AN OLD LANDMARK.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1919, Page 6

AN OLD LANDMARK.

PAGE OP DEVON STREET HISTORY. A SITE WITH ASSOCIATIONS. The decision of Messrs. Webster Bros, to pull down the building in Devon Street they have up to the present been occupying as an auction mart, in order to erect new and more commodious premises on the same site, will necessitate the removal of a building that has some old associations, and calls to the minds of some of the older residents many incidents connected witli other buildings that have occupied the site. The first building which was erected on the section,, in about 1843, was Used as a post office and a courthouse. The late Mr. .Tames Webster (father of Mr. W. D. Webster) was the first postmaster, and the first magistrate to adminster justice in the court was the late Captain Henry King, R.N. About two years later a gaol was built at the back, consisting of two small cells and an exercising yard for the "criminals," and strange stories are told, about the "custody" in which the prisoners were kept. This yard extended to the eastern side of the section, which is now occupied by a fruiterer's shop. A 14ft wall surrounded the yard, which abutted on to Devon Street. This wall proved of very useful purpose in the days of long ago as a background to the buildings upon which the various candidates for political and other public positions addressed the electors. Subsequent to these days of romance and adventure, the property was turned to use for commercial enterprises. The present building was erected by Mr. W. Sole, and there are those who have vivid recollections of the big pillars which used to be hung with meat before the days of fly-proof shops and cool stores. At one time a mart business was carried on by the late Mr. Wm Courtenay, and the "Daily News" is said to have been issued from it for a time, while, later still, Mr. L. M. Monteath carried on business iu the place as a seeds merchant. Messrs. Webster Bros, have occupied the place for about twelve years. THE NEW MART. The new premises to be erected will occupy the site at present covered by the auction mart and the billiard saloon adjoining. The frontage is forty feet from fames' Lane eastwards. On this it is the intention of Messrs. Webster Bros, to erect an imposing two-storied building in ferro-eoncrete, which will have accommodation for a shop in front, the ground space of which will measure 30ft. 9in. x 20ft, containing an office oft. x 7ft. This, it is understood, is already leased to Mr. L. Hoffmann. At the back of this will be the mart, the entrance to which will be by a 9ft. oovered-in way from Devon Street, at the James' Lane corner of the building, running right down the side of the shop premises. The mart itself will be 45ft. x 39ft, with oliice and public counter, etc., right on the back wall. Two double doors on James' Lane will give ample facility for the inward and outward handling of goods. The upper storey of the building, the entrance to which is fioi_ the covered-in way leading to the mart, will have a suite of offices to let, containing two small offices, each I,lft. Gin. x lift., and one large room 20ft. x 1 * ft. At the rear of these offices a spacious and well-equipped modern diningroom is to be fitted up, and will be occupied by the proprietor of the Waratah dining rooms. The floor space of the latter part will be 83ft. !)in. x 31ft., and the kitchen, which is to contain all the best appliances for such an establishment, will measure 30ft. x 13ft. 6in There is also to be a rest room for ladies. The front elevation of the building will have a very nice appearance, with a suspended verandah the full length ot the frontage, and will greatly improve that portion of Devon Street. Messrs. Messenger and Griffiths are the architects, and a contract lias been let to Messrs. Boon Bros., the price, it is understood, being in the vicinity of £6OOO. ' DRINK BANISHED PROM HOME. Excessive drinking is the cause of much unhappiness in many homes This misery-causer can be banished quickly and effectively with "Drinko." It cures drinking surely and permanently. We will gladly show you original unsolicited testimonials we have received, gratefully acknowledging the excellent drfnk-eurin'" qualities of "Drinko." ° A.P., Dunedin, writes: "I am very pleased to tell you that 'Drinko' lias proved most beneficial. I am very grateful to you, as it has made a great difference in our home." Write for free booklet in strictest confidence. Plain envelopes used. Lady Manager, Drinko Proprietary, 212 A.C. Lambton Quay, Wellington. 3