TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3133, 13 August 1892, Page 2

TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.

kowden's liurr.iHNGs. Activity in the building irtdo is generally looked upon as a visible sign of the prosperity of a township ; but whilst this may not in all instances bo taken as an infallible cuido, the erection of new premises by local tradespeople fur their own requirements ii an indication of the healthy condition of the business of the town, and denotes a feeling of confidence in its future progress that is reassuring. There has certiiuly been a small boom in the building trade in Hamilton lately, and we are pleased to believe that this has been occasioned by the steady progress of the district, and increased spendrng power of the settlers. The most noticeable of the new buildings is undoubtedly that lately erected by Mr H. H. Howden, watchmaker, etc., in Vic-toria-street. The building is two storeys high, having a frontage of 48ft., by 38ft. deep; behind and aoart from which is a spacious and well-lighted sample room, fitted up with shelving and counter accommodation. There are three rooruy shops in the main building, the southern one of of which is let to Mr A. W. G. LeQuesne, chemist, the northern otie will be occupied by Mr Howden himself, and tho centre shojj is still to let. On tho ground floor, in addition to the shops, are six other rooms, two of which are let with the shops. The other four will be retained by Mr Howden, two as work rooms. Upstairs are four large rooms, which, in addition to two on the lower floor, will be occunied bv Mr Howden as a residence. Mr T. H. White, Hamilton, is the architect, from whose plans and under whose supervision the buildings were erected, Messrs Pettigrew and Co., of Ngaruawahia, being the builders, and they have carried out their contract in a faithful and creditable manner. THE FITTINGS. A notice of the buildings would be incomplete without special reference to the internal fittings and decorations of Mr Howden's own shop, which will be far and away superior to anything in this district, and we think we may safely say would be hard to rival even in Auckland. The whole of this, work has been executed by Mr Mallindine' of Ngaruawahia, and he is certainly a master of his art, some of the best work in Auckland, notably thatin Messrs Stewart Dawson and Co.'s establishment, being executed by him. The counter in Mr Howden's shop will first claim attention. The groundivork of the counter is polished black, the front consisting of threo panels, divided by pilasters surmounted by trusses. The two outer panels are engraved with Mr Howden's monogram, picked out with gold, and on the centre panel is an engraved scroll work design also picked out with gold, the whole of the panels being edged with marbling. The front of the trusses are marbled and on the pilasters are engraved floral desigus brought oat in Bold. The show cases, too, will also come in for a deal of admiration from the beauty and neatness of the ornamentation. These are embellished with the »ime style of work as the counter, the marbling being particularly good throughout, and thef engraving capital. The cases are highly polishod, and have the appearance of enamel work. Between the two cases fronting the counter a mirror panel has been inserted, the full height of the case. In the window are two other mirrors one at each end, between which are curved shelves covered with black velvet, Mr Mallindine must certainly be complimented upon the success of his efforts, and the shop is wall worthy a visit o.f inspection, as the fittings are quite unique as specimens of the decorator's art. The signwriting is the work of one of the cleverest of Auckland tradesmen, and although, (when we write) as yet unfinished, one can perceive that it will be aone in a manner heretofore unknown in Waikato. Mr Howden deserves great credit for the enterprising spirit he, comparatively a new comer amongst us, has displayed in erecting and fitting out his new premises in the manner he has done, and we trust ho will meet with . the reward his enterprise undoubtedly merits. The shop will be opened this evening at six o'clock, and Mr Howden will display of an entirely new stock of goods.