Ballantynes Buildings
Demolition Work Continued
Goods Salvaged From Basements

The Press, Nov 26, 1947. p.6.

Demolition work at Ballantyne’s building was continued yesterday according to the plan prepared by the contractor and engineers. Large blocks of masonry from the top part of the building fronting Colombo street were loaded on to lorries by the Army's big mobile crane.

Men worked all day salvaging goods from basements, and some of the articles recovered appeared to be only slightly damaged by fire and water. Rolls of carpets, rugs, and linoleum were amongst the salvaged goods, and there was a quantity of battered metalware toys. Electrical equipment and workroom machinery were also recovered.

A meeting of the staff of Ballantyne’s was held yesterday morning, but the business discussed was not disclosed. A director of the firm (Mr R. H. Ballantyne) said yesterday that there was nothing further to report. When asked about the Insurance on the buildings and stock he said: "It is being discussed by the committee."

Clerical and stores staff were busy yesterday in the temporary office premises set up in the undamaged packing department's building in Lichfield street.

Electricians worked on the automatic traffic lights on the corner of Colombo and Cashel Streets but late yesterday afternoon the lights were not functioning and a traffic Inspector was directing the traffic.

The plate-glass window in Beath and Company's shop which was broken when demolition work started was replaced yesterday afternoon.