A WELLINGTON MUSIC CENTRE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 18, 4 January 1912, Page 3

A WELLINGTON MUSIC CENTRE

CHAS. BEGG AND CO.’S NEW PREMISES. Messrs. Begg and Co.’s new and handsome premises in Manners street, Wellington, which were formally opened last week, set a new standard in music warehouses for New Zealand. Hight in the heart of the busiest part of Wellington this enterprising firm has erected a large three-storey brick and steel frame building, having a frontage oi 35 feet to Maimers street by a depth of 119 feet, while there is a commodious three-storey annexe (40ft by 60it) which connects the main building with St. Hill street. The extensive show windows and high cantilever verandah give an air of distinction to the exterior of th? building—an air, indeed, that is characteristic of tb.e whole of the premises, which are admirably designed for the purpose they have to serve, rhe ground floor consists of a magnificent salerecm —a well-lighted, loft.v apaitmert, with counters running down either side and walls pigeonholed for sheet music. There is also a handsome showstand occupying a central position. and displaying a variety of Besson’s brass instruments. Above th? counter is a mezzanine floor running the full length, and across the front oi th? shop, on which is kept the wholesale dock of sheet music. There is also a spacial room on tb.e grmmd floor tor the | display of gran.imhioes and the t:ia_l oi ; records. The emew and counting-! 'louse extern! across t’r? bark of the ground flat. Ascending a broad fiigb-t -if steps, th? bahistrr.ding of which is built of picked riii'iti. one is ushered to a large and airy piano and organ showroom. well filled with it wide variety oi i instruments. It is on tins floor that; the firm intends to provide a little re-1 cltal chamber, which will seat about 1 •>!>; people. This will be convenient i' )r i small chamber concerts, or for a teac.a- ; er who wishes to display the vocal or instrumental proficiency oi a pupil to a ; few friends and those interested in tb.e ' culture of music. On the same fiooi there are some half-dozen handy-sized. rooms ter musk-teachers. Ascending, still another flight is the who’esaw’ -■tore, where all manner of goods are. packed and unpacked with ease and: facilitv. I M-.‘ Lockver. of Browning street, | Napier, is the Hawke’s Bay agent for | Messrs. Begg and Co. ;