THE NATIONAL BANK.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4287, 16 December 1874, Page 2

THE NATIONAL BANK.

The National Bank building, in Grey-street, is a handsome addition to the street architecture of the city, and flattering testimony to the ability of Mr. Toxward, the architect, from whose design it was erected. It is a composition of the Italian and Grecian styles, which are very effectively blended so as to produce a facade of striking proportions and architectural beauty. The front elevation, though only 40ft., conveys the idea of far greater height, an effect which is secured by the introduction of' six Corinthian fluted columns, reaching to a handsomely-figured entablature. These columns stand on pedestals 7ft. high, and while they give solidity to the basement, all appearance of heaviness is banished by the artistic surroundings, which form so prominent a feature in the design. The design is, in short, a successful combination of strength and beauty, its prominent characteristic being a bold but lightly-formed pediment, about 25ft. long, which forms part of the entablature, and takes its bearings upon the fourcentral columns. The facade is then neatly finished off by a balustraded parapet, extending from either side of the pediment. The lower windows and the entrance are ornamented by circular architraves, the keystone in each case being a carved figurehead. The workmanship upon the lower portion of the building, where the Grecian order predominates, is rather elaborate ; but this elaboration is toned down by the simpler style of the upper windows, which' are ox-namented with small columns and pediments ouly. Taken in the genex-al view, the design is very pleasing to the eye, symmetry and embellishment combining to secure a vex-y effective cnscoihlc. A portion of the entablature and the balustrade are cax-ried round the building on the side adjoining the Odd Bellows’ Hall, which is separated from the bank by a right-of-way nine feet wide. Before entei-iug the front door the visitor passes through an open space, which will be convenient for many purposes, aiid on the other side of the door is the “ inner hall,” or waiting room, whex-e customers may arx-ange their busiiiess, or convex-se upon matters affecting their own interests. The bankingroom is sepai-ated from the inner hall by large swinging doors and fanlights, and is reached through a door on the opposite side of the inner hall. The room is about 30ft. square, with a height of 16ft. to the top Of the cornice, which is plastered and decorated with carved brackets. Its appearance is further enhanced by a sft. cove embellished with moulded panels, the ceiling being divided into nine panels, glazed with grained figured glass. The manager's room and inspeotoi-’s department are situated respectively on the light and left of the inner hall, the safe, clerk’s lavatories, and lutchen being placed in the back. The upper portion of the building is divided into a dwel-ling-room for the clerk in charge, a board-room

and stationery rooms, the usual accessories at the back portion of the building being provided with a due regard to economy of space. The interior of the building is yet in an unfinished state, so that no idea can be formed of what its appearance will be when completed. The exterior is, at any rate, extremely handsome, and the interior will, no doubt, be so too. The plastering, varnishing, and fixtures will form the subject of another notice.