UNDER THE HAMMER

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 126, 30 May 1928, Page 11

UNDER THE HAMMER

OLYMPIC CLUB HOUSE A NOTE OF DE LUXE ■ Offered by Messrs. J. B. Ilai-eourt und Co., as "eminently suitable for a cabaret or private hotel," the property to bo known as the Olympic Club came under the hammer yesterday. Old Wellington, is fast passing away. What with great new buildings and oxtensivo structural alterations to existing premises, citizens who return to the city in a few years' time may havo to ask their way about. Old residents will well remember the house in Church streot, half-way up the steps to The Terrace, occupied by the late Captain Johnson, Harbourmaster. It was just tho position that a sailor would chooso, with its expansive viow over tho port and the shipping. Tho great flagstaff, which usually flew tho orthodox bunting when tho Harbourmaster was about, still stands, but ,tho house has been so extended, renovated, and enlarged that its original occupier would hardly recognise it. It was lately owned and occupied by Mr. William Duthie, and later still it was taken in hand and completely transformed with the intention of being ns.-jcl as a social club. This proposal was dropped, the scope was widened, and tho premises were to bo .known as the Olympic Club. The contract for tho adaptation and decoration of the promises was secured by tho Auckland firm of J. T. Julian and Son. The carpenter, plumber, decorator, and electrician got to \vork, and the curiosity of, people regularly scaling the Church street steps was stimulated day by day at the building activity that went on at tho' former house of the' Harbourmaster. Hammer and chisel and saw wero going all day long, but they wero to give place to the sounds of timbrel, tabor, and pipe, for there was to be a beautiful ballroom provided for members of the club, and everything done for ttioir entertain-1 ment. But the club has not so far opened its doors to members, although tho transformation is, completo, tho rooms contain some furniture, the spacious hall is laid with a magnificent blue and crimson carpet of . unusual thickness, and exceedingly restful to walk upon. Tho application for a permit for tho use of'the premises as a cabaret came before tho Bylaws Committeo of the City Council somo time ago, but was refused. . v • Inspection of the premises fully justified tho auctioneer's description of tho decorations and appointments of tho building. As he said, "i^t is doubtful if there are finer electric'light fittings anywhoro in tho city" than thoso'of tho Olympic Club. At tho very front entranco of the club stands a statue in marble of an ancient Greek, perhaps an original Olympian, whoso duty was to act as stand for an electric light. The handsome dining-room' or restaurant with much of the necessary furniture would provide accommodation for a large assemblage. Near by was a buffot, and the kitchen range, boiler, and other appointments bear wit the auctioneer's description of their modernity and capacity. Above is tho ballroom, one of the finest of its kind in point of decoration to be found in any. private establishment in tho Dominion. It measures over 50ft by 30ft, and thero is an alcovo for tho musicians. Balconies looking out over the harbour and the grounds of'tho club aro approached from tho ballroom. Tho walls aro panelled in natural grain brown pine, gilded figures of fauns ■ act as caryatides to the cornice, of tho deep bluo frieze. No money has been spared in tho brilIkiut lighting of the bnllroom, and the dome in tho ceiling. Tho style of decoration is°roccoco. Over t,hc» doors of the ballroom aro the words "Olympic Club" in electric glow lamps. In addition to tho catering and dancing accommodation, said tho auctioneer, thero aro nearly twenty J^oclrooms, all -'furnished with hot and cold water. There wero tho usual offices and bathrooms, fittod up with a distinct note of luxury. Tho approach to the club from the Church street steps boars the notice, "Trespassers -will bo prosecuted." The path winds through a perfect fairy bower of ferns and shrubs and rustic woodwork. There is everything,, as tho auctioneer pointed out, to malco the premises of tho Olympic Club attractive as a cabar'ct or private hotel. It is right in the heart of the city. But -up to the present tho ballr.ooin floor has not been danced upon, the echoes of aornet and saxophone have not yet been heard in,the halls of tho club; its kitchen has served up no suppers, and thero has been no daftping. or feasting of members of tho Olympic Club, all because tho Court.. ordered the premises to be sold. An attempt was made by .Messrs. Harcourt to sell them yesterday. Bidding started at £0000. This was £100 less than tho amount for which they are insured. Bids briskly climbed to £8100, and hung there. The saleroom was well filled, considering tho magnitude of tho business in hand. But th'o reserve was not reached, I, and so , tho Olympic Club houso was passed in.