THE PROGRESS OF THE PORT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2084, 28 October 1880, Page 3

THE PROGRESS OF THE PORT.

From an architectural point of view Lyttelton has improved quite as much as any town in the colony during the past twelve months. Last May, under the above heading, a description was given in the Pbbsb of a number of business edifices then recently finished, including the Bank of New Zealand, Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s large warehouse, and a number of buildings erected on the site of the last fire. Since then a great many valuable buildings have been added to the real property of the borough, and some new “ institutions,” among which may be instanced Mr Andrew McDonald’s new livery stables, now well stocked with “ the best the market affords in that line. Quite a stir has also occurred in residence building since last May, and a great many tenantable dwellings, as well as private houses of the better class, have been put up. Of the better sort, several that may be named are buildings which, when finished, will form very desirable ornaments to the appearance of the place. Specially the manse for St. John’s Presbyterian Church on the Sumner road, already has assumed such proportions as will identify it with the best class of residences in the Port. Houses of a superior order are also in course of building for Messrs Williams (Hollis and Williams), Lee, George Mackay, and T. Mclntosh respectively. But speaking of residences, it would be forgetfulness not to mention incidentally the handsome seventeen roomed mansion to bo seen opposite to the port, built for Mr Harvey Hawkins. It is not yet out of the builder’s hands, but when finished there will be few private places in the province superior to it with respect to its design or the beauty of its surroundings. Of public buildings in Lyttelton, particulars of the very handsome new offices for the Harbor Board were given in theJPBESS some time ago, from the plan which had been agreed upon. These offices have now been finished, and to-day the Board will take formal possession by bolding a meeting there. The style of architecture of the new offices is that known as Venetian-Gothic, and it is generally conceded that but few more imposing structures of a business character are to be found in Canterbury. The accommodation it provides for the business connected with the harbor department will be found sufficient for many years—it might be said, for all time. The building is a permanent one, substantially composed of brick on a concrete foundation. Without going into measurements, a correct list of which were given in a former article, a few particulars of the special features of the new premises will be sufficient to complete the description then published. The building, as stated, is two-storey with a basement. The main entrance is on the north-west corner at the junction of Oxford street with Norwich Quay. Over the doorway a copy of the seal of the Board has been carved in medallion form, and shows up well in contrast against the tuck-pointed brickwork. Inside is a short lobby, approached by two prettily designed swinging doors, and directly to the right are the Pier and Harbour-master’s public and private offices. The lobby is terminated by two other (plate-glass) doors, which opens into the captains’ room, and in rear of that is a room for the pilots. A spacious staircase takes the visitor up to the very commodious and handsomely finished room known as the Board-room, and off a short lobby which is terminated by two glass swinging doors, opening into the secretary’s office is a room for contractors, their plans, &o. In the basement the boatmen find a very comfortable room for their special convenience. The Board room exceeds in size any of the rest, but all are exceedingly well proportioned and lofty. Bimu, kauri and Baltic timber comprise the woods used in fitting up the offices, and the taste displayed in the finishing is very complimentary to Messrs Hollis and Williams, the contractors. Each room has its fireplace and chimney-piece of slate worked in imitation of marble. The manner in which the plaster work has been done is most creditable to the skill of Mr Otley, whose handiwork in the cornices and centre pieces, formed in imitation of fern leaves and clusters of flowers, is particularly meritorious. Thoroughly good and careful workmanship is noticeable, indeed, throughout the building, in the painting by Mr Badoliffe and the plumbing by Mr Piercy. Local industry marks the class of furniture also, which has been manufactured and supplied by Mr A. J. White. It is of the plain but serviceable order, and does the manufacturer credit. The whole edifice stands upon 70ft. by 25ft. of ground, and the supervision of its construction was entrusted to Mr B. Weyburne. Mr F. Strouts, the architect, is to be credited with having designed a really handsome block of offices, and the Harbor Board may be congratulated upon acquiring them.