A TEMPLE OF MUSIC

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10889, 17 July 1928, Page 7

A TEMPLE OF MUSIC

THE BRISTOL'S NEW PREMISES. The fact that nowadays we live- in an age ct progress and are not content to rest on past achievement is most strikingly evidenced by the enterprising mange in the Wellington business of Xne Bristol Piano to*),, Ltd., wfiic-n for many yeans occupied a site on tile coiner of Lainbton Quay and Brandon Street. The old buikhng had long out-ld>d its usefulness. The time came for expansion. Hence, at the dawn of the- year, tue business was transierred to a site- immediately opposite the premises that had served lor gene-rations—to- a new ana imposing structure of three boons covering a very extensive area.

The ground floor directly impresses the v.sitor with the extent of the premises. Comprehensive stocks of Siieet and hook music, gathered from the publishing houses or Jour continents, are airanged m that orderly array which implies efficiency. A gallery along the south wall devoted to the reserve stocks of music, ail indexed and tabulated under tile com, puny’s copyrighted system, whereby any item may bo located with the greatest speed. Massive counters, ingenious showcases, and well-devisecl display-racks ensure that only clean stock is offered. This feature of modern equipment is particularly noticeable in the section devoted to small instruments, which are varied to the utmost degree, and include the- famous band instruments made- by Messrs Hawke,s anu Son. of London, for whom the company are sole representatives in New Zealand.

In the Gramophone Department, the fine audition rooms have- been planned with particular care to- assure their being isound-pro-of. Over the audition rpom,s are two spacious gramophone salerooms, wherein are displayed many and varied, -styles ot machines, including all models of “His Master’s VoiceJ’ - and .“Columbia.”

In the theatre- booking office are grouped the plans .of the- many theatrical enterprises for which the company act as reservation agents. The whole of the- first floor is devoted to pianos, and as on© enter* this handsome department, its dignity and artistic decoration make immediate appeal. Here ar e displayed many beautiful instruments by John Broad wood and Son. Collard and Collard, Steinway, Sanies, Collinson, Barnard, and other celebrated makers. Then mere a-rc- special soundproof demonstrating rooms provided for player-pianos, which are certainly most conducive to- an appreciation oi that class of music. On the next floor are corridors of -spacious music studios. These have- been built and equipped on modern lines, and possess every convenience for both teacher and pupil. The workshops and polishing departments are staffed by craftsmen skilled in the highly technical art. of piano construction and repair, and a, high standard is always maintained. Situated in the busiest part of Lambton Quay, this up-to-date music store is a striking feature of Wellington’s leading thoroughfare. At night the building is illuminated by p-owerful flood-light-s from verandah level to- parapet,_ creating a beautiful and most' arresting effect. For over forty-five years. The Bristol Pir.no Co.. Ltd., has catered well fp the music-loving population of Wellington, and the whole Dominion, and this newest addition to its many imposing buildings i-s hut an e-anest of its determination to render an even greater service still to the community. That flourishing proprietary is to 1;© congratulated on its enterprise.