Page 1 Advertisements Column 3

New Zealand Mail, Issue 769, 26 November 1886, Page 1

THE history of mercantile bouses and chat 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 promi* nent positions—the one among the nations o'- - the earth, and the other in the world of business. Such in brief is the history of TE ARO HOUSE- The business founded in 1845 was a very small one, and was conducted in an unpretending, double gabled structure occupying not i more than 40 feet by 30 feet, about one-fourth &f the present site, and remained the same‘size ! for many years, up to the time of its acquisition by the present proprietor in the year 1856. Four years after this—namely, in 1870—the building being found too email for the requirements of such a growing trade, was pulled down and 3 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, when, owing to the extraordinary inoreaae of the business, more room was deemed absolutely indispeDsible, 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 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 eveniugmf Saturday, April 18, 1885, was almost entirely destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, the proprietor was equal to the emergency, and at once determine! 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 buildin? 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 surmounted by a handsome tower painted a dazzliog 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 on which will ■ • " ’ i. 4 •be the words - .. IESO’O’Sr&I.. in white letters on a red grcuud. From the ground to the top of the flagstaff is 83 feet. The internal arrangements are very complete;, alltfae latest improvents have been adopted, and everything done to promote the comfort aud convenience of customers. The building is lighted from the root in a very novel and 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 over the whole frontage to Cuba Street. These are situate-just above the verandah, and in order to do this, the slope whi h is generally downward* from the building had to be reversed and placed upwards. Thus the light is diffused equa'iy over every part of the building-. Every attention has besn paid to ventilation, and lire 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; room v and. commodious. The GENERAL DRAPERY, comprising the HABERDASHERY; HOSIERY, FANCY. MANCHESTER AND DRESS DEPARTMENTS occupies the centre or . the.* buildings!-and is 78 feet long by the magnificent, width of. 43 feet. On the one side is the CARPET AND FURNISHING DEPARTMENT, measuring 66 feet by 27 feet, and on the other is the CLOTHIN G DEPARTMENT covering a af 48. feet by 28 feet.At the end of the General Drapery Department, auu passing through a, handsome 9 feet archway, the visitor Us, ushered into; one of the fiae?fc SHOWROOMS it is possible to imagine in connection with the Drapery business. It is a verv handsome; well-proportioned room, and is intended for,the sale of MILLINERY UNDERCLOTHING, MANTLES AND COSTUMES, and is 7-2 feet long by a depth of 28 feet. The of u «r ~ooms 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 ROOMS .are situate on the second floor, facing Dixonstreet, and are reached ; bv a broad staircase leading from the Show-rooms. These'comprise RECEPTION. PITTING, CUTTING, AND WORK ROOMS. Another staircase from the CARPET ROOM conducts to a suite of apartments facing Cnba Street, arid intended for the carrying-on of a first-class TAILORING BUSINESS There is also on this floor a most commodious

: ‘Refreshment Room, with Laxatobt adjoining, which the Proprietor trusts will be found a convenience not only to his maoy, 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 AFTERNOOIST TEA. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, and other light refreshments, will be obtainable at reasonable charges. Finally, it is intended to make the new We mM§*o Accessible to the whole population of the Province of Wellington as a WHOLESALE FAMILY 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 just to band by the steamers “ RIMUPAKA ” “ 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. t ■ Much as TE ARO HOUSE has been a houshold word in the past, 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 JAMES SMITH TEitRO HOUSE. WELLINGTON, N. Z-