IMPRESSIVE SHIPPING OFFICES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 84, 6 October 1910, Page 8

IMPRESSIVE SHIPPING OFFICES.

— — «» UNION COMPANY'S NEW • QUARTERS. Palatial is a fairly accurate descriptive term to apply to the Union Steam Ship Co.'s new offices on Customhousequay. The building' is 85 feet by 97 feet, in red brick, bluestone, wroughtiron, pink granite, polished walnut and mahogany, gorgeous tiles, and stained glass. The new building, shortly to be opened, is one of the most striking in the city in regard to size, embellishment, and general appearance, both within and without. It has cost £45,000 to build and fit out, and the furniture will be in keeping. This item is not included in the £45,000. Modern renaissance is the comprehensive term by which the style of the building is known. It is certainly a very effective pile, with its gold-colour-ed cornices and balustrades in stucco, with red brick walls and massive bluestone base. The ground-floor, approached by iron grilles and revolving doors, is most imposing. The whole floor is tiled, and the counters, panelling screens, and partitions are all in polished walnut. A great reinforced dome, filled with stained and cathedral glass, gives daylight from above. The ceiling is noticeably lofty, and is supported upon columns of noble proportions. A tine effect has been obtained, but every inch of space lias been utilised, and all possible daylight has been obtained from above and at the sides. What is not seen is the most important thing in the whole construction — its steel framing. It is claimed for the building that, with all the experience of the San Francisco disaster before them, the architects (Messrs. Crichton and M'Kay) have produced a building as absolutely fire and earthquake proof as can be humanly devised. In short, the building is a skeleton of steel clothed with bricks and stone and plaster. Exceedingly good taste has been displayed in the decorations within and without, and they may be described as rich, but not obtrusive. For the despatch of business special counters have been set apart for freight, Lyttelton, coastwise, and intercolonial business. Ample accommodation has been provided for all departments of the company's business, and for the New Zealand Shipping Co. as well, which has its offices on tho ground floor. The mezzanine floor has also been reserved by the Union Co. for private and other officesJ The basement and the top floor will be available for storage. From the promena-de roof, covering four floors, one of the finest views in Wellington can be obtained. Access to all upper floors is obtainable by two lifts — one for passengers, the ether for stores. There is a separate and ornate approach from the corner of Johnston-street and the Quay to the suites of offices -on the first and second floors. Every suite of offices has a strong room, and all are amply lighted by natural light. A radiator system of heating is installed in the building for use in chilly weather. Taken altogether, the new offices are a desirable addition to the city's buildings, and incidentally mark the great progress the company is making in the shipping world of Australasia. The contractors for the building were Messrs. Mitchell and King.