THE NEW TATTERSALL’S.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1969, 16 June 1880, Page 3

THE NEW TATTERSALL’S.

Amongst the many evidences of the growth of Christchurch and consequent improvement of its places cf business and other resorts where men most oft do congregate there is perhaps none which so markedly pourtrays the wonderful strides made by the city during the past few years than the site known as Tattersall’s. Only a comparatively short time ago it was occupied by some very seedy looking stockyards, and was a perfect quagmire in the winter season. Then came the first step in advance, and what was regarded as a perfect mammoth building, Tattersall’s, was erected. Since that time, by the energy, enterprise and push concentrated in the firm known as Matson and Co., a still more wonderful change has been worked, and buildings covering in the aggregate nearly an acre of land have been erected. But though by the efforts of the firm spoken of great results have been achieved, the accommodation thus provided has been found to be inadequate to the successful carrying out of thoir large and increasing business. The idea occurred to the leading spirit of the firm to construct not only the largest building oE the kind to be found in the Southern hemisphere, but also to introduce into it improvements and accommodation which when complete, will render the regenerated and reorganised Tattersall’s one of the show places not only of Christchurch but of the colony. Indeed, not only so, but it will completely eclipse in point of appliances and accommodation the well-known headquarters of sport in the old country, from which it derives its name. In these hard times, when people are used to take such a gloomy view of the future of Christchurch in particular and the colony in general, it speaks volumes for the faith in its resources and the enterprise and pluck possessed by Matson and Co., which have determined them upon entering upon so large a venture as the one under notice. The improvements contemplated may be divided into two sections—the i first being that which is now in course of i being carried out,and the second those which are intended to be completed in the future. Before going into these, it may not be uninteresting i to notice what has been done since Messrs Matson and Co. took possession, and then describe as clearly as possible what it is intended to do in the future. The first step in advance was the building of the present commodious suite of offices, including a largo land Bale room and grain end wool store. Then came the adding of the adjoining offices, including the Corn Exchange, &a., until, as stated above, the buildings occupy the largo area of nearly an acre of ground. The proposed additions which are now in progress consist of the addition to the present Tattersail’s of a similar building, so that the whole when complete will run from Cashel street to close to the Hereford street frontage. The entire length when complete will be 272 x 66. The bnilding will be 37ft high; the Hereford street end being completed with an arched front similar to the one now existing in Cashel street. The building will be covered with bent galvanised iron, the lighting in the end being in conformity with that now existing. A tan gallop will be laid from end to end, and in the new building will be what Mr John Matson, with pardonable pride, declares will be unique in the colonies, and which, when carried out, will certainly afford an amount of accommodation and convenience unsurpassed anywhere. “This,” said Mr Matson when explaining the plan, “is what I call the Forum.” Another member of the firm, whose classical proclivities are well known, commenced hereupon to descant upon the similitude to the ancient arena of Roman deliberations, pointing out that the only difference was that instead of some Rienzi of modern times pouring forth his fiery declamations, Mr Matson would hold forth with his flowery periods on the merits of some high class sire or matron of the stud. How far these gentlemen were right in so naming the arrangement they have made in the building will appear from a brief description of what is intended. About the centre of the long vista of arched roof will be a circular arrangement of seats, rising tier upon tier almost to the top. At the foot of this is the classically named space, closed at each end by swing gates, which when open allow of the full stretch of the tan gallop from end to end being used. On the right hand side, about the centre of these tiers of seats, will be a rostrum occupied by Mr Matson when engaged with a sale. Under the present arrangements, as those who frequent Tattersall’s on Saturday well know, the crowd congregate on the tan, and it is only a wonder when horses have to he shown in action that some accident has not occurred. But by the new plan this is impossible. The whole of the floor, so to speak, will be entirely clear of spectators, and intending: purchasers, from their seats before referred to, will be enaMed to see all that is going on with comfort to themselves and without impeding in any way the movements of the horses. When it is required to try a horse the gates are swung back at either end, and a clear track of 272 ft. long thus obtained. So soon as the trial is concluded the animal is brought back into the semi-circular enclosure, the gates shut, and thus ample opportunity afforded to buyers to see all the points of the animal being sold. “ Talk about Melbourne,” says Mr Matson, when he has concluded his explanation, “ They can’t show anything a patch on Jit. Nothing like it in the old country my hoy; not so bad that for a colonial idea.” After a brief inspection of the building in progress, which is expected to be roofed in in about a fortnight, Mr Matson goes on to explain what the firm intend to do in the future to still further extend their operations. The additions to Tattersall’a proper come, as already said, close up to, but not abutting upon, Hereford street. Upon [this piece, having a frontage extending from the right of way near Messrs L. E. Nathan and Oo.’s to close proximity to Messrs Hayman and Co.’s new premises, it is intended to erect a very large and handsome building. Tattersall’s will be extended right on to Hereford street, and on either side of the semi-circular front will rise a two-storied building. On the lower floor of this will be two large salerooms, one being 132 i 67 and the other 112 x 64, with four large store rooms attached. On the upper floor is an auction room 48 x 33, having a small edition of the forum before referred to in the centre. The auctioneer’s rostrum stands on the floor in the middle, and around it rises seats similar in arrangement to the large wool salerooms in England. This is intended to be used for wool and produce salts, the present land gales rooms being used for furniture, &o. At the back of this auction room will bo a refreshment room 33 x 13 and an office 13 x 18, On the other side, towards the eastward, will be eleven commodious offices and two large spare rooms. The whole, when completed, will be one of the finest ranges oi buildings in the colonies. _ It may hors bo mentioned that the firm intend building a Tattenall’g iirttShburton 136 x 80, similar in construction to the one now existing here, and also one in Leeston, nearly opposite Spring s Hotel. Mr J. S. M. Jacobsen is the architect o* the buildings now in course of erection, and also the extensive additions contemplated. From the above brief description some idea may be formed of the magnitude of the business of the firm which has grown up amongst m»i a state of things no doubt as pleasant to them as it is creditable to Canterbury.