CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2547, 7 June 1882, Page 3

CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

MESSES. NABHBLSKI AND CO.’S SEW BUILDING.

The improvement of our city, particularly in the matter of street architecture, is matter for congratulation, because we are still, in this respect at least, fur behind our southern sister Dunedin. The replacing in our principal thoroughfares, therefore, of the somewhat old-fashioned style of building by one far more suited to our advancement calls for notice, and prominent amongst the examples of this is the new building erected in High, street for Messrs. S. and Q. Nashelski. This is of briok and stone, two stories in height, and the exterior is exceedingly handsome ; a verandah of curved glass, s milar to that of Messrs. Strange and Go., whose shop the building under notice adjoins, will run along the frontage. The arches above the first floor windows are worked out in Oamaru stone in floral pattern, with a rope design running over. Above the centre window is a largo shield, bearing the date of the commencement of the building, 1881, surrounded by r. wreath of flowers carved from the stone. In the centre is a grey granite pillar, capped with ornamentation of Oamaru stone, and the top storey windows are also supported in the same manner. Above this is a bold cornice, ornamented with stars and scallop shells, the whole surmounted by a parapet, having on each end an ntn and in the centre a flagate ff. The entrance to the shop on the ground floor is recessed, being 9lt x 6ft, paved with encaustic tiles. The shop front on High street; is composed of two panes of plate glass B£t high, the recessed panes being 4ft each. The shop itself is 27ft wide by 70!t deep, the ceiling being 14ft high, supported by thirteen cast iron columns, each 6in thick. Two counters run along the aides of the shop. These counters are 32ft long and 3Et in height, supported by carved cedar brackets. The counters are of polished kauri with cedar panels. Behind these counters are glass oases for the display of the various goods raid, and also shelves for the accommodation of the numerous articles comprised in the stock of a wholesale ironmonger. The lighting of the shop is perfect, no less than forty-two gas burners on the latest improved principle being fitted so as to give the most perfect illumination. The gas burners ran on a continuous pips right through the entire length of the shop. The front windows are lighted by two ten light sunlights, which will give a very powerful light when in use. At the fsr end of the shop is the clerk’s office. 13ft i Bft 6in, glazsd all round, the fittings, desks, &3., in which are of polished kauri. Beyond this, ogain, is a private office, 14ft x. Oft Sin, which is also fitted with safes, The door for reception of goods is also at this end of the building close to the lift which passes through the three fl iors of the building. Ascending to the first floor by a wide and handsome staircase, we reach the show room, which extends the full length and wioth of the building. Here are displayed register grates, mantel pieces, and all the various et cettras of ironmongery, which are too numerous to particularise. This part of the building id lighted by four circular-beaded, windows in the front and three at the bacs, and ii also furnished with ten two-light giealiers. _ The upper storey of all is also tbo some eizc as that just described, and is intended to be used as a store room, T.'o lift wh.oh works up to this story was manufactured by Mr Jones, of Sydenham, and is a very creditable piece of workmanship. It works easily, and by means of a brake is controlled by the man in charge. The buiiamg, which is of trick and stone throughout, will when complete cost something like £3OOO, and ie one of the most substantial, as it is also one of the best finished buildings in Christchurch. The architect was Mr Marhy, the huiider Mr r. J. Gee, and the clerk of the worts Mr T. Russell. The warehouse and ironyard conneoted with the buildings under notice are situate in Hereford street. The warehouse is of brick, 120 ft by 30ft, and ia divided into two compartments. The first of these is ihe packing room, which ia fittsa with counter, shelves, &e., and the otner part is devoted to the warehousing o. T*.e stock required for fhe shop. Beyond the warehouse is a shed 60ft long, devoted to the storage of heavy goods. Altogether the establishment is one second co n-uic in Christchurch, and reflects the utrjßjpt credit on the enterprise of the * evincing a desire to keep pac«,inftk|fehe advancement of the city ot GhtitUihjtfch as a centre of ccktis-ifl iispfiW-cv.aoo