MR WISEMAN'S NEW SADDLERY WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3560, 6 January 1882, Page 2

MR WISEMAN'S NEW SADDLERY WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY.

The Exteriur,

One of the handsome additions to the architecture of Queen-street is Ml- Wiseman's new saddlery establishment, erected 6n the site of the old business premises. Mr Mahoney, the architect, has been particularly successful in his design of this building, which is universally admired. The front of tho building was executed in Portland cement, the sides ornamented with rusticated quoins, and the front story with moulded cornice, terminating with ornamental trusses, The upper story has au admirable appearance from the street. It has three semi-circular headed windows fiinished with pilasters, foliated caps, and moulded bascs'trnd architraves ; the upper cornice enriched with ornamental brackets, and in the centre of the parapet is a largo recess, a place of honour specially prepared for Mr Wiseman's family steed— the " White Horse." This highly distinguished animal has for 35 years occupied a promineut position over the business premises of Mr J. Wiseman, and alao of Mr Wiseman's father, and now triumphantly stands over tbe new establishment, where he can be seen in all the glory of new paint in much the same position he has occupied for the last sixteen year?, aud though he may look a little puffed in the legs from Joug standing he looks quite fit to see the end of this century. The two sides of the parapet have turned balusters, and the piers at the sides of the building terminate with moulded trusses aud ornamental fiuials. The spaces between the windows are ornamented with circular panels, and the name of the firm written in block letters on the frieze, "J. Wiseman, established ISGI," The windows are of plate glass, and so constructed as to cnablo goods to be displayed to the best advantage. '1 he front windows are quito a picture for horsey men. Tbe window-ledge plates, consisting of plate glass framed in cedar, ornamented in embossed gold, were tho work of Mr J. Henderson. The style of lettering is unique, and the workmanship altogether very creditable. The Interior. On cnteriug the shop we cannot but admire the effective interior arrangements — the great height of the fhop, the unique arrangetuen s for light and ventilation, c-C. Customers cannot fail to be impressed with the splendid stock kept by Mr Wiseman. Stately show cases are to be seen containing every description of saddles, bridles, and harness, whips, spurs, and nil kinds of fittings. The show cases are decorated with numerous first prize cards, which were awarded to Mr Wiseman for his exhibits at tho various agricultural exhibitions. The high merit of the goods manufactured at this establishment has gained for Mr Wiseman a deservedly high reputation throughout tho colony. Along the roof of the shop may be seen suspended in rows about 200 collars of various qualities and style, all manufactured on the premises, and well worthy of inspection. The jobbing department at the rear of the front shop is excellently lighted aud well ventilated, enabling the men to do their woik with comfurt aud efficiency. Altogether thirtytwo hands are engaged, On the floor beneath is another extensive department containing stocks of material used in the bußinc»s. Adjoining is tho collar-making departmout, where this noisy work is carried on withont disturbing tho business of tho front shop. The curding room conies next. ' Hero the mane and tail hair is prepared tor shilling saddles aad collars. Adjoining is , a substantial itorchouso for straw, etc. The upper floor of this first-class establishment is also used for manufacturing purposes as well as surplus stock. On the same floor is the machine room, containing elaborate and modern machiucry which desctves mentioning iv detail, but space will not permit. As regards tho lavatory arrangement.-, they art simply perfect, Many other large institutions would do well to take a lesson therefrom, We have given but a cursory glance at Mr Wiseman's new business premises, but sufficient tn oonvcy the fact that they are a endit to ihe proprietor and to the city.