Page 1 Advertisements Column 3

New Zealand Mail, Issue 766, 5 November 1886, Page 1

HOU THE history of mercantile bouses 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 tinder wise government and prudent management to prominent positions—the one among the nations of the earth, and the other.inthe woild of business. Such in brief i B the history of TE ABO HOUSE- The business 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, about one-fourth of the present site,.and remained the same sizn 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 buildiog 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 days. But even this was surpassed in 1874, wheD, owing to the extraordinary increase of the business, 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 years TE ABO HOUSE was remarkably free from accidents of any kind, but in 1879 had a very narrow escape from being burnt down la 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 emergency, and at once determined 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 ABO 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 hay been surmounted by a handsome tower painted a dazzling wfcifc«. 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 on which will be the words 3 TIB JLRO in white letters on a red ground. - From the ground to the top of the flagstaff is 85 feet. The internal arrangements are very complete ; all the latest improvenfs have been adopted, and everything done to promote the comfort and convenience of customers. The building is lighted from the roof in a very novel and effective manner, and is in this respect unequalled bv 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 over the whole frontage to Cuba Street. These are situate just above the verandah, and in erder to do this, tha slope whi;h is generally downwards from the building 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 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 roomy and commodious. The GENERAL DRAPERY comDrisimr «» haberdashery, HOSIERY, FANCY. MANCHESTER and dress departments occupies the centre ot the buildings, and is 78 feec long by the magnificent width , t 43 feet. On the one side is the CARPET AND FURNISHING DEPARTMENT. measuring 06 feet by 27 feet, and on the other is the CLOTHING DSPABTMENT > covering a space af 48 feet by 28 feet. At the end of the General Drapery Department. a.,u a . Qd . aome 9 feei archway, the visitor is ushered into one of the fiae>fc SHOWBOOMS it is possible to imagine in connection with the Drapery business Ifc is a very handsome, well-proportioned room, and is intended for the sale of MIT •T.TN'RIT? V UNDERCLOTHING, MANTLES AND COSTUMES, Xd u 72 fff ul* by a depth of 28 feet. The other rooms on the ground floor are two Private Offices a Cashier and Accountant's Office, a Parcel and Strong Boom, and also a room for receiving, unpacking, and marking the prices on the goods. The DRESSMAKING BOOMS are situate on the second floor, facing Dixon- :^ aircaßW fading from the Show-rooms. These comprise RECEPTION, FITTING, CUTTING, AND WOBK BOOMS. Another staircase from the CABPET BOOM conducts to a suite of apartment* facing Cuba Street, and intended for the carrying-on of a first-class TAILOBING BUSINESS There’ls 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 in the City and suburbs, who may wish to enjoy a chat with their acquaintances, and at the same time an AFTERNOON TEA- Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, and other light refreshments, will be obtainable at reasonable charges. Finally, it is intended to make the new Accessible to the whole population of the Province of Wellington as a 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 “ RIDIUTAKA »“ COPTIC,” “RUAPEHU,” as also the skij LviLJNXifiJvDUxix ; these were bought expressly for the opening of the new premiaea ana should, command an early inspection. WILL BE OPENED ON Friday Ist October, 1886. Much as TE ARC) HOUSE has been a houshold word in the past, ifc is determined that ifc shall be more noted m 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 JAMES SMITH