THE PROGRESS OF MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3087, 8 January 1909, Page 6

THE PROGRESS OF MASTERTON.

A WELL-FINISHED BUILDING

The finishing touches have just been put to a fine two-storey brick building on a portion of the old Empire Hotel site in Queen Street to the urder of Mr J. O'Meara, of Masterton. The building, which has a very imposing front, is constructed on the most modern lines, being finished in pressed brick and cement stucco. The appearance of the build- ) ing is greatly enhanced by the verandah, which has a coved ceiling, lined with stamped steel and painted white. Suspended from the verandah is a powerful arc light, which is so arranged as to obviate the necessity of inside window lights. Entrance to the shop is gained by a tiled doorway, of unique pattern, and the show windows on either side of this present a most attractive appearance, and are a special feature of the building. They have been built in by Mr R. Low, the wellknown shop front builder of Wellington, and are so constructed as to be Thoroughly dust proof. The transome lights are fitted with patent "Catseye" reflex glass, which lends a most artistic effect to the windows. The glass stall plates are also worthy of special mention, and .are so fitted as to admit of easy removal for signwriting purposes. The shop itself is spacious, being 25 x 19 feet, and at the back of this is a show room 14 x 12 feet. The walls are all lined with heart ot rtd pine, which, with the Wunderlich stamped metal used for the ceiling, combines to make a bright interior. The upper storey, contains living rooms, which are all well lighted and thoroughly up-to-date in every respect. The whole work reflects great credit on the architect, Mr H. A. Jones, and the contractors, Messrs Coradine and Whittaker The plaster work was executed by Mr A. Haughey, the painting by Mr W. H. Cole, and the plumbing by Messrs Pickering Bros.