150 THE NEW UiNlON BUILDINGS. 



Over these several Ministerial chambers are distributed teak, 

 itinkwood and clear pine, left in a state that exhibits the ditferent 

 tempers of these woods, and with their constructive pins and 

 dove-tailed keys, cannot fail to give an acceptable contrast to 

 more hnely hnished work elsewhere. 



The Central Court to each of the end blocks, placed axially 

 in both directions, has an area of over 2,000 feet directly open to 

 the sky. Loggias, intersected on north and south sides, with 

 additional rows of columns, are around on each floor, and im- 

 mediately associated is one of the main staircases, the whole 

 being generally executed in a reddish freestone, with the face 

 and mouldings finely chiselled. 



Giving relief to the masses of red freestone, on the lower 

 floor are double columns (single on face) of finely-wrought, but 

 unpolished, red granite, supporting arches ; while on the uppei 

 floors are triple columns (double on face), in one instance with 

 arches and in the other with lintels ; and in all cases without re- 

 sponsive piers at the internal angles. Sections of lofty balustrad- 

 ing are introduced in the plain walling. The ceilings are of 

 concrete, the two latter exhibiting groined vaulting, and the 

 upper red brick arching between cross beams. For the centre 

 of each court a fountain has been provided. 



Though intensely eclectic in feeling, these Central Courts, 

 with their accompanying loggias, not only confer a sense of 

 spaciousness well in harmony with the temper of the situation, 

 but their whole treatment promises peculiar satisfaction. 



The adjacent main staircases of double flights are a com- 

 bination of vari-tinted stone, having columns and handrail in 

 polished red granite, and relieved with iron standards, newels and 

 balustrading ; while on either side are passenger elevators. 



Axially to these courts, on their southward frontage, are the 

 principal entrances, with vestibules and porches which span in 

 open formation the frontal terraces, and enable direct access from 

 the public roadway level. 



Similar, though subsidiary, vestibuled entrances also occui 

 on the north ; and, together with corridors g feet wide, give 

 access to the various offices, which, by virtue of the addition of 

 minor courts, are ensured a great amount of cross ventilation. 



Such a plan, though fraught with numerous admirable 

 points, necessarily means the considerable severance of some 

 departments of State from others ; and, in days prior to ease of 

 telephonic communication, would have furnished just ground 

 for substantial criticism from a purely utilitarian standpoint. 



Into any analysis of the external representation of architec- 

 ture there must enter a recognition of three factors, viz. : — Base, 

 superstructure and covering. As to the base (which also pre- 

 supposes foundation), it is self-evident that the more there is 

 indicative of strength the more satisfying the composition of the 

 whole structure. Blocks of great size prevail here, and, more- 

 over, of granite, thousands of cubic feet being absorbed in im- 

 porting strength, structurally and aesthetically, to the basal fea- 

 ture. Superstructure primarily implies accommodation of plan, 

 and the consequent demands of entrance and fenestration. In this 



