AN EXPANDING BUSINESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1918, Page 3

AN EXPANDING BUSINESS.

UP-TO-DATE LUNCHEON ROOMS. IIAY AND AUROWSMITH'S NEW PREMISES. Over twenty years ago Mr. Ji. May commenced the business which since that time lias been known as the Central Bakery, and which throughout the whole period has shown a steady and continuous development. There wcr ;io embellishments about the busineis in the timo of its infancy, and 110 allurements were offered to the public in the shape of attractive premises. What was more important, however, and what succeeded in establishing the firm in the confidence of its patrons, was its determination to supply the public with only that class of goods which vrould command attention, and ensure support. On such a foundation nothing but an abiding structure could be raised, and a steadfast adherence to that initial policy has resulted in the building up of a business that has from time to time dcmiuidsd facilities for expansion. To provide these facilities the firm hns, so to speak, shared its profits with its - patrons, and has not only improved its luncheon and tea rooms, but has also increased its shop accommodation. 'Die reward of enterprise has been an e\. . increasing public patronage. It is only u little while since the former premises were entirely remodelled, but so rapid has been the growth of the business that new and more commodious qu.-.rtcrs became an absolute necessity. These were found lov.vr down Devon street, opposite Mr. Newton King's offices, i Here there has been created one of the most up-to-date tea and luncheon establishments in the Dominion. A roomy shop, with ample counter accommodation provides the means for dealing with the large trade done in that section of the firm's business. At v the end of the counter there has been set up a ncv.- department, in the shape of a Boda fountain. The appointments here are complete in every detail. The "fountain" is made of very fine quality onyx stone, and has a very chaste appearance. This department is under the control of Mr. F. Rnsh-Munro, who has had a wide experience of such business in both Wellington and Auckland. In addition to the soda fountain, there is also accommodation for about sixty persons, where morning or afternoon tea may be served. At night the tables here are used almost exclusively by the soda fountain patrons. The main tea and luncheon room is reached by a stairway leading up from the shop, opposite the end of the counter. The staircase is broad, and of an easy grade, and gives entrance to one of the most attractive rooms of its kind in the Dominion. The visitor is at opce impressed with the exquisite taste displayed in the Arrangement and decoration of the room. The chosen color for the decorations throughout is brown, a;id the skill with which the various shades have been utilised has resulted in the production of a most, harmonious effect, which is both pleasing and restful—features which count for a great deal in such an establishment. Forty tables, each to seat four persons, supply accommodation for ICO people, and a feature of the room is that it can be easily divided by means of heavy curtains, so that wedding or other parties can be properly catered for. The most unique characteristic of the room is the table furnishings. The customary white table cloth lias been entirely discarded, and in its place each table is covered with a brown burlap cloth, 011 which are laid serviette cloths. Two kitchens have been provided—one upstairs and one downstairs—and thes;' are equipped with all the latest and most modern appliances for the rapid service of patrons. At the rear of the shop and tea rooms a thoroughly modern bakehouse is being erected. This will be probably the most up-to-date bakehouse in the country. The whole of the machinery will be electrically driven, and there will be an electric service from the hakehouse to the shop. It is the intention of the proprietors to throw open tine bakehouse to public inspection when completed, which is expected to be about the end of next month. The whole of the work has been carried out under the direction of Mr. ,Jas. Binnie, architect and builder, Wellington.