ADVANCE FOXTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 388, 12 March 1908, Page 3

ADVANCE FOXTON.

Perreau’s Buildings.

This imposing block of buildings in Main Street is now receiving its finishing touches, and to the street architecture of the town it is a decided acquisition, and Mr Perreau is to be congratulated on his enterprise. The low row of old wooden buildings formerly occupied by Messrs Perreau and Ennis, as baker’s and|tailor’s shops respectively, has been demolished and replaced with a thoroughly up-to-date block. The exterior of the building is constructed of woodwork, with brick dividing walls. A high verandah and balcony occupies the whole length of frontage—s 3 feet —which is supported by ornamental cast-iron columns with frieze of same material. The balcony is finished with ornamental cut wood work frieze between wooden posts, and has very neat balustrading under-hand rail. It is Mr Perreau’s intention to use this balcony at some future date as a place where ladies can meet and talk over their afternoon tea. The parapet is finished with pediment in centre and ornamental vases. The front is occupied by four fair sized shops, with large plate glass windows and recessed doorways. The path is sloped up to the floor level, thus" obviating a step. Mr Perreau occupies one of the cen • tral stops, and immediately behind is a large dining-room, measuring 35 by 15 feet. The walls are finished in a warm red, surmounted by deep frieze and cornice, and has a high dado running round. The kitchen (18 x 15) is at the rear of the dining-room, and has the usual necessary and up-to-date appointments. A stair leads up from the dining-room to the upper storey ; this is one of the prettiest (if not the prettiest) stairs, in, or around Foxton. It has two landings, and both are into diningroom. The balustrading is finished with square chamfered balasters, with ornamental cut work in between, which gives the whole a quaint and unique appearance. The upper floor contains five large airy bed rooms, one sitting room, and a large bath room. All are finished with panel celings, and the walls are papered. Access to the balcony is gained through the sitting room by means of long windows ; a fire escape opens from bath room, and at the rear of the kitchen.

The other shops each contain large work rooms, and the whole has been finished throughout in the same solid manner- The architect is Mr J. W. Rough, and the contractor was Mr Thos. Rimmer, both of whom deserve special mention for the excellent manner iu which the work has been carried out.