MESSRS. M'GRUER, BONE.& CO., DRAPERS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 864, 9 July 1910, Page 16

MESSRS. M'GRUER, BONE.& CO., DRAPERS.

This firm, which has been established almost seven years, and, during that time, has developed into one of the leading drapery and importing firms of Taranaki, is under the management of .the resident partner, Mr. L. A. Bone. From its commencement progress has been steady and continual. Being direct importers of drapery, etc., and having their own London buyer, giving his personal attention to their requirements, is, of course, a great factor towards success. Buying for cash in the best centres of the world they can therefore oifor to their customers values which makd competition with their own firm difficult, while the steady and regular arrival of shipments ensures nice fresh stock. To givo ail idea of tlio firm's imports they state that it is 'not an unusual tiling for them to open up 100 cases direct from Losdon during a season. Two .years '.the-.firm

extended their premises by building a large showroom, 50ft. x 33ft. on the ground floor, fronting on Union Street. The whole of this side is given up to two largo show windows, tho (backs of which are lined with mirror plate, so that, when dressed, the ensemble — windows and wares—present a smart and up-to-date appearance. The lighting is splendid, being a series of skylights. Dressmaking is carried on upstairs, where Miss. I'cakc (late of J. Ballantyne's, Ohristcliurch) is in charge of an efficient staff. A' speciality is made of wedding trousseaux and evening dresses, a large number of which have been made in their workrooms and challenge comparison in design and taste. The millinery department is now under tho charge of Miss Laird, late of Auckland, who joined the Arm very highly recommended by her former employers.

Mr. J. D. M'Gruer (at present on a business visit to London') is interested in the drapery firms of M'Gruer, Thorn son, Fcilding, M'Gruer and Co., Wanaanaii, M-Gruor aiid Co., Mastorton.

M'Gruer, Davics and Timani, M'Gruer, Taylor and Co., liivereargil). Bluff, Orepuki, Gore, and Kaitangata. The Haivera business has the distinction of being their pioneer business in the North Island. '

Shopping by Post: Tho firm give a good deal of attention to the mail order system, and, by this means, come into touch with a great many customers who, during the busy niiiking season, find it very difficult to get into town to do their shopping. A postcard to tire firm will always bring vou samples and patterns as well as any'information desired. Tho firm claim that by honest trading, treating the public fairly, they can confidently look- to still further increase in their business connections. From an original total of three the staff has now increased to twenty-live. That the firm has unbounded faith in Taranaki and the North Island generally is evidenced by the fact of their having a long lease <rf their present premises, and also establishing and securing businesses in other towns .of this island.

TELEGRAPHIC. . " 1885. " 1909. Value. Value. • No. ' £ No.. £ Telegrams forwarded 9S-I5 673 59.80G 1851 1599. 1909. No. No. Telegrams received '20,380 63,130 Transmits received at liawera (for onward transmission) 29,192 . 35,57-1 A telephone .-exchange was opened at Hawcra- in 1891) with seventy subscribers. At the end of .June, 1910, there were 188 subscribers. In 1885.th0 staff of the' Post Office at liawera consisted of a postmaster, two telegraphists, a letter-carrier, a lineman, and two telegraph message boys—seven ofliccrs. The staff at tho present time consists of a postmaster, a senior clerk and telegraphist, five telegraphists, four cadets, two cadettes, a lineman, a post-officc sorter, two .lettercarriers, two assistant post-offico messengers, two junior exchange, clerks, an assistant dispatch clerk,, and four telegraph messago boys—twenty-six 'officers.