” said the secretary (Mr A. L. Adamson) at yesterday’s meeting of the association. “It was thought that we might avail ourselves of further room but a reply has been received from the Minister advising that it is impossible to accede to the association’s” request. “I have looked into the matter and find that the offices and store-rooms were erected in their present position at considerable expense to the department, as a result of an agreement entered into with your association in 1928,” said the Minister. “I am advised that the present situation of the offices is convenient for administration. and training requirements and that their removal and re-erection on the northern side would be costly and much less convenient from the department’s point of view.”

The Minister said he regretted that it was not possible to adopt the suggestion, stating that, even if the proposal were a suitable one, funds for the purpose could not be provided.