BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS AT CAMBRIDGE. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1426, 23 August 1881, Page 3

BUILDING IMPROV EMENTS AT CAMBRIDGE. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

For the past two months, the building developements of Cambridge have been very extensive. In almost every quarter of the town, new buildings have been erected, and street improvements have in many places been effected ; and together with the buildings already put up, and those contemplated, the town should preeent a very imposing appearance. Perhaps the most noteworthy step towards advancement ever yet taken in Cambridge — exclusive of the water supply Behenie which however, is not as yet a reality — is that taken V-y the Waikato Steam Navigation Company in constructing their new wharf on the East bank of the Waikato, at the end of Duke-street. In addition to the wharf, the construction of which has already been described in your columns, there has al?o been erected at considerable coat, numerous extensive warehouses, for the storage of goods of every description, including coal, timber, iron-ware, and other articles consisting principally of the stock-in-trade of the store-Keeper and publican . A s the trucks of material are drawn up the steep gradient from the wharf below, they are Jand«o on a turn-table, from which rails are 1 laid off to all parts of the premises, ■every" article or class of articles, going to its own particular department. Carters find a great difference, and 1 their horses none the less in the convenience and facilities afforded them by this timely change. Heretofore when the old wharf was in existence, and the road down towards the bridge, its only approach, the work of one horse, especially in the winter season, could barely be done by three, and three often proved insufficient to -bring half a ton from the river to the 1 top of the hill* At the new wharf there 35 every convenience in this respect, the roads befog £rp /md th,e upproaches level "with the,, jaf^palj thoroughfares. The Enterprise of the company, however, does

position to provide building material, coal, galvanised iron, firewood, and other stuffs at wholesale prices, which should prove a great convenience to Betters, and others who have hitherto had , to go further away for, well-dried timber, and such goods. The arrangement for the transferring of passengers from the top of the bank to the steamer is not as yet complete. This will consist of a long row of steps partly on a the zigzag principle which will be a decidedly more acceptable means of transit than having one's self lowered down on truck at a speed which is certainly more than comfortable. A rope is at present used for hoisting purposes, but as this is not a very dependable article, a steel rope will shortly replace it, which will go a long way in inspiring passengers with a stronger sense of security. Mr Kirkwood'a new hotel is the latest addition to Cambridge in the way of consideration for travellers, and is one of the handsomest structures of its kind in the district. Another splendid villa has been erected by Mr Brooks at the end of Duke-street, which, when finished and surroundad by a garden, cannot fail to be a very picturesque spot When Mr Raynes' new theatre is under way there will be lots of convenience and inducement for that section of the community who have an inclination to matters threatrical in general, and the stage iv particular. Mr Clements has already given an order for the erection of three commodious shops on hia section in Duke-stieet, and Mr Reynolds has called for tenders for the building of a shop in the same thorougfare. When Mr Ashor's villa residence is erected Duke-street should bo satisfied for a few months to come. Mr Wells is making a splendid home out of the Farmeis' Cluh building which he will occupy himself when finished. In addition to these there aie seveial other cottages lately erei ted as well as faeveral in course of erection and others contemplated.