Page 12 Advertisements Column 2

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 137, 11 June 1926, Page 12

A TRANSFORMATION. An interesting example of the attainment of 1026 efficiency from 1891 material is illustrated by Messrs. Wingate and Company, Ltd., Ironmongers, opposite the General Post Office, in Queen Street. Finding their Queen Street and Albert Street premises quite inadequate to house the large and varied stocks required for their growing business, and since the nature of their Harbour Board leases precluded additions to the buildings, the directors decided to have the existing building thoroughly remodelled and modernised. The expert services of Messrs. Chilwell and Trevithick, the well-known architects, were requisitioned, the result being a complete metamorphosis of the Queen Street shop and the first floor. On passing down Lower Queen Street, towards the ferries, the pedestrian's attention is first arrested by the fine display of the latest wares in the spacious windows. On entering the shop he finds a large assortment of all lines neatly arranged to facilitate selection, all goods having the prices marked in plain figures. A well-equipped sports department occupies a portion of the ground floor, and buyers find it a real pleasure to examine the large range of requisites for every kind of sport. Other departments housed on this floor are tools, cutlery, E.P. and bronze goods, brassfoundry, paints and oils, household hardware and beekeepers' requisites. In order to suit many customers who find it difficult to do their shopping during the day, the firm are now remaining open for- retail trade till 9 p ; m. .on Fridays. On ascending to the first floor, or Builders' Show Room, the customer is surprised at the fine display there. Here he sees an architect with a fastidious client examining the extensive selection of baths, pede=tal basins. lavatory fittings, tiles, fireplaces, etc., and here a hard-headed contractor selecting his requirements from a fine assortment of lock-sets, handles, easement fittings, high class solid bronze hinges, etc., also samples of doors, wall boards, three-ply, and all building requisites. A famous Englishman once said: "There is nothing more fascinating than 1 good hardware well displayed," and Wingate and Company have certainly provided this fascination in their new shop and show room, which the public are cordially invited to call *nd inspect. In their Albert Street and Beach Road warehouses the firm still carries large stocks of farm implements, fencing wire, carriageware, wire netting, "Invincible" wire-wove fencing, asbestos sheets, G.C. Iron, bar iron, steel rods, and girders. The extensive alterations were faithfully carried out by Messrs. G. Garner and Son, contractors.—(Ad.)