New Burns Philp Store In Apia

Fine Modern Building is Opened with Ceremony

From Our Own Correspondent.

APIA, June 28.

A NOTABLE event in the history of Apia was the official opening of the new business premises of Messrs. Burns Philp (S.S.) Co., Ltd., which took place on June 5 in the presence of a representative gathering of citizens.

The Secretary of the Administration (Mr.

Turnbull) warmly congratulated Messrs.

Burns Philp and Co., Ltd. on their praiseworthy enterprise, which conclusively proved their confidence in the future of the South Sea Islands and especially of Samoa.

He felt sure, he said, that the public of Samoa would appreciate the work done by the firm and grant its support accordingly.

He also congratulated Mr. R. H. Brown.

the manager of the firm, on his good work.

The emporium now completed constituted a distinct embellishment of and an attrac tion in Apia’s main street, and was a credit to all those who had shared in the buildim, of it.

Mr. Brown, in reply, thanked those pre sent for their courtesy and said that, m suite of depression and hard times, his firm had spent the large amount of £70,000 on the new premises erected in Fiji and Samoa, thus showing their belief in the future of those islands. He also paid a tribute to his co-workers on the staff ot the firm, to the contractor. Mr. Freeman, and his men, and to the Administration, who had at all times assisted wherever they

could. The firm was doing its best for the public, he said, and he was sure that the public would reciprocate as it had done in the past.

The new building, which has taken 20 months to complete, is situated at the busiest corner of Apia, opposite the old Central Hotel, and the Town Clock Tower, and is flanked on the east by the Post Office, which is built in exactly the same style of architecture. The building has two floors and is constructed all in concrete and steel, and is spacious, cool and com fortable.

The grocery and drapery departments are both located in the main large hall, while the offices are located upstairs. A feature of the design is the spacious veran dahs leading right round the building, through which the various departments are entered.

Taken altogether, the new store is a Samoan record in regard to size, beauty and modern fittings, and is a most impres sive addition to Apia’s business quarter.