RECONSTRUCTION COMPLETED

Southland Times, Issue 23140, 5 March 1937, Page 5

RECONSTRUCTION COMPLETED

THOMSON & BEATTIE’S PREMISES

AN ATTRACTIVE SHOP

On an afternoon in October 1936 fire broke out in Thomson and Beattie’s drapery emporium in Tay street and considerable damage was done. The fire started in the upper portion of the building and it was there that the main damage was ‘done. After the flames had been checked the big shop looked pathetically desolate. An amazing change has been brought about in the four months since the fire and today the shop is probably one of the most up-to-date of its size in the South Island. The interior has been completely reconstructed and now presents a handsome and attractive appearance. On the top floor the show-room walls are panelled with Australian walnut, the grain of which has been well brought out and polished. At the south end of the show-room a lounge has been erected and a large window provides patrons with a delightful view. Armchairs and a writing desk are included in the furnishings and the floor is covered with a thick carpet. On the writing desk, writing paper and envelopes are provided, together with pens and ink. Fiting rooms have been built along the western wall and these also are panelled with Australian walnut. Chromium fittings have been used freely and are to be noticed everywhere. The sfiow cases and counters are of a pleasing design and the floor is covered with a thick inlaid linoleum which has a padding of a form of cork. This makes it very soft to walk upon. There is a thick carpet on the stairway and the sides are also panelled with the attractive Australian walnut. The lift is fitted out in a similar manner.

Although most damage was done on the top floor, the ground floor was also damaged, and it, too, has been completely reconstructed. Similar panelling to that in the show-room has been provided, and chromium fittings have been used liberally. The whole of the ground floor has been covered with the same inlaid linoleum with the cork padding.' The whole appearance of the interior of the shop has been altered and is now of a modem .design. The exterior of the building has been painted, but has not been altered. The big Thomson and Beattie sign which, perhaps, had become a landmark, has been removed and will not be replaced in the meantime.