MR R. LANCASTER’S PREMISES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 511, 17 December 1881, Page 1

MR R. LANCASTER’S PREMISES.

We had the pleasure of inspecting Mr Lancaster’s premises this and the improvements now in of being carried out. The first thing to be done was to descend the trap in,.J the butcher’s shop leading by a short ladder to the large cellar, which a good deal resembles the hold of a ship. This cellar was delightfully cool after? the hot dusty road. It is fitted with a number of holes for the admission' fresh cold air, and is in every way admirably adapted for the purpose for which it is intended—viz., as a receptacle for meat. The cellar extends - the whole length of the shop above, about 40 x 25 that is, and when the arrangements in connection With if? are completedjo it will be one of the best meat safes on a large scale imaginable. j< Mr Lancaster is ndw importing from England two refrigerators of 16 x 4 each, which will occupy the left-hand side of the cellar,-j and which will enable bacon, etc., to ! be cured as effectively in the- height- of summer as in the depth of winter*. The bake-house adjoins this cellar, .buj;~ does not in the least interfere with the stemperature of the latter, for the'"' numerous holes admit a constant supply of fresh air. The bake-house is a model of cleanliness and compactness.;) I It is 20 x 12, and, like the cellar, has a concrete floor. It is supplied with all the latest improvements, and when the alterations are completed will be fitted with an endless chain lift, for the conveyance of the bread to-the baker’s shop above. The bread will go direct from the bakery up the-lift to the .cart waiting at the shop dopr. The baker’s shop, which was recently opened, is as clean and bright as a new pin. It is 14 x 13, but if Mr Lancaster continues to experience the present de mand upon him for bread he will certainly have to enlarge his bakehouse and shop ere long. He is now turning out two batches of 300 loaves daily, and can hardly keep pace with the demand at that. At the rear of--the-baker’s shop is a room which Mr Lancaster intends to make a private sittingroom, and overhead is another room, which will, when completed, be devoted to the use of the hands. We ttiist Mr Lancaster’s enterprise in effecting.,tJrese K . important alterations will meet the reward it deserves. -j y