Farmers' Co-operative Association's New Building.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4563, 8 December 1882, Page 3

Farmers' Co-operative Association's New Building.

3he N.Z. Farmers' Co-operative Association was started some fifteen months ago by a number of Canterbury farmers who were anxious to secure the benefits of united action . in reference to diiposing of their produce, and obtaining the supplies needed for their respective establishments. It has sinoo grown into a nourishing institution with upwards of 900 members or shareholders, and has extended its operations in a much larger degree than was at first anticipated. In consequence of this, the premises— adjoining TatteraaU'a — in which its business was originally oarried on hare been found too straitened for its requirements, and the offices cf the Association have accordingly been transferred to a now building specially erected for tho purpose in Gashel street, near the Kaiapoi Clothing Factory. This building, which comprises two storeys and a cellar, was designed by Mr T. 8. Lambert, and constructed by Messrs Sollit and Combe*. It ia of brick, with a stuccoed front of effective design, and is about SOft in dopth, with a frontage of 40ft. 'Iho two floors are made of great strength, in order to boar a heavy weight of goods. The rafters, whioh are more than usually massive, are supported by iron pillars. On tho ground floor are situated a public office and manager's room. These are soparated from the rest of the room by a panelled partition of native wood, polished, and are, fitted up with all tha customary accessories of a soundinghouse. A convenient and wall built strong room is eotored from tho manager's office. ] The remainder of the space on ihe ground floor ia devoted to th« storage of goads of the many and various kinds required in agri« j culture. It is, as a matter of oourse, fitted up with all the necessary appliances for weighing and delivery. A. large door at the baok gives acoeai to tho yard, and ia used for the reception of goods. The yard itself is surrounded with low sheds, stored with fencing wire, ploughshares, and other articles of a bulky description. In the cellar, whioh is particularly lofty and commodious, it ii intended to store spirits, beer, and the like. At present, however, it is almost unoccupied, save by a number of cases of anatto, and a few other barrels and boxes. The first floor is gained by a wide and convenient staircase, and here is the grocery department of tbe Association. Ihe large room, 47ft by 38ft, is fitted with a miscellaneous collection of groceries and oilmen's stores, to bo supplied, liko the other commodities, to shareholders in the Association only. It may be mentioned that the whole of the departments are under the control of Mr L. 0. Williams, the energetic- Secretary and Manager for the Association, to whom not a little of the success of its operations is due. In addition to the premises described above, a large wool and grain store is in course of erection for the Association on the South Town belt.