MAKING A TOWN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 71, 25 February 1913, Page 1

MAKING A TOWN.

Buikiirtgs in Pukekohe. i Another Fine Structure. I The "i iu.es" has never had a I uumm.'s doubt about the comme;- | cial and industrial future of Pukckoi.e. It if the ratural centre cf a j meat prolific district, a district j which ro '.he square mile pi'o uces a greater wealth in farm produce than f ar.y other equal area in Naw Zeala. d. ' li h surrounded by a number of ksser ctsitr-.s—ainaller so far 2s the townships ate cenrerned although (in some cases at least) perhaps r.ot inferior in soil capacity. Genc-rclly speaking, the lead of big financial institutions is a safe la I in t( How. For ojrselve?, we established the "Times" when both the local banks were carrying utneir business in ramshackle buildings anj when Fuutkohe had £25,000 worth less property above ground than it has to-duy. But if wi hai seen two sjch fine bank premis-.: as exist to-day there wuulci have been even less hesitation in beginning this enterprise, if that w-..re possible. J he Naiionul Bank jf Ne-v Zea!a d h s only been in business in Pukekohe for a littie ever two years ai;d the premises which they have just had competed in Kingstreet are a practical demonstration of the enormous growth of the ba: k's business in this district. "The expansion," it is said, "has been more rapid than anybody antici- ( pated." It is a massive iw.-storey j nuildir.g, in brick and planter j throughout. The from, while not j being ornate, presents a most im j pressive appeaisnce with its plastered pillars, doubL coon, ! effective tuck-painting, ana heiv.ng j coins oyer the windows. The space: allotted to the banking chamber, including the manager's room, is 30 j feet by 30 feet; this is exclusive of the siroug room, 10 feet by 10 feet, j lavatory, etc. fhe walls thioughout the building are plaster, but in this chamb-ji- ttu ceiling is also of ,' plaster. There h a space of 20 feet j by 12.feet in func of the counter, j which p:ovides excellent accommodation for customers, ite manager'* room is conveniently situated. The

littinss are of oil d rimu, grandly des gneuandof great substance, while I the doors, stair-case, &i d window casi gs are of the nam? mst.rial. The banking counter is in oiled rimu. Down ! st-.irs there are a dining-rO'-.m kitchen, i scullery, cup'oo,irds, pantry snd other i conveniences, the ceilings in the ; rooms being on a 13 foot stud. j Upstairs an eleven foot stud is i employed for th° four tudrocms, I drawing rrom, b;.thrcom, etc. All the reilinga are panelled, painted white. Gas pipes ars fixed thr» ogh oui, i : readiness for the bciuugh gas-3 rvire wheri it comes along. Out-ide Ih?re are a stil le, coachhouse and feed-room with concrete floors, in addition to a wash house. Hot and cold water are available throughout, snd a splendid drainage service has been installed. The contract price for the building wss £2280, but with othjr cists undertakn; by the bank the t:tal expenditure wi I b' over £2500, This very creditaile structure is now nearly completed. Of the builder, Mr J. T. Hewcon, the manager said: "Mr Hewsor, hea done splerdialy, and i am sure he has put in honest work and honest materials throughout." This praise directly reflects itself upon Mesira Crum and Son. who did the brick-work; Mr K. Blake, who has had charge of the painting; and Mr Gardner, who did the plumbing. Congratulations to the National upon iis enterprise!