Page:Guide to Wellington & district with a complete map of the city - Walter K. Bishop.pdf/10



Before dismissing the subject of revisions it should be added that the N. Z. Shipping Co. have quite recently inaugurated a line of direct steam packets between England and New Zealand ports. The pioneer of the line is the British King, 4,000 tons, which will be followed by the British Queen, of about the same tonnage. These vessels are merely chartered by the company, suitable steamers however, are being built to the order of this popular shipping corporation.

It is a matter for congratulation that this handsome pile is, under the energetic exertions of the contractors Messrs Barry and M'Dowell, aided by the supervision of Mr. Thos. Turnbull, the architect, being rapidly pushed forward. The primary portions of the work consisting of the necessarily tedious putting in of the foundations retarded the commencement of the superstructure, but this being accomplished no time has been lost in pushing ahead with the brick work which is rapidly approaching completion. Judging from the portions of the edifice already erected, the building will prove not only a bold and prominent land-mark to the city, but also a decided addition to our street architecture. The inferential allusion to landmarks leads to the expression of mingled regret and gratulations regarding the impending fate of that old identity.

which is, after a rest from the troubles waters of a period of 40 years, to be dismantled, and in fact is to be put out of commission, her owner Jacob Josephs having disposed of the corner allotment upon which she has for so long a time rested, to the National Mutual Life Assurance Co. for the very respectable sum of £9,500. In these prosiac days of progress any improvement cannot fail to a source of felicity, nevertheless the old settlers at anyrate may be excused if they cast one last and fond glance at Noah’s Ark, which we believe is decidedly the oldest Wellington landmark extant. However, the inexorable demands of time, and business has doomed this old, historical and curious edifice to demolition and as the city will be the gainer thereby, mere sentiment must be suppressed. The National Mutual Assurance Co. have determined to erect an edifice in its stead which will it is anticipated present a most imposing if not indeed a palatial appearance. The plans as yet have not been definitely decided upon by the directory at head quarters, but there can be no doubt that the new offices will be second to none of the kind in the city of which it is intended they shall be a conspicuous ornament.