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The Birmingham and Sheffield Warehouse.

The above wholesale and retail hardware business (123 Colombo street, Christchurch) was commenced by the present proprietor, Mr. Edward Reece, twenty-nine years ago, on the site adjoining the building here illustrated, and was the first ironmongery establishment in the city.

Before describing the class of business transacted, the building itself is worthy of more than passing notice. The front elevation of three storeys is exceedingly handsome and substantial in appearance, being of pointed brickwork, with white and blue stone facings. The walls are exceptionally thick, and from the. commodious cellar to the top storey the whole has a well-finished and strong appearance.

The class of trade aimed at in this establishment is that of supplying articles of the highest quality, and this may be readily observed by even a hurried examination of the immense stock, a few of the leading lines of which are here given.

Silver-plated ware in every conceivable design and to suit any taste; cutlery, both table and pocket, of leading and responsible makers; marble mantelpieces of eight different colours, and nearly equal in price to those of slate manufacture, marble hearths aud kerbs of elegant designs; register grates of latest styles and at all prices; fenders and fireirons of iron and brass, in Queen Anne and other fashionable patterns.

Gas fittings are a specialty, and the selection is well worthy the attention of purchasers, being large and choice. Here also are displayed numbers of cooking ranges, both of colonial and imported manufacture. Also, furnishing and general hardware, iron and metals, &c., in such variety that to describe them is beyond the space at our disposal. The following special agencies, however, are worthy of brief notice:—The Coventry Machinists Company's bicycles and tricycles, which are acknowledged at Home to be the finest machines made, and of which large numbers are already in use here. The "Champion," a high class reaper and twine binder of first-rate workmanship, having a new sheaf carrier patented in New Zealand, and many other novel and valuable improvements, which will prove a boon to our farmers.

San Francisco rubber paint is fast becoming used here where first-class work is desired, as the rubber, in conjunction with the best of lead and oil, makes a finish hitherto unattainable, and the paint being mixed ready for use in handy cans is very convenient.

Harland's varnishes are too well known to require comment at our hands. Simplex fret-sawing machines, which attracted page 180so much attention at the recent Exhibition, are an ingenious colonial invention, which must find their way into every home.

In conclusion, we are empowered to say that any visitors to Christchurch, or others wishing to inspect the above premises (not necessarily to purchase), will be courteously received.