DUNEDIN SAVINGS BANK

Evening Star, Issue 19658, 10 September 1927, Page 4

DUNEDIN SAVINGS BANK

NEW PREMISES IH DOWLING STREET TO BE OPENED NEXT WEEK. Nobody can inattentively pass the front of the Dunedin Savings Bank’s new premises in Dowling street. The polished red granite is arresting, and when one steps back to got a fuller view of this stonework as set off by solid bronze window frames and a full expanse of glass the whole face has a distinctiveness that impresses the onlooker much in the same, way as an admiral in full lig if seen in a street crowd, and for the same reason—nonconformity associated with style and the suggestion of wealth and- station. It is, indeed, a, beautiful chamber that this bank now, possesses. Messrs Mandeno and Fraser, the architects, have worked to a simple yet palatial design, and whilst the exterior looks like a bit of Collins street. Melbourne, the inside would do for Threadnecdlo London. Air D. O’Connell, the contractor, has put his very best work into the job. The banking chamber .'measures 50 x 25, with 14ft ceilings. All the wood of the fittings is mahogany. _ The counter carries a grille of oxydised copper with seven gateways in line, and there is a special gateway at the end for the benefit of depositors who are opening accounts for tho first time, so that they can explain their business in privacy. The dark red of the high dado contrasts effectively with the decorated fibrous plaster in which the upper walla and the ceiling are finished. The floor is covered with rubber worked into marbled effects. There are nine recesses on the wall furniture for the convenience of customers, and a big table is also at their service with comfortable chairs. The lighting is a feature. A patterned skylight at the rear of the chamber is of importance, and the electric lamps are such as would serve in a prince’s ballroom. That the_ eyesight ’of the clerks may not be strained, the lamps over their desk at the back of the counter are so shaded as to direct the light on the books oulv. The board room, tho manager’s room, the lavatories, and the strong room are at the roar on tho same floor. To the strong room an anti-blowpipe door ia supplied, and the equipment is so complete that a radiator is put even in the strong room. Heating has been provided by a hotwater system fed by an electricallyheated boiler. This system is quite new to Dunedin. It is totally automatic in operation, being governed by time switches and clocks, the purpose being to maintain an equable _ and comfortable temperature. There is nothing to catch fire.