FAST ERECTION OF BUILDING

Southland Times, Issue 23773, 22 March 1939, Page 4

FAST ERECTION OF BUILDING

New Social Security Office SEVEN WEEKS SPENT ON JOB OFFICIAL OPENING ON MONDAY (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 21. In tire early hours of February!2 a partially completed four-storied wooden building in Aitken street which was to house the new Social Security Department was totally destroyed by fire. Later in the same day a start was made in clearing a site in Aotea Quay in which to construct a new building. Construction work was begun on February 7. On Monday afternoon next the new buildiqg will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage). That, in brief, is the story of a remarkable achievement in building construction. A claim is made that the speed at which the building was constructed is a record for Australia and New Zealand. That claim probably can be fully substantiated. It may even be a world record, but those in charge of the job are not making that claim at present. Today, a little over seven weeks after the work of construction was actually begun, the social security building stands practically ready for occupation. All that remains to be done is to add a few finishing touches and install office fittings and furniture. Mr J. J. Craig, a director of the Fletcher Construction Company, who is in charge of the job, was asked today if the building would be ready by Monday. “Easily,” he replied. A small section at the end of the building is being laid out for gardens and lawns and this, too, will be practically ready on Monday.