Thousands of tiles are ordered

Undoubtedly the greatest building work now in progress in Auckland is that of the construction of the new Grammar School, at a cost of about £32,000, on the northern -slope of Mount Eden. The building was designed by Messrs. Arnold and Abbott, architects, of Auckland, and the work of erection is in the hands of Mr. V. E. Hutchison. Since the commencement of the work about twelve months ago, in spite of the strike of the workmen on the building and the outbreak of war, very satisfactory progress has been made, and the principal part of the work, that of the main structure of the building, has now been accomplished. The detailing on the face of the building has already been commenced, and even now, viewed from Khyber Pass, the college presents quite a handsome appearance. It is expected, so far as the contractors are concerned, that at the present rate of progress the building will be completed by next Christmas.

The new school is designed in the mission style of architecture, that which is being chiefly employed in the construction of the various buildings in connection with the Panama Exposition. The entire face of the outside walls is being "rough-casted'' in the American style, which should have a very pleasing effect. All the gables will be formed with wide sweeping curves, typical of this style of architecture. The roof will be covered with red tiles, but this work has been unfortunately delayed by the war. Thousands of tiles are ordered, but, pending their arrival, work in this direction is practically at a standstill.

The main entrance to the building will be approached by a flight of broad steps, while similar flights on either side will also lead up to the long balcony. The corridors beyond the vestibule are broad and lofty and surround the assembly hall, which measures. 108ft by 48ft, and occupies the central portion of the building. Opening off the corridors are the class-rooms (28 in all), laboratories and private rooms for the convenience of the masters, while on the ground floor there are the workshops, bicycle room and shelter shed. The three storeys will be connected at each corner of the building by staircases from floor to floor. The headmaster will also have the use of a staircase from his suite of rooms in the front of the college to the floors above and below. Stationery rooms, store rooms, etc. will be found on the lower floor at the rear of the building, while on the third floor a large room will be set apart as a museum. At the rear of the building two large doors will give access to the playground, on which, when the main building is completed, a cricket ground, a football ground and tennis courts will be laid out. The construction of the swimming bath and the erection of the various outbuildings will be proceeded with after the more urgent works are completed.

When finished, the new Grammar School will be one of the largest and most up-to-date in Australasia, and will be a building of which the students may well feel proud.

"New Grammar School." 

Auckland Star, 

9 January 1915, 8.

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