THE NEW BANK.

Patea Mail, 19 May 1882, Page 4

THE NEW BANK.

The new premises for the bank of New

Zealand are now finished by the contractors, ready to be formally taken over. Many “ extras ” and deviations from plan were found desirable as the work proceeded. The finished structure is not merely satisfactory as a contract work well done, but is exceptionally handsome as an ornament to the main street of Pntea ; a banking-house of imposing solidity, forming a spacious corner block, gracefully ornate, and a good type of the prosperous banking institution. The commercial value of this new building exceeds that of any previous structure in Patea. The insurance pf the building will represent about £2,000. Mr Christie intends, we believe, to fit np the domestic rooms in a style worthy of the handsome building which is to be his new home. Mrs Christie may feel a proper pride in the artistic beauty of her drawing-room; the chaste decoration being light and rich, with some tendency to aesthetic “ sweetness and the windows commanding very pleasing prospects. This principal entertaining room is approached from the ground floor by a broad staircase. The bedrooms are numerous and lofty, and are nicely finished as to decoration. The spacious dining-room on the gronnd floor, near the private entrance, will be a pleasant room when furnished becomingly. The kitchens are suitably placed, arid no convenience seems to be wanting. The bank is separated from adjoining sections by a large area, which will serve partly as a garden, the greater part being levelled; for a grass lawn, a pleasant accessory to the domestic side of the building. With these facilities for party-giving, a popular banker might combine ms in nrhe, and provoke the soft envy of many friends. The building is ready for occupation, and is expected to be furnished and opened for business next week. The banking room is on a .superior scale for a young -town. The counter looks massive in style,. and is handsomely panelled, the workmanship being particularly good. The walls are panelled on the lower part in good style; and the banking room is altogether a success, hitting the medium between rich display and business utility. Opening from it. is a heat chamber for the

manager’s parlor-—irreverently designated the sweating room; and next to it is the strong room, a fire-proof chamber for the safe deposit of money and documents. The details of building and carpentry show unmistakable care and nice finish, the contractors being fortunate in having a skilled foreman, Mr Lerwell, who had charge of the Auckland Hospital, and ; other large buildings. Mr Mahony also has been a diligent inspector all through the work, and nothing seems to have missed his watchful care. The painting and papering by Messrs Lawler Brothers have been finished with unmistakable credit. Some of the graining is excellent ; the varnishing is free from all stickiness ; , and the sanding of the exterior wallin imitation of stone shows, care and. skill. This work, is extremely difficult in a windy situation, and any cloudiness in parts is fortunately slight,; * -without detracting from the. general excellence of the finish. This sanding, is a snatching at effect by cheap expedients ; but allowing that the sand is an artificial pretence, there remains a substantial advantage in securing, a stonegrey color which: suits well a buildingof such size and massive beauty.