THE EXCHANGE BUILDINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8523, 1 November 1888, Page 7

THE EXCHANGE BUILDINGS.

The building on Lambfcon-quay known for so long as The Athenreum has undergone a great change. When purchased a few months ago by Mr T. Kennedy Macdonald it had a shabby weather-' stained appearance, and looked ; as if -it* had seen better days. Now. it looks as trim and neat as a new building, and for the future is to be knowil as “ The Exchange Buildings.” For many Aveeks past a small army of Avorkmeh have been employed, in some cases day and night, to make a complete change in the interior. In the first place the basement was thoroughly overhauled; deep drains Avere cut and lined Avith culverts, and a firm foundation Avas secured, complete with every arrangement necessary for thorough sanitary safety, . The main entrance, from Lambton-quay, has been improved, and is noAv 37ft Gin long by lift wide and 16ft high. It is lighted by a couple of Weuham gas lights. A neAv staircase, Avith Avide, easy steps, is situated at the extreme right of the vestibule, leading to the second floor. The old concert hall has undergone a complete change. It is noAv 59ft Gin in length, 37ft wide, and 19ft high. A gallery 49ft in length and 9ft Avide has been erected on each side of the hall, and at the end of the gallery, on the right-hand side near the stage, an elegant private box is built, 7ft Gin long by sft Avide, fitted Avith a cosy settee, carpet chairs, and a couple of gas jets, stained glass door, etc. The box is approached either from the gallery or from the main staircase. The body of the hall is fitted Avith movable benches and 240 cane-bottomed chairs. The decorations are bright and cheerful. The Avails are painted a delicate primrose, Avith the panels picked out in electric blue and light salmon. The ornamental ironwork of the galleries is dead Avhite, picked out with gold and backed by crimson baize, giving a rich, Avarm tone to the general appearance. The stage has been considerably altered. It is iioav 19ft Gin long by 13ft Avide, but arrangements have been made for extending the stage some distance outward into the body of the hall by means of trossels Avhen more room is required. On either side of the stage are Avell fitted dressingrooms, the gentlemen’s being 10ft Gin by Bft, and the ladies’, 10ft Sin by sft Gin, containing every convenience. Mr E. Briggs, the senic artist, has been engaged for several Aveeks painting the requisite scenery. The “set” comprises—Garden, draAvingroom, and kitchen scenes. v The drop curtain is a work of art, Avhich does Mr Briggs great credit. It represents a capital view of Wellington city and harbour, taken from “ The Rocks,”. Oriental Bay. Both wharves are shoAvn Avith a couple of Direct steamers lying alongside. There are two entrances to the concert room, one from the main vestibule, lead-

ing from Lambton-quay, and another from Plimmers-lane. In each case the doors are wide, opening outward, giving every facility for speedy egress. The ventilation of the hall has been made a special feature^and in the hottest weather, with a crowded audience, the hall can be made comfortably cool. For the- convenience of' lessees of the concert hall, when required for banquets, suppers, &c., a room has been provided off one of the galleries, fitted with a large gas cooking stove and other necessaries.

The offices used by Messrs T. Kennedy Macdonald and Co. are on the ground floor, to the left of the main entrance. They are fitted with every convenience for the despatch of business. The clerks department is on the left, and Mr Macdonald’s private office is on the right. Overhead is a gallery connecting with the draughtsman’s office, plan room, and bookkeeper’s office. There are two large strong rooms ; a waiting room, carpeted and fitted with tables, chairs, couches, &c. There arc speaking tubes laid on from the private office to all parts of the building, and by a convenient arrangement the ordinary office telephone can be “switched” on to a separate instrument in the private office. Thus a customer can either converse with the clerks in the general office or gain the private ear of Mr Macdonald himself. On the second floor are three large rooms devoted to the Athemeum purposes, viz., the library, general reading room and ladies’ room. On the same floor the principal space is occupied by the general and furniture auction room, which is situate directly over the concert room. This is 63ft long 27ft 3in wide, and lift high. _ This room is approached by the main staircase from the front vestibule, and by two separate doors from Plimmer’s-lane. There is also a lift provided for conveying heavy loads from the basement to the auction room. On the third floor are eight rooms, which can be let for various purposes. The whole of the stairs and landings are fitted with large Wenham gas lamps. Throughout the building proper precautions have been secured against fire. A full supply of hose is laid on _in convenient situations. The ventilation of the entire building is about as perfect as possible. The alterations have been done by day labour, under the superintendence of Mr Lawes. The plumbing work and gas fittings have been completed by Mr Watts, and the painting and decorating was entrusted to Mr 11. Martin, of Manners-street.