THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

Motueka Star, Volume IV, Issue 166, 24 March 1903, Page 4

THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

Now that the,finishing touches have been placed upon the new premises erected in High Street for the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand it will not be out of place to give a short description of tde k building. Before doing so, however, we propose to refer to the institution itself and also to the present manager, Mr Fred Symes. The Bank of New Zealand has been identified with Motueka for many years. During the early period, business languished and the cry throughout the land indicated poverty, depression, low prices, and general stagnation—conditions never favorable to healthy or profitable banking. Just before Mr Symes’ appointment as Manager, in July, 1895, the directorate had decided to close the Motueka branch, as the business transacted did not warrant keeping the same open, The leading residents, however, petitioned that the branch he kept open, 4ind at a largely attended meeting certain proposals, such as increase of exchange, were made to the Bank authorities, and under those conditions, it was agreed to give the branch a further trial. After another eighteen months, the directors again considered that there did not appear to be sufficient business to continue the branch, but Mr Symes suggested that instead of closing, a charge should be made for keeping current accounts,-and a further trial given under this condition. This was agreed to, aiid it is worthy of note that since then the charge has become general throughout Australasia. Thanks to Mr Symes’able management, and to the progress of the district, the branch has not only remained open ever since, but the directors evidently consider the present business worthy of the new and up to-date premise® which have been erected in High-St.

As to the new building itself, it has an imposing appearance, being 35 feet in height, with a width of 37ft and length of 32 feet, the kitchen and scullery 18 ft by 18ft being joined to the north east portion of the main building. The banking portion consists of the public office 18ft by 14ft, manager’s room 14ft hv 13ft, and lavatory, fitted up with shelves, etc. The public room which is reached through swing d f 'ors, is fitted up in the most approved style. The manager’s room, office and passage are dadoed 4ft high with double beaded colored rimu, having heavy base and mouldings; Immediately behind the accountant’s desk are placed three large Milner’s safes, built in with briok and cement, on solid concrete foundation. A side entrance has been provided for the use of the staff. The manager has been provided with a suite of apartments, reached through an entrance on the southern side of the main building, including on the first floor dining and dr 1 wing rooms and kitchen as well as a larder fitted up with shelving, and on the second floor, reached by means of a staircase leading from the hall, four bedrooms the largest 18ft by 14ft and a bathroom. Considerable taste has been displayed in the selection of suitable and appropriate papers for the various rooms. A plentiful water supply for bath and kitchen has been secured and tanks provided for storage purposes, The contract for the construction of the building has been faithfully carried out by Mr Andrew Miller, and Mr Frank Hargreaves and his staff have given every satisfaction with the painting and papering of the premises.

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