A Walk Round Fell ding

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 44, 29 September 1892, Page 2

A Walk Round Fell ding

♦ On a former occasion I gave my views of the various items of interest I came across, and the general look of the town on one side of the Square. We will now try the other sides, but first I must begin with the ladies. The snug business-look-ing place where a very good supply of fashionable millinery goods are displayed evinces much care and thoughtfuluess of the lady who conducts the establishment. Anyone can see that business is going on, and no tremendous reductions in the prices or goods to be given away necessary. At the corner the commodious stationary warehouse still takes the lead, the stock being replete with all articles in connection with the trade, aad I noticed that the sensible practice of marking the prices on the goods exposed for sale is a leading feature. Following down the road I came across a number of new buildings which have been opened for the supply of various commodities, and from what I could see by rather a rapid scrutiny, should say all have made a good beginning, and the best advice I could give would be to sell the best articles at the lowest rate of profit, and it will be sure to bring a good return. I was quite surprised to find such a city-looking tailor's shop in this town. What would some of the old settlers of 16 years ago say to the fine row of shops 9 I see the comfortable hotel at the corner still looks bright and cheerful, showing that a careful study of the requirements of visitors is one of the strong points relied upon at this establishment. What a fine looking building the Bank of New Zealand has erected. It is quite an ornament to the township. The internal arrangements are also as pleasing as the outside elevation would lead you to suppose should be found ; for in many cases of bright-look-ing building it is all outside show. There we have a bright, clear, tasty interior, and quite in the modern style of banking establishment. It shows that the bank is well patronised, and that the obliging manager and his staff of assistants are well up to their work. I did not notice much alteration on the road to the railway station, except that a native from the Flowery Land has opened a store, and as usual with the natives of China, he evidently does not mean to let his store get a name for untidiness. The places of business, when they are conducted by Chinese, are models of neatness, and many of the tradespeople in this and other towns might learn a lesson from John Chinaman how to keep a shop clean and bright. I must not overlook the ironmongery and general store close by. Here can be seen a fair display of articles used by builders and all classes of artificers; also for household purposes. The show of china, glass, lampware, is very good, and would bear comparison with any shop in Wellington. I was surprised to see that the vacant paddock by the railway shows no sign of improvement — broken fences, loose wires, do not look nice for a person just leaving the train on a visit to Feilding, or with the intention of settling in 'the vicinity. If the place was cleared up and some more trees planted it would be a great improvement. \.t the station I expected to see a nice covered platform with boarded flooring, also a comfortable general waiting room, but no — the same cold windy shelter shed with its dusty dirty seats, a little poky room for ladies. Being there when the train arrived from Falmerston, and seeing the number of passengers arrive and depart, also the large amount of luggage, parcels, etc., delivered and taken away, I must say that better accommodation is required and should be afforded by the Government. As there will be a very large quantity of wool down this season, the goods shed wants considerable additions made to it, and extra help in the way of porters is urgently needed. You must, Mr Editor, keep pegging away and the orders will be sent for these palpable requirements to be commenced and completed before the end of 1892. I also noticed a large amount of priyate dwellings dotted all over the district, looking so bright and clean, and with the gardens being prepared for the coming summer. The general impression on my mind is that Feilding is up and doing. If a tram line was laid from Awahuri to Birmingham I fancy Feilding would make rapid strides. As the country is opened up so the road traffic will increase, and to help on the country districts you increaee the towns, so that it is a mutual advantage. In conclusion I must say I was well pleased to see the marked improvement in various places that have taken place in the Borough, and hope before next winter to see the streets, shops, and houses lit up with gas, or what is far better, the electric light. A Passer-by.