BANK OF AUSTRALASIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 July 1924, Page 5

BANK OF AUSTRALASIA.

NEW PREMISES AT MANAIA. The tender of Mr G. 11. Mason, of Taumarunui, has been accepted for the erection of the Bank of Australasia’s new premises at Manaia. The new building, which- will be constructed of reinforced concrete, will be erected on the site of the present premises, which are to ’be pulled down. The plans show a substantial twostoried building of pleasing exterior, which combines banking chambers and residence, the ground area covered be--ing 37ft. frontage and 53ft. depth. Accommodation is provided in the banking chambers for a staff of seven, the arrangement of the various rooms being- so planned that the work ean be carried on with a minimum amount of traffic between the departments. To conserve space, and for the additional convenience of staff and clients, the outer doors are of the sliding pattern with swing doors immediately behind, a vestibule thus being dispensed with. The public room is square with the manager’s room,* accountant’s room, ledger and general clerks’ desks, and teller’s counter conveniently arranged around three sides, so that any officer can be interviewed direct from the public room as required. The comfort of the staff has been further provided for by the installation of a circulating hot water system of heating. There is a private entrance at the side for the residential portion of the premises, which are spacious and fitted with all modern conveniences. On the ground floor are the hall, living room, kitchen, offices, etc., and upstairs four bedrooms, bathroom, etc., and a large balcony. We understand that the work of erection will he proceeded with in about three weeks’ time. Messrs Atkins and Mitchell are the architects for the building.