OLD LANDMARK GOING

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 189, 9 May 1934, Page 8

OLD LANDMARK GOING

75-Year-old Building in Hands of Breakers MODERN FLAT BLOCK Another old landmark in Wellington is disappearing this week in the demolition of that quaint wooden residence next to the Te Aro Hotel in Upper Willis Street. This ancient building must be nearly seventy years of age. It was built of heart of matai, and stood right out to the street alignment with recessed steps in the centre leading up to the first floor, which was about five feet from the ground level. It was the only house of its kind in Wellington, and one which passed through many hands. It is dated at least 60 years back by the fact that the laths used in the piaster lining are hand-split. It was a laboursome task to split these laths, and the practice was given over as soon as wood-working machinery came to the fore. Not because hand 1 split laths were inferior to machinesawn—indeed the former were better, as they offered a rougher surface for the plaster to cling to. The property now belongs to Albert Flats Ltd., who had plans prepared for a modern building three or four years ago, but were checked in their purpose by the depression. It is understood that these plans will be adhered to. though a start may not be made with the constructional work for some months yet.