CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14222, 9 December 1911, Page 3

CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

MESSRS B. PETERSEN" AND CO.'S

NEW PREMISES,

To Christchurch has fallen the honour of having in its main street tho best and most up-to-date jewellery establishment in Australasia. This sounds a bold statement to make, but after a visit to the- premises of Messrs B. Petersen and Co. in High street, ono realises that such a claim is quite substantiated. It is over half a century since Messrs Petersen and Co. started- business in a-modest little shop, which stood on tho site of their prosen building. "With tho march of time and tho expansion of business, however, tho firm determined, to re-build. They set out with the object of erecting an establishment that would bo second to none in Christchurch, and the result has been a building that is not only a credit to the firm, but to tho city of Christchurch as a whole. Tho building, which is a three-storeyed one, is constructed on the most recent scientific architectural lines. Tho greatest attention has boon paid to tho lighting throughout, with the result ttiat when the interiors of practically all the surrounding buildings are wrapped in gloom, and artificial lighting has to bo resorted to, tho shop and workrooms of Messrs Petersen and Co. are so well lighted by natural iight that gas or electric illumination is quito unnecessary. This happy result has been brought about by constructing tho building with a deep "well" in tho centre, in spite of tho fact that such an innovation has •meant' the sacrifice of the valuable floor space in the upper storeys of the building. ' As the pedestrian is walking past the building his attention is rivctted by tho magnificent display of jewellery. and kindred articles in tho windows. Instinctively tho passer-by stops to admire it. Following a natural impulse ho or sheenters tho shop, and is well rewarded for the time occupied in inspection. Everywhere tho visitor (who is cordially invited to inspect the premises, irrespective of whether it is desired' to make a purchase or not) is confronted with show cases of th© latest design, which have been installed regardless of cost. They arc of heavy glass, and th© display of silver plate, jewellery, and such like manufactures is so large and varied that it baffles description. . Not a single pillar obstructs the view— there is not even tho customary "counter," on which the salesman wraps up the articlo purchased, and over which he receives payment: These innovations aro accomplished* by tho use or steel girders, strong enough to do away wfVh pillars, and by tho installation of a number of show cases about three feet in height, which are used for tho dual purpose of, displaying choice wares and acting as counters. The general "layout" of the shop is as artistic as the most critical could wish for.. The ceiling is in white carrara fibrous plaster, and tho whole interior is beautifully finished .throughout. , . , As indicating tho thoroughness which the firm has carried out its object of up-to-dateness, it may be mentioned that no less than 2CKX) feet of plateglass, 500 feet of mirror, and 1000 feet of plate-glass shelving have been utilised. A feature of the premises ia a "drawing-room," fitted with a writing table, a lounge, and such like accessories, which will be at the disposal of clients. Tho private office of the manager (Mr "W. H. Seed) is also beautifully fitted up, and is splendidly lighted. "At tho rear of the showroom is tho workshop, in which several artisans aro to lie seen manufacturing articles of jewellery that are a magnificent. testimonial to local industry, and which entirely givo tho lie to tho canard that it is necessary to go abroad for such articles. Upstairs is the repairing room, -which, 4iko the other workrooms, is a .model of comfort.and,-Utility that other firms would do well Hx) imitate. At night-time when the electno switches aro turned on, the premises are a veritable blaze of light that is almost calculated to dazzle the visitor, and which is certainly unapproached by any other such display in this city. it will be pleasant news to tho public that the old clock, which was one of the -landmarks in High street, and which has been sorely missed since tho old huildins; has been demolished, is to he re-established in its old place of honour on -Messrs Petersen's building, and will in the near future once moro announce to tho public at large "how Time is slipping underneath our feet."