Our Illustrations.

Progress, Volume VI, Issue 12, 2 October 1911, Page 846

Our Illustrations.

"The Old Mill," Smeeton's Premises, Queen St,, Auckland.

Our illustration on page 843 shows what will be the ultimate result of the extensive alterations now in progress, at the above. The building, when completed, will have a frontage to Queen Street of 90ft. by 120 ft, deep, it is constructed of brick and concrete, the face of which will be finished with Melbourne pressed bricks and imitation Sydney standstone. It is divided across the centre by a light area. The front portion, except the ground floor, which is occupied by Smeeton's shops, will be devoted to suites of offices, approached by a, corridor 16ft. wide from Queen Street. This portion has four floors. The back portion, which will be wholly occupied by the firm, consists of a basement and five stories, and has a flat roof, on which will be erected coffee roasting rooms. Two electric passenger lifts and one goods lift will be installed. The floors are curried on steel joists and stanchions, the ground floor being of reinforced concrete, and the rest of wood construction. The shop fronts will have Ooromandel granite stall boards and British plate glass set in Duff's white metal framing, the piers encasing stanchions will be finished with- handsome glass cases for the display of goods, so that the whole of the Queen Street front will be an unbroken display of glass. Several strongrooms are provided for, electric lighting and heating throughout the building, with lavatories finished in the most up-to-date style.

The architect of this handsome and efficient building, which will considerably improve the appearance of this part of Queen Street, is Mr. W. A. Holman, of Victoria Arcade, Auckland. New Post Office, Westport. The illustration on page 84. 1 ) of the new Post Office in Westport shows how far this building has progressed, though it docs not give any adequate idea of what it will be like when completed. It still has its "Coronation" dress on. Mr. Wilson's House in Marton. The house is built on a rise and a good view of the surrounding district is obtained from the

large w : ndows of best rooms. The foundation is concrete, and outside walls are covered with heart totara weatherboards. Iron roof with gable ends. The house contains hall, drawing and dining-rooms, billiard-room, study, four bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, scullery, detached washhouse, workshop, and all modern conveniences. The rooms are heated with Bell Interior Grates, with tile surrounds; and lighted with acetylene gas generated on the premises. The ceilings are 12ft. high and panelled with rimu heart, with wood cornices. The billiard-room is lighted by skylights. All the interior furnishings are of heart rimu oiled and dull varnished. Mr. Chinn, of Wellington, was the architect.