§ MR. HORNIMANI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works what is the present condition of the new Post Office in King Edward the Seventh Street; whether the building is now ready for the plasterers to commence work on both the exterior and interior; whether contracts have yet been let for the said work; and, if not, whether he will consider the possibility of doing this immediately by direct employment, so giving work to many men belonging to a branch of the building trade at present suffering from great depression.
§ MR. L. HARCOURTThe block next to King Edward Street is completed so far as the reinforced concrete is concerned; and the main building is so far advanced that part of the third floor has been constructed. The existing contracts provide for external cement work, which will be commenced by the builders at an early date. The date for the commencement of the internal plastering 285 cannot yet be definitely stated; it depends upon the progress made; probably it will be possible to begin it in March or April.