THE POST OFFICE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3419, 13 February 1936, Page 4

THE POST OFFICE

TENDER FOR ALTERATIONS CAMBRIDGE FIRM’S SUCCESS The tender of Messrs Speight, Pearce, Nicoll, Davys, Ltd., of Cambridge, has been accepted for extensive alterations to the Cambridge Post Office and it is expected to commence the contract within a fortnight. It was thought when the plans were prepared, that the cost would be about £2OOO, but the successful tender is in the vicinity of £4500. The alterations will be completed by September.

This work was allowed for on the estimates last year, and while appreciation can now be expressed that the work is definitely to be carried out, it will be agreed that the improvements are not coming before time. Business people, particularly, have suffered considerably in the past owing to the counter congestion on busy days, and it often required a very long wait before receiving attention.

No blame could be attached to the staff, who were doing their best under the circumstances, and they also will be much relieved to know that at last Cambridge is to have an up-to-date Post Office. Many Improvements The alterations provide for a road frontage of 78 feet, an increase of 28 feet on the length of the present building. There will be two entrances, one at each end of the building. The present entrance will be closed and a new entrance made into what is now the posting box lobby.

In an enlarged room will be the same facilities, but the lockers will be shifted from the western to the southern wall. Increased facilities for mail sorting will be provided in a room approximately 52 feet by 28 feet. The area will include the present public space, counter, and the room iin- j mediately to the rear. Already, the postmjaster, Mr W. Drake, has removed to a private residence in Bryce Street, and the whole of the building will now be available for postal and telegraph facilities. An additional building is to be built adjoining the southern end and will include a new front entrance. In the lobby will be two public phone boxes and a bureau phone and also a posting vestibule. Exchange to be Moved Of particular interest to business people will be the increased counter room. In the new building an area of 35 feet by 20 feet is provided as public space, with a counter extending for 32 feet of its length. The postmaster’s office will liemain as previously. A new stairway will lead to the second storey where the telephone exchange will be installed and adequate staff quarters provided. The old exchange will be used as a storeroom. The alterations will be made in concrete and brick and finished to match the present building. A special feature will be the new heating system. A furnace at the rear of the main building will distribute warmth to every part of the premises.