THE NEW PARSONAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 23 May 1907, Page 2

THE NEW PARSONAGE.

Since the demolition of the old parsonage on the section adjoining the Whiteley Memorial Church, the local Methodists have had their minister located in a rented house. This state of affairs was but a temporary expedient. There was a difference of opinion as to the advisahleness of again erecting the minister's residence on the old site, but eventually it was decided to purchase a separate piece of ground. The choice rested on Mr. Bauchope's section on the corner of Liardet and Lemon street, next the electric light distributing station, and this was acquired. Mr. Frank Messenger was asked to submit plans of a villa residence to the congregation, and a meeting was held to decide whether the building should be of two storeys or on one floor. The congregation was in favor of the single storey, and a contractwas let to Messrs. Boon Bros, for the erection of the new parsonage, which is now occupied by Rev. T. (!. Brooke. The design is neat and attractive, and the rooms laid oil' with the view to the greatest amount of aeoemmodation and convenience without too large an expenditure. Hence the interior fittings, whilst harmoniously ornate, are not lavish. A N'ews reporter had a chat with the architect yesterday, and afterwards visited the now resilience, in which so mav Xew Plymouth people have an interest* The section stands high oil' the.street, and is reached by a flight of concrete steps .at the corner. The appearance from the street is at present affected by the high bank, which makes the building Took somewhat ''squat." but when the grounds are complete, with a sloping terrace and so forth, this will be set right. Another flight of steps gives access to the verandah, which runs round the two street" frontages, the main entrance fronting Lemon street, whilst a door at the end of the eastern verandah leads to the dining-room. Entering the hall, which runs almost the full length of the building, we passed to the right into the minister's study, a bright, cheerful room, wilh large bay window, cosy fireplace, and ample bookshelves and'bookcases.' On the opposite side of the hall is a large drawing-room, 10ft x 14ft. papered and finished in excellent taste, and also having a roomy bay window. Then on either side are two bedrooms, large apartments. At the foot of the hall Is ' the dining-room, a commodious room, 2(1

ft iiin x I.lft. with bay window haknv out on to Liardcl street, ami cnmmamf ing a view of that street to (ho centre of tin: town. On Hie oilier side of the hall are (lie bathroom and large liuenpross, mill a cross-passage loading oil' at right angles to the bail; verandah. A

small bedroom opens on to this passage. The kitchen, adjoining the dining room, is a sensible sort of a room, large and well-lighted, and at the rear of it. still under Ibe one roof, are (ho sculleryj pantry, and wash-house, steps from the hitter leading down into (lie coal-cellar below. Electric light is installed throughcait. The interna) arrangenienls aiv" a credit to the architect, and the same umbo said of the outer appearance. The work of erection has boon faifbfullv eamed out by the contractor, and the Metlmdisls of Neu- Plymouth deserve credit for the manner In which thev house I heir minister.