Hardly recognisable today (2019) in its Priceline Pharmacy livery, this building started life in 1935 as a branch of the National Australia Bank.
A boarding house had stood on the site for many years when, in 1926, ownership of the property passed from Caroline Mary Amelia Ann Wilson to the National Bank of Australasia Ltd.1 At that time the bank was operating from leased premises and although keen to construct its own building, this did not in fact get underway until 1934 when tenders were called for the construction.2
Robertson and Marks of Pitt Street, Sydney appear to have been the architects, with the successful tenderer being Mr Alex Speers of Rushcutters Bay. He, in turn, entrusted the work to Mr Harry Roberts of Maroubra who constructed the building in just five months.3
The ground floor comprised the banking chamber and associated facilities, while the floor above provided accommodation for the Manager and included a balcony along the frontage overlooking Victoria Street. The attractive timber finishes and Wunderlich metal ceilings were considered noteworthy.4
Opening day was 15 April 1935 and the Manager, Mr N H Walker, was in charge of the smooth transition to the new premises.5
The building remained in bank ownership until 1989.6
Author: Penny Teerman
References:
1 NSW Land Registry Services online: Vol 3448 Fol 128 and Vol 3940 Fol 146
2 North Coast Champion Wednesday 5 September 934 Pg 3
3 Manning River Times Saturday 20 April 1935 Pg 5
4 Ibid.
5 Manning River Times Wednesday 17 April 1935 Pg 2
6 NSW Land Registry Services online – Vol 3940 Fol 146
