New Offices

For Fiji Government Departments.

Prom Our Own Correspondent.

Suva, Feb. 9.

GOOD progress is being made with the erection of new Government build ings in Suva. Although the work has been in progress only a year, the job is already becoming a landmark in Suva, and is growing apace. Situated alongside Albert Park, the buildings will make a handsome addition to the town, replac ing an unsightly slum.

The main entrance portico, is facing Albert Park, and this is almost comple ted. Above this will rise a tower, carry ing a clock. The ground floor will be entirely given over to garages, record rooms, and strong rooms, save one room specially arranged for lighting, for the use of the draughting staff of the Lands Dept. The front portico opens on to the first floor, into an octagonal entrance hall, beneath the tower. At the rear of this is situated the Legislative Council Chamber. To the right, are the offices of the Lands and Survey Dept., and the Indian Affairs Dept., while to the left is the Treasury office.

On the second floor, the Colonial Sec retary’s offices are to the right of the lift, and on the left are the Public Works Dept., Medical Dept., and Native Affairs Dept. Other departments are to the rear of the building. A wing facing Vic toria Parade will be known as the legal block. Here will be the Supreme Court, Police Court, and offices of the various officials of the Judicial and Legal Dept., Law Library, etc.

A feature of the buildings, which are of concrete construction, is their cool ness, a big factor in a tropical climate.

Ornamental friezes for decorative work are being manufactured on the site, as were all the concrete piles used in the foundations.

It is anticipated that the job will be completed by June, 1939. There were delays in the early stages, awaiting ar rival of machinery; however, it is all on the site now and working at high pressure. The architect in charge (Mr.

W. F. Hedges) has expressed himself as very satisfied with the progress.