THE ECONOMIC.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXX, Issue 3863, 5 October 1899, Page 5

THE ECONOMIC.

EXTENSIVE ALTERATIONS,

The rapid growth of Wellington is in no way mare strongly illustrated than in the prosperity and expansion which has attended many business ventures started within recent years on moderate lines. It is but five years ago since Messrs George and Kcrsley began business as drapers on a small scale in the premises ou Lamhton quay popularly known as the "Economic.” Additions item time to time made to the original shop have culminated in the* tiresent handsome block of-buildings now almost entirely occupied by the firm. The frontage has been increased to something like 100 ft with an area of over 1500 square feet of handsome plate-glass windows. Formerly the ground floor- was split up into shops, and (he portions occupied by the "Economic” itself were widely separated. All this has horn changed. The new entrance is in the centre of vhc buildings. From an imposing vestibule with tesselatcd pavement, surrounded by plateglass shew windows, the visitor to the "Economic’’ now passes into the plain avenue bisecting the ground floor and branching off conveniently to the various sub-departments. The exterior, which is to be decorated in white and gold, will bo illuminated by four arc lamps of 1500 candle-power, and the interior will be lighted by a number of incandescent lamps. A curious feature about the old walls was their immense thickness —lift. It is estimated that the value of the space occupied bv superfluous brickwork was something like ASOO. The new showroom is really handsome and excellently lighted, while the arrangement of the numerous other departments is ingenious, symmetrical and pleasing to the t-yc. Rich looking Linerusta Walton and Japanese stamped leather paper have been largely- utilised in the interior. The narrow, creaking staircase of old has been done away with altogether and a spacious flight of stairs at the northern end of the block has been erected in its place. For the comfort, and convenience ol ladies from the country Messrs George and . Kcrsley’» arrangements on the first floor reveal a thorough knowledge of what is wanted. A page boy will relieve ladies of parcels or other impedimenta which they may wish to leave in a well-arrccloak-room. A messenger’s office will or founu ■on the same landing. In the public cate hot lunches will ho served, and tea may .be had in a- luxuriously furnished ladies tearoom. Further ou will be found a loungerooni sacred ,to the fair sex. On flic second floor is a smoking-room lor gentlemen. All these rooms, winch are beautifully furnished, will be available for the public- in the course of a few days. It is difficult to estimate th" ain.ount of thought and careful consideration winch has been bestowed ou the manv iiiat ingenious arrangements made ou ne'.ian <n ,customers. They must he seen . '-J 1 ’ ,r * realised. Messrs Cl ore and liteg-ralt. a™ the architects. and the following .nuns participate in the work of reconstruction and enlargement carried out so gun-_e--snilly aim 'expedilionslv: —Messrs R. A. lyiwards, ‘contractor (interior); Brown and ,malison, d verandah and shop from:-. A. -painting; W. A. Choto hr-ekhn-em BalIlinger and Son amt Ballinger Bios., 'plumbing-; Davis and Rrowmau. .•nu»xc; ,T. Dawson, electrical won:; aim E- i. mu. .'plastering.