MESSRS GIBBONS & CO.' NEW PREMISES.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 37, 14 February 1899, Page 2

MESSRS GIBBONS & CO.' NEW PREMISES.

A recent and noteworthy addition to the architecture uf Lambtnn : duay' ia the neW warehouse erected itir' Messrs. H. Ci. Gibbons and Co., HefeuWeli, etc. The building, though soniewiia!) tlWarfed, perhaps, by the oolosßal proportion* ef the tallest building in the city, which adjoins it, is really a Very large fitrtiofcuro, consisting of four stories towering to a. height of something over 60ft, and containing a very considerable amount of floor nud wall space. Its exterior appearance is ploasiug to the eye, and, having been designed by Mr. W. C. Chatfield specially to Buit the requirements of the business carried on by Messrs. Gibbons and Co., it contains practically every convenience that long experience in the business and architectural ability thought desirable. On the ground floor is, of course, the firm's shop, the handsome display windows of which are shaded by a verandah of a design new to this city, and specially constructed to throw the light into the windows. The shop goes back to a depth of 59ft, and when in order and properly arranged will be resplendent with brightly-polished seed drawers, artificial flowers enclosed in glass cases and arranged in a variety of designs such as wreaths, crosses, hearts, anchors, etc., and a bewildering array of horticultural implements and accessories to vegetable, fruit, and flower culture. Although Messrs. Gibbons and Co. only moved into their new premises about the beginning of the month, the shop is already getting into ship-shape order, and a week or two will see everything put straight, and an up-to-date seed shop equipped as it should be. It may be mentioned, as showing tho immense variety of seeds kept in stock, that there are something like 600 drawers on the premises, and in a- large proportion of these two or three different kinds of seeds are kept. Just to the right of the shop entrance is the office of the proprietor, Mr. Gibbons, and there are also a telephone office and a strong room. At the back of the shop is a packing room to which a cart entrance can be obtained from the rear. In this room is an elevator, running to the top story, worked with a gas engine (one of Tangye's). Going upstairs, the bulk of the first floor is occupied with a large stock of horticultural implements of different kinds, • including the famous Planet, Jun. make, and there is also an< office for the packing of wholesale seed orders and a sample room designed spe'oially for light-giving purposes. This will enable customers to make their selections under the most advantageous conditions as to light. This floor is connected with the shop by means of speaking-tubes and a small, handy lift. The second floor is used for storing the imported grass seeds and clovers, stacks upon stacks of bags of seed being kept there. These comprise recent consignments of mew seed from Great Britain, America, and Germany — white and red clover, cow grass clover, alsyke clover are there in abundance, and also all the best lands of permanent pasture grasses such as crested dog's tail, meadow fescue, timothy grass, poa protensis, red top, etc. A special line of rape little known in the colony, but which has given splendid results, is also on view. On the top floor is the colonial grass seed (rye and cocksfoot) and also different manures — bonedust, superphosphate, and blood. It is impossible to go into detail concerning the specialties of the firm — they are so numerous j and those who cannot visit the premises can see them in the excellent catalogue published. In view of the season reference might be made to the stock of bulbs on hand, the variety and quality being exceptional. The building, which is the property of Mr. Jacob Joseph, and is held on a long lease by Messrs. Gibbons and Co., is fitted throughout with the electric light, and, as already stated, contains all the requirements for a large and rapidly-growing business. Mr. Chatfield was the architect and Mr. Trevor the contractor, and Mr. Gibbons appears to be highly pleased with the manner in which they have performed their respective tasks, and, indeed, he has reason, for the whole establishment is a credit to the city.