NEW BUILDINGS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1922, Page 7

NEW BUILDINGS.

3K OT.-TO-DATE WAREHOUSE. C. A. WILKINSON, LTD. The building of substantial business premises in New Plymouth from time to time reflects the growth of the town and the confidence of business people in its future. Tne latest addition is the erection of a fine business block in St Aubyn Street for Messrs. C. A. Wilkinson, Ltd. The warehouse is opposite the shunting yards, and handy to the goods sheds. The structure is of reinforced concrete, the roof having the largest spread for this type of building in New Plymouth, requiring over six tons of corrugated iron supported upon huge Oregon trusses. The floor is raised 30 inches so that both offices and store-room are on the same level. The exterior is finished in white cement, handsomely lined, and has a very substantial appearance. The entrance is in St Aubyn Street and it leads into the public office on the left and a showroom on the right. The latter is a commodious room 24ft. by 14ft., so designed that- it can be converted into additional offices should the occasion arise. Opening off the public office is the manager’s sanctuary, from which access is obtained to the strongroom.

The interior woodwork is of heart rimu and all the offices are panelled in this material. The floors are to be covered with rub-lino, which will contrast with the oiling of the wood, and should present a handsome appearance. Two cloak-rooms finished in plaster are conveniently situated behind the general office. The building is lit throughout by electricity and an important feature is the instalment of heating points in each room. Behind and to the left of the office block the entire space is given over to a large concrete store-room,

measuring 80 by 93ft_, and provided with double loading docks, each 3ft. high, and gradually sloping back to the main floor. A glass—enclosed storeman’s office commands an unobstructed view of any part of the bmlding bo as to obviate any waiting on the part of a customer.

A noteworthy item, yet to be installed, is an overhead crane, which will lift material from the docks and convey it to any part of the store room, thus greatly facilitating the loading and unloading of heavy goods.