CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 630, 26 June 1876, Page 3

CITY IMPROVEMENTS.

The progress of the province generally, and Christchurch in particular, is markedly apparent by the great improvements which have taken place both outwardly and inwardly in our mercantile and business establishments. In none is it more perceptible than the one to which we intend specially but briefly to describe, viz, Messrs Ballantyneand Go’s drapery establishment, known as Dunstable House. One of the oldest established of its kind, improvements and alterations have been effected in it from time to time, but recently the enterprising firm who have succeeded to the business has almost rebuilt it internally, and it now compares favorably in the matters of convenience of arrangement and number of departments with any other in the city. The establishment occupies a large frontage, seventy feet, on to Cashel street, extending back also some considerable depth. Commencing from the westward end we first come to the department devoted to men’s clothing and mercery. This is 40 s 26, and is well lighted and handsomely fitted. Connected with this department to the right is the cutter’s room, 16 x 14, where the cutting for the tailoring portion of the business is carried on, and in close proximity is a sample room for display of sample goods, &c. Passing through an archway, in which is fitted a fireproof door, we come to the furnishing department, filled to repletion with carpets, damasks, rugs, &c, which is 38ft 6in x 18ft 6in, and is lighted by a skylight as well as the front windows. The cashier and bookkeepers’ department, with fireproof safes, &c, opens on to this room. The next portion of the establishment coming under notice is the main shop, 88 x 24, which is divided into four departments. The two upper ones, fronting the street, are devoted, one to Manchester goods, and the other to ribbons, velvets, laces, &o, whilst the other two at the rear are used for hosiery, haberdashery, gloves, and fancy dresses, silks, &c. Each department has a counter running the full length, and is fitted with shelves, drawers, &c. The roof of the main shop is divided into massive panels, and it is lighted by a lantern having side lights. At the far end is a show room for furs. Turning out of the main shop to the right, we come to the new show room, which is 48 x 38, and divided into two departments, one being for millinery and mantles, and the other for costumes of various kinds. The roof is an open one, panelled, and the room is lighted by a lantern reflecting on ceiling lights, which are fitted with Hartley’s diamond-pattern ribbed glass. The partition dividing the two departments is 6ft high, and is made in sections, so that it can at any time be removed if necessary. In the millinery department there are large glass show cases, running nearly the whole length of the western side of the room. In the centre are large show cases for fancy goods, perfumery, &c. At the end is the milliners’ workroom, which is very comfortably fitted and furnished, and near the entrance door is a fitting-on room for ladies. At night the room is lighted by means of two gas sunlights. Passing along a passage to the warehouse, we notice the private room of, the head of the firm and other offices. The warehouse, which is of stone covered with slates, is 39 x 32, with asphalte floor and fireproof doors. It is lighted by four windows in the roof, over each of which is a sliding iron shutter, and they are closed every evening in case of fire. At the end nearest the front shop is a door communicating therewith, so that in case of a five the entire consents of the shop could at once be removed into the warehouse, and bo per fectly safe. Proceeding to the upper floor of the shop, the first room, 19 x 21, is devoted to reserve stock of men's clothing and hosiery, and the adjoining one, 27 x 21, to stock of blankets. Beyond these are the dressmakers and tailors'

zooms. The first of these, 38 x 21, is a very cheerful room, with machines, &c, and having a wardroom attached for unfinished work. The second is 2(3 x 15, and has a large gas stove in the centre, protected by zinc casing. The tailoresses also have a very cheerful room, in which are machines, &c. Wo may notice that a passage over the leads has been arranged leading to Colombo street, by means of which the employes can reach the work rooms without going through the shop. The front windows are a great improvement in the way of affording scope for display on the foimcr ones, reaching, as they do, to the ground. The size of the windows on the east side, which is devoted to the upholstery and furnishing departments, is 13ft Bin, with the return to the recess. The large window of the fancy dress and costumes department is 27ft wide, the glass being lift 4in high, each pane being entire. The entire length of frontage to Cashel street is 71ft, the depth of the premises being 165 ft. There is a stable at the rear of the store, and a drive leading into Colombo street, by which ingress and egress for goods is obtained. A very handsome O. G. verandah runs the entire length of the frontage.