Architectural Features of the Building.

The station embraces features which are novelties in this country, but which conform to the most up-to-date practices in other lands. To place the matter in a nutshell, the premises while giving efficient railway service to the traveller, offer him all the amenities and conveniences of a high-class hotel, except sleeping accommodation. We find here shops, dining and luncheon rooms, lounges and rest rooms, bath and dressing rooms, and a barber's saloon, so that patrons may have every bodily need satisfied without leaving the station precincts. In designing these services regard has been had, not only for beauty, but for the most scrupulous cleanliness and sanitary efficiency. These amenities have been provided at considerable cost, in the confident hope that they will be largely self-supporting. To achieve this hope the public must show the interest and give the patronage which these excellent services will deserve.

While dealing kindly with its clients, the Railway Department has shown also a commendable civic spirit. A valuable block of land lying between the station and Beach Road might readily have been put to very remunerative commercial purposes. Instead, it has been left as a forecourt to be beautified with gardens, lawns and ornamental masonry, and maintained as a public park at the cost of the Department.

Criticism may be levelled against the location of the station and the relative positions of building and platforms, but these have been enforced by circumstances which have had the fullest investigation.

The station has been closely linked with the tramway system of Auckland (by means of a loop line to the main entrance) and, by broad carriageways, taxis and other vehicles have ready access to the various parts of the building and to the arrival platform.

Messrs. J. T. Julian and Son, Limited, have been the contractors for the construction of the main building, together with the forecourt, the retaining walls, the passenger subway and ramps and the platform verandahs. Their operations throughout have been marked by fine generalship, a ready adaptability and a high sense of service which have helped greatly in the successful prosecution of the work.