WARDELL BROS. AND CO.'S GROCERY ESTABLISHMENT.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8482, 13 May 1893, Page 4

WARDELL BROS. AND CO.'S GROCERY ESTABLISHMENT.

The large number of Southern firms which have established branches in Wellington during the past few years give striking evidence of the confidence felt in the future of this city. The latest addition to the number is the firm of Wardell Bros, and Co., wholesale and retail grocers and tea blenders. Messrs Wardell Bros ? (4) arrived in the; colony from the Old 1 Country about six' years ago, aud established themselves in Christchurch. They have now the largest provision business in that city, no than thirty hands being employed. Subsequently a branch was started in Dunedin, and now the firm have extended their operations to Wellington. The premises which they have taken here are in Willis street, and were formerly occupied by Mr Williams, restaurant keeper. The situation is very central, and the establishment is one of the finest of the kind in the city. Each member of the firm has had considerable experience, and no better proof of their business tact and energy could be afforded than by the rapid progress which they have made since their arrival in New Zealand. The firm make a speciality of tea blending, and have earned a colonial reputation for the quality of the article which they supply. Their establishment in Wellington is well worth a visit. - The stock is an immense one, and has been specially selected for the market here, and during the few weeks the shop has been open a very brisk business has been done.

The alterations which have been made to the premises in order to fit them for the requirements of the firm have been extensive, including the complete remodelling of the whole building, upstairs and down. As remodelled, the building now provides a large *hop 42ft by 24ft, with about 3600 superficial 'eet of storage space at the back of and above the shop, as well as all the necessary sanitary conveniences after the latest approved types. No expense has been spared in fitting up the shop in the most approved and tasteful manner. Three large panelled counters with carved trusses are provided, the panels being relieved with nicelyfigured honeysuckle, and the whole is French polished. The shelving, extending all round the shop, has been finished with a bold cornice carried over turned columns with fancy caps and bases, and at intervals silvered plate-glass mirrors are introduced, each 2ft wide, which give an air of roominess as well as serving to impart a look of cheerfulness to an otherwise gloomy interior. In the centre of the shop two large circular showstands are prominent features, as well as a substantial plate-glass show . case relieved with gold lettering, tastefully dressed with fancy sweetmeats, chocolates, &c. At the back of tbe shop two offices are provided, one for the use of the proprietors and the other for the clerical staff. At the opposite end of the shop to the offices, and on the same side, a small cash compartment has been fitted up. All the fittings throughout are in figured heart of red pine, oiled and varnished. The old front has been entirely removed, and replaced with hand* some plate-glass windows. The windows are sloped from the sides to the centre inwards, with a wide entrance, which is not provided with doors in the ordinary way, but has sliding shutters, which are only let down at night. The plate-glass in each window is in a single sheet, 10ft x Bft 6in, specially imported from Melbourne for the purpose, while the upper part of window frames is glazed with fancy coloured glass. The area formed by the inward sloping of windows from the frontage line has been laid down in tiles of a tasteful design, manufactured by Messrs Maw and Co., England. The windows are also cased in at the back with glazed screens, leaving ample room for the display of goods in the windows. In front a handsome glass verandah has been erected. The verandah is carried on cast-iron columns, and the roof is formed with large curved wrought-iron rafters, with ground glass. The building is lighted throughout by electricity, and as it will be about two months before the central station of the Gulcher Company will be in working order, a small private installation has been fitted up on the premises, the motor being a turbine. The whole of the works,have been faithfully carried out by the'contractors, Messrs Brown and Johnston, »f Panama street, and their sub-contraeiera, Mr A. Lawson (painting), Mr T. Ballinger (plumbing), and Mr Crabtree (ironwork). The plans and specifications were prepared by Mr W. Crichton, the architect for the Free Public Library.—Wellington Post.