with the outbreak of world war ii in 1939, many of the tenants, including the apa, relocated to other premises and the department of manpower effectively took over the building. exceptions to this move were the practices of both allen, allen and hemsley, and david w. king. it was during this period that the western half of the twelfth floor was completed. this level had previously been completed at the eastern end only, due to the 150 foot high limit affecting the building differentially in regard to the change of level between elizabeth and phillip streets. the eastern end had been used as a caretaker's flat, with the western half utilised as a roof garden.