THE HIGH STREET HALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4160, 20 August 1881, Page 3

THE HIGH STREET HALL.

An intimation has already been givon to the public that the ancient building in High street, familiar to old Ohri*tchurch residents as "The Hall," was about to surrender at last to tho march of improvement for the purpose of giving place to a new structure, more in accordance with modern ideas, tho very much altered circumstances of tho people, and the requirements of the city. We have been favoured with an examination of the design for the new Hall, and have pleasure in lajing the following information before our readers : — Tho new building will consist of one spacious apartment on the ground floor, 69 feet long by 42 feet 6 inches wide, divided longitudinally by a partition of counters and nhelvmg, which, however, are merely fitting", and form no permanent portion of the main building. Tho second floor, reached by a Eplendid wide staircase of spiral construction; consists of a magnificent showroom, 52ft by 42ft. Two large rooms, dedicated to the millinery and dressmaking department respectively occupy the remuinder of the block upstairs, whilst space is also found for an ante-room, fitting-room, and Cjloak-room. An abundance of light is found for all purposes from the splendid windows in the front and back, and the whole arrangements are moat convenient, commodious, and complete. Returning to tho first floor we find the shop divided down the centre by sis iron Corinthian columns, which support a beam dividing the ceilings into two bays, which are corniced and punnelled very chastely. The height of both lower and upper apartments is 15ft. The front elevation is at once chasto and striking. The lower storey consists of two end columns of moulded ashlar quoins., all the rest being plato-glass in panes 6f6 by 12ft, broken by two entrances, one in each section, into which the ground floor is divided.

The upper portion of the elevation is divided by four Corinthian pilasters into three bays, the centre ono forming the chief feature of the front. A large window, 10 feet by 7 feet, occupies the centre of this bay. It is divided by a mullion, and like tho windows in oach of the other bays is hatched ellipticully. The elevation is mounted by a highly enriched entablature consisting of cornice frieze and architrave, above which rises a plain blocking course, and over the central bays a very striking arch and pediment, supported on each side by scrolls. The old title, " The Hall, " is continued in the centre of the arch of the pediment. The windows rest upon a very chastely moulded base, and upon each side small Corinthian pilasters support an enriched entablature corresponding in character with the design of the cornice and pediment above. Tho whole design, as we have said, is singularly striking and effective, the ornamentation being judiciously concentrated upon the most conspicuous features, whilst the rest of the elevation is comparatively plain. Messrs May and Co. have been amply justified in their choice of architects in Messrs Jacobsen Bros. Tenders will be called for the erection of the building ab«ut the middle of next month.