CITT IMPROVEMENTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1779, 3 November 1879, Page 2

CITT IMPROVEMENTS.

THE NEW BIBMINOHAM AND SHEFFIELD WAREHOUSE. Amongst the more notable additions to our street architecture, both in point of beauty of design and substantiality of erection, is the building just erected for Mr E. Beece in Colombo street, tbe formal opening of which took place on Saturday last. For some time past the building in which Mr Beece has carried on business for many years has been found to be too small for the increasing business, and in erecting new premises, Mr Reece has determined to hare a building which shall be not only suitable for .the increased importance of the city, but also mark as it were, a new era in the career of the Birmingham and Sheffield Warehouse. At the invitation of Mr Beece, a large number of his friends met to celebrate, in the usual way in which Britons commemorate any event —viz., by a luncheon—the opening of the new premises. A very excellent lunch was laid in the show room, the chair being occupied by Dr. Frav ► : sh, and the vice-chair by Mr John Anderson, sen. After the provision made by a thoughtful hostess had been duly appreciated, the usual loyal toasts were given by the chairman. Mr J. B. Hill then rose and proposed "Prosperity to the business under the new roof." He regretted the absence, through illness, of Mr Beece, but they had with them that day his representative, in the person of his eldest son, and he thought it was highly probable that the completion of these new premises was intended as a fresh start for the son of their old friend. He coupled the toast with the name of Dr. Prankish. The toast was drank with enthusiasm. Dr. Prankish responded, paying a high oompliment to the energy, business ability, and shrewdness of Mr Beece, and trusted that the new career of the business under that roof would be as successful as the old. Mr Beece, jun., also responded. Mr John Anderson proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Beece and family. He was one of the oldest friends of Mr Beece, and he felt sure that they would agree with him that gentleman was a deserving colonist. The building they had met that day to open Mr Beece no doubt intended as a memorial of his life —one that would stand for years to come as a token of bis career as a colonist. The toast was drank amid cheers. Bev. O. Fraser rose to respond to the toast, and spoke in the highest terms of Mr and Mrs Beece and family. The other toasts proposed were, "The architect, Mr S. O. Farr" ; " Messrs Taifc and Lusk, the contractors for the building and internal fittings"; "The Press," ana " The Chairman." The visitors then proceeded on a tour of inspection through the buildings. The general character of the building is what is known under the title of street architecture. It has a bold and massive appearance without being heavy. The lowest oornice is of concrete, the soffit under it being sunk moulded panels. The cornioe above the verandah is white Oamaru stone. The shop front is composed of large circular-headed with stone pillars and reoessed doorway. The first floor is lighted by five circular-headed windows, with stone pillars and recessed doorway. The fiast floor is lighted by fire circular-headed windows, supported by carved capitals in _ white Oamaru stone, whilst above the windows is an ornamental cornioe with _ sinkings. The upper storey windows are semi-circular-headed, with carved trusses. The piers on this storey are sunk panelled, those below being rusticated. The upper cornice projects 2ft. 6in., and is carried on modillions of white stone. It is surmounted by a parapet of white stone, the design being a colonnade. The parapet is supported at the corners by piers of white stone, each of the piers being surmounted by an obelisk. In the centre is a semi-circular space, in which is placed a shield carrying the arms of Birmingham and Sheffield. The building is of brick, with stone dressings, and is most substantially built, the walls being 2ft. 3in. thick. Entrance to the shop on the ground floor is gained by a recessed doorway sft. 6in. The shop itself is a very spacious one, being 55 I 31. A_ sweep counter runs along the left hand side, on entering behind which are the clerks' and private offices, shut off from the shop by iron doors in case of fire. A spacious cellar, Bft. high, with concrete floor and walls, the latter 3ft. thick, runs the full length and width of the shop. This is reached by an opening in the yard and also a staircase from the shop, under the one leading to the show room upstairs. The various floors are carried by five iron bark girders, each 14 x 12, and five cast iron pillars. The stairoase, by which access is gained to tbe show room, is broad and handsome. The show room itself is a ifine lofty"well-proportioned room, 65ft 6in. by 31ft. 9in., and no expense has been spared in making the whole building as substantial as possible. The upper floor is of a similar size, and is intended as a storeroom for the various articles of ironmongery, &c. The interior fittings are excellent, no expense having been Bpared. Theshutters areHodgkin* and Clark's patent self-coiling steel. Altogether the building is one of which Christchurch may well be proud, and it is to be hoped that other of our tradesmen may see their way clear to imitate Mr Beece's example and thus get rid of the reproach which now rests on Christchurch of having the ugliest street architecture of the large cities of New Zealand. __^_^__