PROGRESS OF TAIHAPE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3462, 16 April 1920, Page 5

PROGRESS OF TAIHAPE.

NICHOLLS’ NEW BRICK GARAGE.

' It is always a pleasant duty to 'chronicle -any decided step in the adIvancement of the town, and the new ibrick garage just completed for Mr ‘V. Nicholls marks an important stage in the development of Taihape. Standing on a. site In Tui Sire-it which was formerly a playground for children and a dutiping ground for uniconsidered trifles. this substantial structure at once arrests attention‘. The garage has a frontage to ftui Sthreet of 56 feet, and a depth of 110 feet, the facade being more symetrical and solid than ornate. Over the centre is an arch, terminating on each side in horizo-ntal parapets, through which project three brick pillars. The finishis rough cast, the architraves of the large plateglass window of the showroom and the double entrance doors being of smooth finish co-ncrete. Passing into the building one is struck by the commodious interior and convenient arrangement of the various oflices and Waiting rooms. l.':1‘l-W mediately to the right is the ladies’ waiting-room, a /c‘6sy little corner tastefully finished with beaver boarding and battens. Picture ornament the walls and magazines and writing materials _have been provided on :1 ‘table for the use of lady clients. A lounge and easy chairs, with the linoleum covered floor add to the con»venience and appearance of the room. An electric heater has also» been thoughtfully installed, which will he much appreciated _-iduring the winter months. Leading out of this room is lavatory and sanitary a.ccommod-ition.‘ fitted up on most modern lines. Adjoining the ladies’ waiting room is a room fitted up for the convenience of gentlemen, tables, chairs, and writing materials being also provided, as well as lavatory and sanitary conveniences. The next» room is fitted up with shelves, -on which are tyres, spares. etc., very handily arranged, while a partition divides this room from the oil room, in which are four large-resen voirs {provided with taps and drip traps) in which are st_oi-ed the various grades -of oils used by motor cars. Arranged round this room are lubricants and greases. Crossing over the building, a large window gives splendid lighting to the ac-cesories room and inquiry oiiice, while inside is the proprietor-’s private oiiic-c. yfittcd up on most modern lines as far as oflice equipment is concerned. Quite a feature of the front portion of the building" is the show room, 18ft x 30ft‘, which is lighted-by two large plateglass windo-ws—one fronting on the street, and the other immediately facing the entrance.’ ‘At the time of our visit :1 beautiful 1920 model Buick motor car (for which Mr Nicholle; is sole district agent) occupied a commanding position. A telephone for the use of ,the'_ public ‘has been ‘Enstalled next to the accessories room, and is an act of thoughtfulness which will die appreciated by Mr Ixiicholls’ imany clients. Casting a comprehensive glance round the storage room ;before passing into the workshop, one lis struck by its capacity. The floor is iconcrete throughout, a 10ft.. stifd isuppoi-ting ‘the roof, which is felt linfed, and lighted by a large number of iskylighte. This room_ has stor:-.-ge ‘capacity for quite 50 motor cars. A stained matched lined partition sepa‘rates the storage room from the workshop, while a large sliding door is provided for the entrance of motor cars. The workshop is 28ft, x st‘+’t. in measurement, and is proviclevi with three pits, all electrically lighted, for convenience in getting at the understructure of cars under repair.- The iroorn is to be equipped with an up-‘to-date lathe, drilling machines, hack isaw machines, grinding machine and a compressor for pumping up tires, \and this last-menetioned will be placled at the disposal of clients free or lcharge. Benches and shelves have lbeen most conveniently arranged, and the room is splendidly lighted, both electrically and naturally. .-‘in oihce is provided for the foreman, and an‘other room contains all the spares lusually required inpmotor car repairs. In very commodious room, absolutely fireproof, has been fitted up as a vullcanising room, in which the latest model Shaler steam vulcaniser has been installed. Outside the main building is a washing down concrete platform, 15ft. x 30ft., and a fireproof lbenzine store. In order to ihave a day and night service, Mr iNicholls has erected sleeping quarIters for his mechanics, and expert asIsistance is thus available at any time.

The garage throughout has been constructed of brick and concrete, and as little wood as possible has been used in the structure, the result has been that the building is as nearly fire-proof as it is possible to make it. One cannot help being impressed with the remarkable adaptation of every department as a zr.iean's to an end—etficiency and service, and on our representative voicing this impression, Mr Nicholls explained that the garage was built from his own de-

sign, into which he had translated all the ideas gained from years’ experience in the business, and his fixed 59' tel‘nlillu’tion to have one of the most modern and convenient motor garages in the Dominion. That this object has been achieved admits of no doulbf by anyone who has been through the building. Mr H. Hesketh carried out the erection of the building, and hasleft it an exampie of skilful and conscientious workmanship. The brick and concrete Work was left in the very capable hands of Mr S. Hunt, of Marton, and his efforts have been very satisfactory to his employer and a credit. to himself.