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APPENDIX D ANNUAL REPORT ON BUILDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT The Government Architect to the Hon. the Minister of Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report on the activities of the Architectural Division for the year ended 31st March, 1947: The operation of the Division in three zones as reported last year under reorganization of the Department and decentralization is proving successful, and, although shortages of staff, man-power, materials, and transport have curtailed activities, a year of solid achievement is recorded. The study of up-to-date methods, both in construction and the use of new materials which will make for greater economy and efficiency in Government building projects, is constantly kept in view- Overseas design, both in function and esthetics, is also kept under a constant' review so that State architecture is in keeping with modern developments and requirements. Procurement of staff is still difficult, especially of experienced personnel, and this! condition has led to a heavy burden on the existing staff. However, with training schemes in operation, especially as applied to rehabilitation of returned servicemen, satisfactory results are becoming apparent, and in a few years present-day difficulties should be eliminated. Working drawings were prepared for buildings of a total value of £1,287,654; in addition, sketch-plans were prepared for buildings and ancillary works of a total value of £3,003,300. A large amount of work is carried out for other Departments, and professional and technical advice given in connection with Commissioner of Works" projects, Government and civic centres, and war memorial proposals, also to the Public Service Commission on accommodation matters and to the War Assets Realization Board, Standards Institute, and the Earthquake Damage Commission. Where it has been necessary to assist some Departments with their architectural work members of the staff have been seconded to those Departments for their assistance. All building schemes, both sketches and working drawings, including as they do numerous projects to the value of several millions of pounds, which are submitted to the Local Government Loans Board for loan purposes, are also examined and reported on. Assistance is given to and received from the Administration, Engineering,, and Housing Divisions, between whose officers and mine there exists a very good spirit of co-operation and collaboration. During the year the following works were carried out: — Department of Agriculture.—A new modern milking-shed, complete with yards, fences, loading-stands, &c., has been erected at Flock House. Two three-roomed workmen's cottages have been constructed at Hall's Road Farm,, in the Waikato. Renovations and general maintenance repairs have been carried out to eight Stock Inspectors' Residences.

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