Christmas, 1893.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 198, 22 December 1893, Page 2

Christmas, 1893.

This festive season is round again, and, as is customary with us at this time of the year, we publish the opinions of our representative, who has had a run through the various establishments in town. Since this time last year there has been a marked increase in business places in Feilding, in almost every line, so we cannot devote as much space as usual in describing the goods which are to be found in the various houses of business. Our first visit was paid to Mr John Cobbe, Who has one of the finest drapery and clothing establishments in the North Island, is doing a tremendous biz. Mr Cobbe imports most of his goods direct from the Old Country, they are new, of best quality obtainable, and up to date in style and fashion. A special line is the Geelong clothing, and: Mr Cobbe claims to be the only one who imports this class of goods. Upstairs the millinery and dressmaking is carried on under competent management, and the display of fancy goods, &c, on this floor are really worth going to see. The ladies' refreshment' room is a great acquisition, and is evidently appreciated by the fair sex. Linoleums and carpets of every design and description will be found on the ground floor, together with Ja splendid stock of boots and shoes. The Bed House Has lately been replenished with new goods in every department. The showroom window is a pretty sight, and almost resembles a flower garden, and the milliner has a very tasteful way of decorating ladies' and children's hats, &c. The clothing department is well stocked with goods from the best firms, and a look through here would repay anyone. Other lines, such as groceries, preserved fruits, crockery, ironmongery, tinware, &0., are always on hand. Mb J. B. Hamilton Makes a special study of ladies' requirements, and he is never afraid of not being able to suit the most fastidious. A full stock of nice tasty millinery will here be found, and novelties in drees materials, blouses, three-quarter capes, sunshades, &c The latest thing out in hats is the " sunburnt wheat hat," which is very neat. It is impossible to describe the dress fabrics, dress robes, &c, which appear in endless variety. Dressmaking is carried on in this establishment. The Cash Exchange Co-op Messrs Thompson and Thompson, the proprietors, study the requirements of all classes and keep a large supply of groceries, crockerjrware, glassware, ironmongery in addition to their stock of drapery and clothing* The principal colonial woollen mills are represented and the drapery show is varied. A special feature of this establishment is the millinery department, where a well assorted and tastefully trimmed collection of ladies and children's hats are displayed. The New Zealand Clothing Factory Under the supervision of Mr J. W. Burlace makes a specialty of men's clothing. , This establishment is growing in popularity as the proprietary deal direct with the best woollen mills in the colony and consequently their selection of tweeds is very large. The variety and beauty of the ties kept in stock at once catch the eye as the shop is entered. Hats, shirts, braces, socks, ready made clothing acd, in fact, anything that would assist to make a person at the same time comfortable and respectable. Boots and shoes have lately been added to the stock. The Bon Mabche. Mr J. C. Morey has ties and scarves in endless variety. His stock of silk handkerchiefs, containing all the colours of the rainbow, present a very gay appearance. Underclothing and the requirements of tiie ladies, generally, are studied, and with this object in view an experienced dressmaker and staff are kept on the premises. Portmanteaux and Gladstone bags are also kept in stock. Hundreds of other Useful lines for the Christmas holidays may be obtained at moderate charges. Mr Gabites' New premises in Fergusson street present a gay appearance and the genial proprietor is kept very busy behind the counter. The window presents an inviting appearance with straw hats and light drapery. Delaines, cashmeres, silks, and other dress materials, specially imported by Mi* Gabites, in any variety, quality, or quantity, may be obtained ad lib. The assortment of gloves and sunshades is very large and the most exacting should receive satisfaction. Mb Cakthew's Establishment is no exception to the rule this year, and, as usual with him, he has gone in very extensively for toys and Christmas cards of almost every conceivable description. Ornamental hall mirrors, plush photo frames, and other useful ornaments, are distributed amongst the numerous mechanical and other toys. Books for children by the most popular authors are shown, and a great variety of pretty pictures, Christmas annuals, magazines, etc., are also on view in great numbers. MrCarthew's collection of school prizes is varied and complete. Mr J. S. Mtlson, Stationer and fancy goods importer/ has made his windows a centre of attraction. One is filled up principally with glass ornaments of pretty designs and in the other is a model ship, the rigging of which is adorned with numerous. Christmas cards and the whole window presents a perfect picture. Mr Milson has secured a good selection of toys, fancy ornaments, and picture books for children and he will doubtless reap a rich harvest. There are on his shelves novels from all the most popular authors. Christmas numbers of periodicals and magazines can also be obtained here. Mr J. Darragh Has one of the largest and most varied stocks on the coast. An inspection of his premises will show that he keeps everything except drapery, clothing, and boots. Mr Darragh looks with just pride on his extensive supplies of groceries, ironmongery, cutlery, saddlery and harness, furniture, carpets, toys, ornaments, glassware, etc. Messrs Bramwell Bros., The popular storekeepers in Fergusson street, intend having a special Xmas display to-morrow, especially in the evening. A prominent feature here at present is the preserved fruit and ham display, which are almost indispensable articles at this time. Messrs Bramwell Bros, make a point of keeping only the best goods obtainable, especially in teas ; their choice Ceylon and Pekoe brands have struck the public taste, and are much sought after. A fine assortment of ironmongery is also on trial here. Collins Original Curiosity Shop Is replete with everything from a needle to an anchor which can be procured, and the history and geographical position of the world may be studied. Ironmongery, fancy goods, toys, etc., are offered for sale at this establishment. Mr P. Thomson In addition to the large stock of tinware, which |Mr Thomson makes a specialty of, groceries, sweetmeats, and some of the prettiest and most useful glassware ever invented are offered for nale. Our Butchers. McHsrn Woolven and Nesbitt and Piekor. ing and Co will liave capital displays of beef, mutton, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, &c, on view to-night and to-mqm»y. (To be continued in to-morrqw'g issue.)