HANDSOME BRICK BUILDING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9692, 17 January 1910, Page 5

HANDSOME BRICK BUILDING.

FOR ABRAHAM AND WILLIAMS, LTD. The handsome business premises just completed in Masterton for Messrs Abraham and Williams, comprising offices for themselves and a shop now occupied by Mr A. Hendry add materially to the architectural beauty of Queen street, and are a monument to the enterprise and thoroughness of the firm responsible for their erection. No expense has been spared to secure a building that will be in keeping with the growing importance of Masterton for many years to come, and to provide ample accommodation for the firm's present staff, and for any increase that the future may dembnd. The offices to be occupied by Messrs Abraham and Williams are on the ground floor, are spacious, well ventilatedjjand splendidly appointed. The main office is fitted up with the latest pattern desks ar.d drawers, and has a circular counter made from heart of limu. Immediately behind the main office is the auctioneer's department, where those desirous of discussing matters with the firm's salesman can do so in privacy. To the left of the auctioneers' office and adjoining the strong room is ths telephone recess, where the firm's patrons, desirous of using the telephone can do so without the conversation being J audible to others in the building. This is an innovation that will doubtless be appreciated. The manager's office is a spacious and well-finished one, the friezes being hand-painted, and very effective. It is neatly furnished, particularly well liehted per medium of large windows in the back wall. The comfort of the staff as well as the manager has been studied in every detail, and business will be carried on in the news offices under ideal conditions. On the second floor of the building are numerous offices, most of which will be available to those seeking business apartments in a central position. The offices are finished in a style that positively leaves nothing to be desired, while ample light is secured by an effective placing of skylights. Gas fires are provided in each office. .

The shop portion, is divided from the firm's offices by a stairway is occupied by Mr A. Hendry, mercer and clothier, and is certainly one of the most attractive shops in Masterton. The windows are so arranged that goods may be and are displayed to the beet advantage, and the whole premises have a bright and attractive appearance pleasing in every way. The fronts of both premises are particularly well finished, in which a combination of pretty tiles play an important part. The work has been done with a thoroughness that is apparent even to the most casual ob-' server. The contractors for the work were Messrs King and Son, upon whom the building reflects much credit. It was completed well within contract time, and the proprietors and architect alike have expressed their entire satisfaction at the results achieved. The plumbing was carried out by Mr R. jb'. Jones, the plastering by Mr A. Haughey, and the painting and decorating by Messrs Hausmann and Fox.