RAPID PROGRESS

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1928, Page 3

RAPID PROGRESS

DARBY AND HANNAN’S ENTERPRISE SPACIOUS NEW EDIFICE ERECTED From a small shed in Brougham Street to an imposing four-floor building upon a commanding Devon Street site haa been the rapid progress of the firm of Darby and Hannan, Ltd., painters and dec.orators, New Plymouth. As business grew the firm had to enlarge its premises and after several shifts has finally secured a permanent home of its own, an artistic monument to the rapid expansion of an enterprising company. The final step was precipitated by the fact that the scope of the firm has been enlarged to embrace a wholesale business right throughout the province and the principals are to be congratulated upon their enterprise and progressiveness in the adoption of ideas which are unique in Taranaki. Theirs is one, of the most complete oil, colour and wallpaper warehouses in Taranaki, while at the same time, as the pioneers of floodlighting in this province, they have given to the town an attraction, and their brilliantly illuminated facade has become a fascinating landmark, visible nightly from practically every quarter of the town.

The building occupies a frontage of 30 feet to the main street and extends 90 feet back. Its three storeys rise to a height of 51 feet above the street level while there is a basement beneath. A handsome entrance provides access from Devon Street, and one is immediately confronted with a broad staircase of exquisitely polished rimu, leading to the wallpaper showroom on the next floor. Ou each hand there are showcases and counters, while beyond the staircase, office and strongroom accommodation has been provided. The shop is well-lighted and very attractively finished. In front two show window* provide ample space for effective displays.

At the rear of the shop an up-to-date glass store, efficiently fitted with every possible labour-saving device for the convenient handling of the largest sizes of plate-glass as well as the ordinary

window glass and ornamental work, has been provided. The handling of the heavy cases is well taken care of by an overhead travelling crane of the latest design, with which it is possible to reach any place in the room. Among other special facilities are racks for the convenient handling and storing of plateglass, while a hinged table, which tips up to take the large sheets and can then be lowered on to its bed for cutting, is another valuable device included in a highly efficient plant. A goods lift gives speedy access to all four floors, and a regulation fire-proof store in the corner with its only access from outside provides for the safe storage of inflammable spirits. Below the large basement makes a splendid store for bulk goods in large quantities, while above the ground floor, the front half of the second floor is fitted up as a well-lighted showroom for the display of a large assortment of wallpapers. A cloakroom for ladies ha* also been provided for this floor.

The top floor has also been partitioned into two, the front portion being occupied by the picture-framing and signwri'ting departments. Here again efficiency is the keynote, and of the special facilities provided the most obvious one is a working board for signwriting work and large posters. At first glance it appears an ordinary wellbuilt wall, but examination reveals that it has a distinct list from the top. Thi* ensures that any .paint spots drop clear of the work on the board. The remaining half of this floor will accommodate the Icadlight and glassbevelling departments, two new branche* of work in which the firm is expanding in order to make its business complete in all aspects. Above a flat concrete roof provides an overflow for the storage of bulk goods, which n-e not affected by the weather anil also one of the best views of the business area that it is possible to obtain.

The whole building is occupied by the firm which, in addition to the outside painting and paperhanging stall of about 22, employs 14 to 15 people in it* office, stores ami workrooms. The designer of the building was Mr. T. H. Bates, architect (New Plymouth), and the erection was carried out by Mess-S .lows . :ul S ■ ' ' 1.-:;, -s