Page 1 Advertisements Column 3

New Zealand Mail, Issue 765, 29 October 1886, Page 1

speech 11W TE ARO HOUSE THE history o! mercantile houses and that of nations have many points of common interest. Both take their rise from small beginnings, advance with the increase of population and the force of circumstances, attain under wise government and prudent management to prominent positions the one among the nations of the earth, and the other in the woild of business. Such in brief is the history of TE ARO HOUSE- The businsss founded in 1845 was a very small one, and was conducted in an unpretending, double gabled structure occupying not more than 40 feet by 30 feet, abont one-fourth of the present site. and remained the same B-'ze for many years, up to the time of its acquisition by. the present proprietor in the year 186®. Four years after this—namely, in 1870—the building being found too small for the requirements of such a growing trade, was pulled down and a new structure erected, having a frontage to Cuba Street af 55 feet and to Dixon Street of 40 feet. This was thought a wonderful advance in those day?. But even this was surpassed in 1874. when, owing to the extraordinary of the fcu-iness, more room was deemed absolutely indispensible, and the building was further enlarged by a depth to Dixon Street of 40 feet, making a total frontage to Cuba Street of 55 feet, and to Dixon Street of 80 feet. During the whole of these yearsTE ARO HOUSE was remarkably free from accidents of any kind, but in 1879 had a.very narrow escape from being burnt down in the great fire which consumed the Opera House, the Wesleyan Church, and a large number of other buildings. It had, however to-succumb; to the devouring element; and on the evening of Saturday, April 18, 1885, was. almost entirely destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, the proprietor was equal to the emergenoy, and at once determine i to erect in brick a building that, while perfectly adapted to the transaction of a large amount of business, should at the same time be an ornament to the city. Such a building is the new TE ARO HOUSE, of which we have already given an excellent lithograph. This handsome building has a frontage to Cuba Street of 105 feet by 120 feet to Dixon Street. Externally its appearance is most attractive, and as a distinguishing landmark has been surmonnted by a handsome tower painted a dazzling white. From the windows of this tower is obtained a beautiful and complete panoramic view of the City and Harbor. A lofty flagstaff crowns this erection, from which will float the house flag, 21 feet long pn which will be the words TIES JSL3 EfcO MOXJSU!, in white letters on a red ground. From the ground to the top of the flagstaff is 83 feet. The internal arrangements are very complete; all.the latest improvents have been adopted, and everything done to promote the comfort aud convenience of customers. . The building is lighted from the roof in a very novel aud effective manner, and is in this respect unequalled by any DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT south of the Equator. Light is also admitted to that part of the Warehouse immediately under the second floor by a well-devised range of lunette windows extending ever the whole frontage to Cuba Street. These are situate just above the verandah, and in d?der to do this, the slope whi h is generally downwards from the buildin" had to be reversed and placed upwards. Thus the light is diffused equally over every part of the building. Every attention has been paid to ventilation, and the height from floor to roof lanterns is exceedingly i lofty, being not less than 30 feet, while numerous ventilators of an improved type have been placed at regular intervals throughout the entire building. All the departments are roomv and commodious. The GENERAL DRAPERY* comprising the HABERDASHERY, HOSIERY, FANCY. MANCHESTER AND DRESS DEPARTMENTS occupies the cencie ot the buildings, and is 78 feet long by thte magnificent widtu or 43 feet. On the one side is the CARPET AND FURNISHING DEPARTMENT, measuring 66 feet by 27 feet, and on the other is the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT, covering a space af 48 feet by 28 feet. At the end of the General Drapery Department, auu passing through a handsome 9 feet archway, the visitor is ushered into one of the finest SHOWROOMS it is possible to imagine in connection with the Drapery business. Ifc is a verv handsome, well-proportioned room, and is intended for the sale of MILLINERY UNDERCLOTHING, MANTLES AND COSTCMES, and is 72 feet long by a depth of 28 feet. The other roonn on the ground floor are two Private Offices, a Cashier and Accountant’s Office, a Parcel and Strong Room, and also a room tor receiving, unpacking, and marking the t>rice3 on the goods. The DRESSMAKING ROOMS are situate on the second floor, facing Dixonstreet, and are reached by a broad staircase leading from the Show-rooms. These comprise RECEPTION, FITTING, CUTTING, AND WORK ROOMS. Another staircase from the CARPET ROOM conducts to a suite of apartments facing Cuba Street, and intended for the carrying-on of a first-class TAILORING BUSINESS. There is also on this floor a most commodious Refreshment Room, with Lavatobt adjoining, which the Proprietor trusts will be found a convenience not only to his many friends from the Country but also to ladies iu the City and suburhs, who, may wish to enjoy a chat with their acquaintances, and at the same tiine an AFTERNOON TEA- Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, and other light refreshments, will be obtainable at reasonable charges. Finally, it is intended to make the new We *£&wo House, Accessible to the whole population of the Province of Wellington as a WHOLESALE FAULT DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, where customers may purchase in any quantity, small or large, at prices which will compare with any Wholesale House in the colony. A circular will be issued in a few days detailing the new method of doing business, and giving particulars of a large quantity of New Goods jußfc to hand by the st-amera “ RIMUTAKA ” “ COPTIC,” “ RUAPEHU,” as also the ship •‘ CANTERBURY these were bought expressly for the opening of the new premises, and should command an early inspection. THE NEW TE ARO HOUSE. WILL BE OPENED ON Friday Ist October, 1886. Much as TE ARO HOUSE baa been a houshold word iu the pa6t, it is determined that it shall be more noted in the future as one of the very best and cheapest Family Drapery Warehouses in the colony. The favor of an early Visit of Inspection will be esteemed by JAMBS SMITH TE mo HOUSE WELLINGTON, N. Z-