IN OTHER CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 185, 30 April 1908, Page 3

IN OTHER CENTRES.

(bi lELECKArn—srneiAi. cork Euros'dents.) — —— AUCKLAND. April 29. "The way in which the cargo and vehicular traffic is now handled is antediluvian, expensive, and discreditable, alike to the Board and tho Company,'' was tho opinion expressed regarding the cargo traffic between Auckland and Devonport, Northcote, and Birkenhead, in a letter from tho Devonport Ferry Company, which was read at yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board. The letter stated that it was of the utmost importance that an improved system of conveying vehicles and cargo should bo initiated. ' It was hoped'-that the Board would provide such wharfage accommodationas will enable an up-to-date system of vehicular and cargo traffic to be carried out, as no improvement can be made until suitable, wharfage, accommodation is provided. The Board decided to consider the question at its next committee meeting. Bad Streets. ' • Mr. Bevins, a member of the Remuera Road- Board, who recently returned from tho South, says he is ashamed and disgusted with tho streets in Auckland, especially in the. suburban districts. At last night's meeting of' the Road Board ho spoke jn glowing tefrns of the streets and roads in tie southern towns. Mr. Bond expressed tho hope that Remuera would soon be made an. example in the formation of streets. Trout-fishing. Colonel Parry, an English sportsman and angler now' in Auckland, thinks that the Tongariro will Be one of the, best rivers in New. Zealand for trout-fishing'in the future. It,is a big rjver, the fish seem to like it, and there arc'; a'number of fine specimens there. ' 'There is also a certain amount of water for wading. The water is very strong, and the fish fight hard, in it,' and afford excellent sport. Trout-fishipg is altogether different here from the English sport. Tho fish hero run bigger, _ and tho rainbow trout, so numerous in New Zealand waters, does not acclimatiso in English, .streams. ' '' ' ' - New Bank Building. , ' An important addition to Auckland's buildings is shortly to bo commenced .. in Swanson Street. The expansion of the .business'of'the Bank of New. Zealand has necessitated an extension of tho bank premises, and plans aro now practically ready for a fine five-story brick building, which will have a frontage of S4 feet to the thoroughfare named.: The depth of the blc'ck at the lower end, where it wil l connect with the present Bank promises, will bo 44ft., and at the upper eiid it will be ■ 30ft. The specifications . pro'vido for an up-to-dato building. The basement (which will ho partly abovo ground) will bo so built as to ■be oil a level with the - present . banking chamber, and this is the only portion, of tho' new .erection that will bo used ior, the. bank's' business. This basement will comprise" a largo addition to the banking chamber, 32ft. Gin. by 27ft.; a bookroom, storeroom, and luncheon and cloakroom .for the employees. The wholo of tho upper floors are to be devoted to offices and . caretakers' quarters.., Thero will lie an elevator and a complete elcctrie light installation, metal ceilings* and concrete ■ floors. The main .'entrance and staircaso to the first floor-will bo in white marble, and will-have tiled walls. Tho lower portion of, the front elevation will bo in Milestone. A brick an- 1 noxo is also to bo built at the rear of tho bank for tellers' boxes in connection with tram and railway deposits., Tho wholo of the additions, including tho new main building and annexe, will cose between £9000 and £10,000.' : Me'ssrs. E.' Malionoy and Sous' arc the architects. ' Tenders aro to be called' immediately.