BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IN PUKEKOHE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 273, 8 May 1917, Page 3

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IN PUKEKOHE.

Messrs Perkins' New Stores

Wherever substantial business premises are erected they stand, firstly, as an evidence of faith in the future on the part of the proprietor and, secondly, as an indication that the trade and the district warrant their erection. The new premises, recently built for Messrs Frank Perkms and Co and occupying a prominent position at the junction of King and Queen Streets, Pukekohe, as will be seen in an illustration on page one of this issue, are not only a credit to the enterprise initiative and keen business instinct of the proprietors, Messrs Frank Perkins and Co , but are an adornment to the town. In this respect they are an asset and at least indicate a progressive spirit in keep ing with the times. It was our representative's pleasure to be shown oyer these premises lately by Mr Frank Perkins. The concrete floor of the building, combined with the whole structure, which has a depth of 500 feet, served to impress one as a sign of soundness in every detail.

The main shop, measuring 66ft x 38ft, built of brick with cavity walls, is used as a grocery and drapery store. Its lofty ceiling, which is plastered, gives to the surroundings a clean and healthy atmosphere, while the counter and fittings made of the best riinu and kauri, produce au impressive finish to the general appearance. In the centre of the shop is a handsome circular oak show case which forms an attractive feature, while the marble slabs and fittings provided tor perishable goods show that nothing has been overlooked in connection with the preservation of foodstuffs. Comforl, healthiness and every business convenience has been thoroughly studied. Inter-communication with the oilier departments is also provided by large doorways at both ends of the departments.

To meet the convenience of farmers a special department has been built for machinery and ironmongery goods. In this part of the structure a large and commodious office lias been provided with every accommodation for the clerical staff. Adjoining is a commodious bulk store for grain and produce to cater for a large and increasing wholesale trade. It should be mentioned that a convenient feature of the main premises is that carts can be loaded under cover. At the rear is a brick built bakehouse, lighted by aceytlene gas, having an oven capacity for baking 500 loaves. This oven, it may be mentioned, is built of the best Huntly fire-bricks, the bakehouse being also provided with hot and cold water apparatus and other trade conveniences. In close proximity to the bakehouse is a five-stalled stable, while stores to hold large supplies of produce and machinery indicate the vast increasing trade done by this reputed firm. Mr Frank Perkins, the principal of the firm, being alive to the fact that the essence of business is concentration and attention, j has a commodious dwellinghouse over the business premises. He believes in " being on the spot," as he remarked to the writer, in order to guide the destinies of the establishment and it is no secret to narrate that he has " his heart and soul " in his business, while away from it his enthusiasm is also shewn in whatever recreation he enters into. When it is remembered that the firm only started business at the present site eight years ago the progress made is phenomenal and it is rumoured that before long larger extensions will be necessary. Indeed judging from Mr Perkins' energy and enthusiasm we have no reason to think I that lie will now adopt a " go slow " policy. From whatever viewpoint an inspection of the firm's premises is made it can I unhesitatingly be asserted that i they are a monument of thought i and care as well as an indication ; of gratifying success.