New Buildings.

Opunake Times, Volume IX, Issue 443, 9 December 1898, Page 2

New Buildings.

The fine new block of buildings erected for Mr W. Bremner, adjoining the Bank of New Zealand, makes a great improvement in the appearance of the town, and helps to fill up the gap in the northern side of the Main Street, which promises soon to be all built on. Mr Bremner's buildings comprise two fine shops conjoined. One was built for Mr O. Cummins, draper, and is 50 feet long by 24 feet, with a room 10 feet by 10 feet at the back. The main shop is 26 feet by 24 feet, with 12 feet stud, having two fine show windows, which recede to the doorway, securely cased in, with glass lights on inside. At the entrance there is a pair of glass doors fitted with springs, which is a great convenience in windy and dusty weather. The shop is very handsomely and substantially fitted with two counters, having solid rimu tops of two-inch stuff highly polished. The shelving is very complete, and finished off with a massive cornice. Under the counters is a complete sefc of drawers very neatly arranged for haberdashery and other kindred lines. Behind the shop is a commodious show-room 24 feet by 12 feet, well lighted with a double mullion window, and completely fitted with shelving and drawers. The balance of the building is occupied by two rooms, 14 feet by 12 feet and 12 feet by 12 feet, which are used for the dressmaking department. The ceilings are painted white, and all the rest of the uncovered inside woodwork is varnished. The second shop is 38 feet by 18 feet, with 12 feet stud, having one large window, but the inside is not yet completed. There is a fine handsome verandah rnnning right along the frontage, which sets off the whole to advantage. The building was done by Messrs Ross and Sims, from plans drawn by themselves, and reflect credit on their ability as builders, every detail having been faithfully carried out. The painting and decorating were in the hands of Mr D. McDonald, and have been done in a manner perfectly satisfactory to the owner. Mr Nash, on behalf of Mr McDonald, did the lettering, which is highly artistic. Mr 0. Cummins, who has been in business here for several years past, and has worked up a. good connection by his sterling business qualities, has made full use of the space at his disposal, and has opened out a magnificent stock of drapery, clothing, boots, and fancy goods. In order to keep up with the times he has imported 28 cases of drapery and fancy goods direct from English houses, which are very suitable for the trade of this district, and enables him to compete with city prices. The left hand side of his shop is fitted with general drapery, and the opposite side is reserved for clothing. Down the centre of the shop and show-room is a commodious table loaded with fancy goods suitable for Christmas presents, &c, which, to commemorate the festive season, he has converted into a shilling table, many of the articles on it being sold in the ordinary way as high as half-a-crown. The show-room is replete with millinery, fancy goods, and all lines of ladies' wear suitable for the summer season, and will well repay a visit of inspection. In the boot department he has opened out eight large cases of all descriptions of ladies.', gents' and children's boots and shoes from the best makers. The dressmaking department is in the hands of a competent dressmaker, and all hands are now fully engaged with Christmas orders.