OLD SHOP DEMOLISHED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10824, 18 July 1913, Page 3

OLD SHOP DEMOLISHED.

GROCERY STORE FOR FIFTY YEARS. F. A. COOK, LTD.'S PREMISES COME DOWN. Tho wooden building occupied in recent years by Messrs F. A. Cook and Co., Ltd., grocers, and at present in process of demolition, was a Jink with the earliest years of provincial history. Its small old-fashioned upper storey windows and balcony havo been a familiar part of the landscape in Colombo Street for half a century. In its early days it was considered quite an imposing and dignified structure, but time revises all standards, and alter fifty years of usefulness the old building is being destroyed to make room tor something more in accord with modern commercial requirements. The premises have always served the purposes of a grocery establishment. They were erected in the early sixties, it is believed by old residents, in 1861 or 1862, by Mrs Cameron, a' sister 'of Mr George Gould, who in partnership with a Mr Miles conducted at that, time a grocery storo on tbo opposite side of Colombo Street. ' The first occupant of the building was Mr J. P. Jamieson, who was succeeded by Mr Radcliffe. Messrs Grins tend and Co., "grocers, tea, coffee and spice merchants," then came into possession, and wee succeeded by Mr T. Kincaid, who called the store tho "G.1.C.," which was short for " Grocery Importing Company." Mr F. A. Cook took over tho business from Mr Kincaid, and conducted it for several years, recently selling out to Messrs Mayno and Tait, the present proprietors. While one of tho oldest shops in the city, the old grocery storo was not tho oldest, being forestalled by Messrs Cook and Ross's premises, which were erected in the early,fifties. .... ...... ,