Contact Artefacts please if you have any comments or more information regarding this record.	Menu Home Upfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon		Public Offices White River, Mpumalanga PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Architect William Benjamin Turner NEWHAM: Design Architect

Date: 1938 Client: White River Local Authority Type: Public Buildings Style: Neo-Classical Status: Extant   Click to view large map Coordinates: 25°19'42.74" S 31°01'10.93" E Alt: 924m

The first portion of this attractive type of Government building was completed and handed over for occupation towards the end of November, 1938. White River is on the main road from Nelspruit to the Game Reserve, and the buildings have been placed on a prominent site, practically in the centre of the village. Generally speaking, the impression given is South African in feeling. Plaster walls throughout, the simple monumental entrance feature, and red Marseilles-pattern tile roof, combine to give a feeling of smartness and order. Immediately upon entering, it is seen that the plan is T-shaped; and from the entrance hall, one is led through directly to the Court Room, an interesting piece of architectural design, with its open timbered roof. On the left, and leading off from the ''through’’ verandah, are arranged the Revenue Office, Records Office, Malaria Officer and Stock Inspector; while on the right, similarly, are the offices for the Senior Justice of the Peace and the Agricultural Officer. The woodwork generally is of teak, oiled. Quarry tile floors have been used for all public halls and verandahs. The general contractor for the work was Mr. J. H. Botes, of Pretoria, and the completed cost of the building approximately £4,750 [R 9 500]. T[URNER]. N[EWHAM]. [PWSA Vol II No 9 (1939):30].