IMPROVEMENTS AT ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6878, 10 October 1887, Page 6

IMPROVEMENTS AT ASHBURTON.

The old Town Hall silent Ashburton is being gradually transformed and improved beyond recognition, and in place of a plain dirty looking* wooden building there is now presented in front a number of attractive looking shops, while the back has been converted into an auction room and convenient horse bazaar for Messrs Friedlander Brothers. Facing on East street Mr Thomas Chambers has an attractive boot shop, in the window of which is occasionally displayed medals and certificates of merit, while there is always a constant supply of bcote, shoes, &c Next door Mr Oliver has a tailor and clothier s shop, which he has recently opened, and in which he is now carrying on a flourishing business. Next door to this again Mr Randall has a well stocked fruiterer's and confectioner's shop. Adjoining this Mr H. G. Flower has a model little establishment, in which he carries on a popular local industry. In a room at the back of the shop he has the machinery for the manufacture of a very large variety of sweetmeats, and the whole of his tempting display of confectionery is made on the preniises. The improvement- in this portion of East street do not cud here, however, for another important establishment has recently been opened. Mr F. Ferriman;the local agent for Walter A. Wood and Co. and Messrs Booth and •■ McDonald, has let his roomy premises to Messrs Light band, Allan and Co., and, while the reapers and binders, ploughs, harrows, $_.., have gone into another street, the large shop-has Seen refitted and stocked ud ad- the '-Zealandia" boot store.' Adjoining this store the builders are < now at -work erecting a large shop for Mr EE Jones, stationer and bookseller. Mr Johee also intends building several much-needed offices, and he hopes to have these ready and to move into his new shop sometime next month. These improvements have made a great difference m the appearance of a spot that for many years was a gap in the business portion of the town, and it also might be as the dawn of more prosperous days.