THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY'S NEW OFFICES IN LYTTELTON.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2710, 14 December 1882, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY'S NEW OFFICES IN LYTTELTON.

The great increase in the business of the New Zealand Shipping Company and the growing importance of the company's interests have necessitated the erection of more commodious premises in Lyttelton, which have now been completed. The new premises occupy one of the best business sites in the port, namely, on the south side of Norwich Quay, within a few yards of the Custom House, postal and telegraph offices, and is particularly an eligible site on account of its proximity to the railway, lines of which pass directly in rear of the new building. Goods which the company is called upon to find storage for can now be taken directly from the railway waggons into the building, whereby the expense of carting and its consequent cost in labor are avoided. The new building presents a most pleasing appearance, and is second to no other in the port in point of strength. The masonry of the foundation is massive, and the superstructure of brick and Oamaru stone is of the best class. The rear elevation, that facing the railway premises, is of three storeys. The basement has a concrete floor, and is intended for the storage of goods. The floor above it, and the floor above that, are supported each by eight solid iron pillars of about 12in in diameter, which are bolted through heavy beams placed at intervals underneath the floor joists. This floor has also been reserved for storage of goods, and these can be lifted directly from or lowered directly into railway trucks standing on the lines of rails, immediately above which a beam overhangs from the top of the building to hold the block and tackle of the hoist. This second floor is virtually the ground floor when entering the building from Norwich Quay—that is, by the main entrance at the front elevation. Two wide opening doors form the public approach to the building, and disclose two large glass doors, passing through which a spacious staircase is reached, which leads to the offices proper on the upper floor. The public office is entered through two patent swinging glass doors, and is a very commodious apartment, in the front of the building. Adjacent to it is a good sized room set apart for the vise of the masters of the company's ships, and will be supplied with files of the daily papers, shipping journals, and nautical works of various kinds. An office for the use of the local manager is off the public office, and in the back part of the floor a number of rooms are laid off for the use and occupation of the person whose residence will be on the premises. Lavatories, abundantly supplied with water and substantially fitted, also fire prevention requisites, have not been overlooked in the new premises. The area occupied by the building is GOft by 42ft. The piece of land next adjoining it on the east side is at present vacant, but a few months will find it taken up by the proposed Sailors' Home, tenders to erect which have been called for by the Harbor Board, and which it is intended shall be a building of a permanent character. The new premises were designed by Mr Armson, and their construction has been performed by Messrs Hollis and Williams, Lyttelton, builders, who have carried out their contract in an eminently satisfactory manner. The Shipping Company has entered into possession of the new building, and the hope may bo expressed that they will continue to enjoy such a steady increase of prosperity as their energy and enterprise deserve.