The North Eastern Ensign at KellyGang 16/9/1873
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT
During the lest few months there has been great animation in the building trade in Benalla, and the result is that several neat looking houses and places of business have been completed, while others are in course of construction. The town has extended particularly in the direction of Nunn and Carrier streets, but the business people in other parts have not been idle, and some have effected great improvements in their premises. This general display of enterprise shows that in spite of the croakers, who say the place will be ruined as soon as the railway passes through it, there are plenty of people who have faith in the resources of Benalla and believe there is a prosperous future before it.
It is not long since a new bank was started here, and though the directors could not at once obtain a building altogether suitable they are making the, best of the one they now occupy. The branch Bank of New South Wales, to which we refer, is all events centrally situated, and important additions are being made to the house where the business is now being carried on, at well as substantial back promises in course of erection in the rear of the principal building.
One of the chief public buildings is undoubted the Mechanics' Institute, and we certainly think it is deserving of increased support from the public. The committee have lately had the exterior covered with cement, and effected several other important improvements to the building, and they are about to make some additions to the stock of books in the library.
One of the most substantial buildings in the town is Mr Fitzsimons's new store in Arundel street; it is solidly built of brick, and the interior is well finished. It has an upper and lower floor, and reflects great credit on the enterprise of its owner. At the time it was projected the railway station was intended to be built on the south side of the river, but it will prove a great convenience to the residents of that quarter of the town, and we hope the proprietor will have no reason to repent of his venture.
A general drapery establishment has also been recently opened by Mr S Adams. The new building, which has been put up in Bridge street, is commodious and admirably stilted for his purpose, being substantially built of brick, and comprising four rooms besides the shop. The display of drapery is very good, and to enhance the attractions of the building a very neat-looking ornamental frontlpiece surmounts the shop front.
Going lower down the street we find that Mr Byrnes, of the Vineyard Hotel and store, is making great improvements on his property. He is at present erecting two brick shops in Bridge street, and will shortly open premises round the corner in Carrier street for the display of furniture and paper hangings in addition to his large general assortment of goods.
Several building improvements are going on in Nunn street. Mr M'Nally is putting an upper floor on a portion of his premises in order to supply the increased demand for no accommodation. Lower down the street Mr A Robertson is making some substantial improvements to his promises, and on the other side of the way several buildings are being put up, together with a large substantial brick store for Mr J Halton, who intends going into business there. At the corner of Nunn and M'Kellar streets Mr Bailey has within the last few days opened an hotel, and in the neighborhood of the railway station several buildings have been erected, while many others are in course of completion.
Altogether the town is much more lively than it used to be and trade, we believe, is pretty brisk. Land selection is going on in every part of the district at an unexampled rate, and there is every indication that the present prosperity of the town will continue to improve.
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