MODERN OFFICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 221, 19 September 1938, Page 12

MODERN OFFICES.

SHIPPING COMPANY'S MOVE. QUEEN STREET PREMISES. Designed for the convenience of the public, and reflecting the most modern trends in equipment and fittings, the new office opened in Queen Street to-day by A. S. Paterson and Company, Ltd., to cope with increasing passenger business associated with the company's agency for the Shaw Savill and.Albion Company, Ltd., is a worthy addition to the city's commercial institutions. The premises were formerly occupied by Mr. B. J. M. Kemp, tailor, at 101, Queen Street, and the entire building has been renovated. A striking innovation is the setting back of the frontage four feet, permitting people to look in the window without obstructing the footpath. The exterior has been tinted in deep buff with the firm's name in sharp relief. The interior decoration has 'been carried out in panelled walnut, set o(T with modernistic chromium fittings. A wide, curved business counter occupies a central position in the office. The transfer of staff and records has progressed smoothly, and when the oflice opened this morning everything was in readiness for business. The expansion of shipping business since A. S. Paferson acquired the Shaw Savill and Albion Company's agency in 1005. has made necessary the provision of more modern and centrally situated accommodation, and the new offices will be ideally suited for the purpose. In recent years there has been a general move by shipping companies and travel organisations to premises in Queen Street, resulting in added convenience for the public. For the past 12 years the A. S. Paterson agency has been located in offices in Maritime Buildings, Quay Street. The Shaw Savill and Albion Company was founded SO years ago, and in its early days it took a prominent part in the development of the Dominion. For many years it was largely concerned with carrying emigrants to New Zealand, mainly in connection with tlie South Island gold rushes. Fares from London to Otago were then only £13 10/. The company lias also been closely associated with the development of the frozen meat trade. The Shaw Savill fleet now comprises 2(1 steamers and motor ships, totalling .12.1,214 tons gross. The latest addition, the Dominion Monarch, will make its maiden trip to New Zealand in March! She will inaugurate a new Tonte via Capetown, Durban and Australian ports. A replica of (he Dominion Monarch will, within .x short space of time, become a permanent display feature of the new Queen Street oflice window.