TOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENTS

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9398, 26 March 1898, Page 2

TOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENTS

Messrs George and Kersley'sj

"The Economic."

Altogether a new departure in the business improvements iv Wauganni has just been effected at " The Economic " diapery establishment, one indeed which is a distinct credit to the town and to the enterprise of the proprietors, Messrs George and Kerßley, who have formulated tho design of their Melbourne house. Taking full advantago of the frontage of 30ft to the Avenue, by, a depth of 90ft, what was known formerly as Ayrshire House has been ontircly remodelled inside and outside. The whole of the original shop front has been swept away, and a new one substituted, which, for handsome appearance, challenges comparison with anything of the kind in tho colony, the glass area being praotically doubled, owing to the ingenious manner of arrangement, and the fioiit entrance recessed, giving an extra window space equal to the whole frontage. TUe plate glass windows are most haudsomely designed, fitted with fluted columns and carved capitals, the whole picked out in gilt, thus enhancing the goneral effect, whioh at once is most striking aud attractive. Entering the front door ,tho particular characteristic noticeable is the succession of pointed arches, giving a splendid perspective of the whole iuterior, reproduced by means of a mirror completely filling the arch at the extreme cud. The decorations are dictated by the best of possible good taste, harmony of tinting and colouring being most pleasing to the eye, while by no means detracting from the display of the goods to be submitted to public criticism. The shop fittings have been remodelled entirely, and considerably added to, and all the latest Contrivances put in for economising space and leading to the prompt transaction of business — more particularly iv the direction that the overhauling of stock will bo to a large extent minimised, theroforo conserving the time of customers and employees alike. To the right of the entrance is a commodious staircase, giving easy access to the upper show-room, including the tailoring, cuttiug, and various workrooms. Lighting, ventilation, and drainage have all beeu considered in their moat modern aspects, and in those particulars the resnlts are eminently satisfactory. The lighting during the day is by means of high sidelights, and at night-time through the medium of a number of sunlights running from end to end of the shop. Following out the firm's evident intention that "The Economic" shall not be mistaken for any other drapery establishment, the title is displayed hero, thero, and everywhere. One Views it from tho opposite side of tho footpath ; it is seen on the verandah, at tho front entrance—permanently fixed in cement— and cannot bo overlooked by the proinenador either up or down the Avenue. Credit of an unstinted nature is due to Mr A. Atkin3 for the ability and time he has devoted to perfecting the plans, and certainly he has not designed anything of a similar nature to equal it in the district. The contract was placed in the hands of Mesrss Russell and Bignell, who had exactly three weeks to complete. The firm's staff were practically engaged night and day during that time, and it is worthy of note that not only was the business uninterfered with, but -actually more custom was drawn to the establishment while the work was in progress. Messrs Russell and Bignell are to bo highly complimented on the result of thoir labours, the efficiency of the workmanship, and the faithful aud prompt manner in which they have carried out their contract to the thorough satisfaction of Messrs George and Korsloy. The artistio painting and decorating by Messrs R. and E. Tingey is practical evidence of their ability in putting in such first-class work ; in fact, it ia really a work of art, and beyond anything of tho kind previously attempted in Wauganni. Mr D. May has faithfully carried out his duties in the necessary plumbing work, ou the most modern principles. Next Wednesday Messrs George and Kersley will throw the establishment open to public inspection, when the residents and visitors will have every opportunity of emphasising the statement that the Wanganui branch of " The Economio" stands unrivalled in the two Islands as an up-to-date genoral drapery emporium, fully equal to requirements, and by means of an illuminated display there will be ample opportunity on the date mentioned to inspect the latest winter novelties arriving ex s.s. Rimutaka. Without doubt tho firm's enterprise will meet with its practical reward — consistently increasing business.