NEW PLYMOUTH’S GROWTH.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1922, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH’S GROWTH.

EXPANSION DURING THE YEAR. BUSINESS AREA EXTENDED. NEW HOMES IN SUBURBS. 'S The year 1922 has marked another period of steady progress in building in New Ply,mouth, more particularly in the erection of houses. The returns for the month of December show that 27 permits were grao* ed for buildings and additions, valr* at 1 £12,915, including 13 houses valued at | £11,450. The total value of the buildings for which permits were granted in 1922 amounts to £163,589, as compared with £168,750 for 1921. Following are the totals for 1921 and 1922: 1921. 1922. Total buildings 168,750 163,589 Number of houses .... 169 164 Cost of houses £145,061 £132,593 One hundred and sixty-four houses, valued at £132,593, were commenced this year, as against 169, valued at £145,061, built in 1921. The lower cost may be accounted for in the fall in the price of material, for some very fine residences have been erected this year. No particular locality appears to have been favored, for not only in the centre of the town, but to the remotest limit, may be seen numbers of handsomely-built and comfortable new homes. The amount spent on repairs and additions also shows that property-owners are alive to the necessity for keeping their homes in first-rate repair. A pleasing feature, making for the neat appearance of the town, is the number of permanent fences, in stone, brick or concrete, that have been erected on the street lines, obviating the constant necessity of hedge-trimming or the painting of wooden fences. Several of the larger business premises have been extended or improved, and in this connection mention must be made of the fine shop of Messru. White, Ltd., and the new fireproof addition to Mr. C. C. Ward’s premises, while the alterations made by Mr. R. Deare and Messrs. Carter and Son, Ltd., have added to the appearance of Devon Street. Several new shops are in course of erec« tion in Liardet Street and at Strandon, while most of the vacant allotments in Devon Street beyond Liradet Street have been occupied by attractive premises, which has had the effect of extending the busi-

ness area to Gover Street. The suburbs have received the attention of business men, with the result that butchers and grocers are to be found in all the suburbs as well as at Belt Road and Eliot Street ; while Fitxroy is now able to boast, in addition to these, a draper, shoe store, chemist, and a coalyard—all established during the year. Mention must also be made of the commodious warehouse now nearing completion for Mr. A. E. Sykes, and the new hide store erected for Mr. L. A. Nolan early in the year. The extension of the harbor and the consequent direct shipping renders it imperative that benzine should be stored in large quantities in suitable premises, and this has brought about the erection of bonds or warehouses specially designed for the storage of such inflammable material. Two such stores are now in course of erection, while several others are “in The air.” These buildings are built with the most modern facilities for handling goods and the prevention of fire, and experts declare that, in the light of experience in other countries, a fire is almost impossible, while if one did occur the danger to adjoining properties would be nullified by the special precautions taken in building.