GISBORNE’S ADVANCEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2176, 4 September 1907, Page 2

GISBORNE’S ADVANCEMENT.

MACJKY, LOGAN, AND CALDWELL’S NEW PREMISES. The handsome and eommodioua warehouse which has just been erected in Peel otroot to accommodate the growing business oi Messrs Mucky, jjogan, Caldwell and Co.’s Gisborne branch was thrown open to tho trade yesterday when a special display ot tho goods handled by this firm was made. As mentioned on a former occasion tho main room is on the second storey, and measures 901 t. by 56ft., an area spacious enough to hold a vory largo stock. Yesterday it was iillod with such a quantity and such a variety of articles as to constitute a veritable Exhibition. A largo shipment had been despatched from the head oiiico in Auckland specially for tho occasion, and with it had corno Mr. George Forbes, chief of tho firm’s millinery department, who had assisted tho local "representatives in arranging tho display. Tho result was in tlie highest degree satisfactory to all concerned, and those who visited tho warehouso were unstinted in their praisos of tho general effect. The exhibition included practically everything in tho line of drapery and clothing material. If tho “Times” reporter was somewhat out of his element in the midst of a wondrous array of laces and ribbons, it could easily be noted that the ladies present woro fairly revelling in tho feast provided. Scores of dainty hats—ladies’ of course—looked down from their stands and in tho variety of their giddy splendour and wonderful diversity of shape seemed to defy critic! m. Thero were ribbons and laces from England, gorgeous fancy materials from Paris, whilst Japan, Italy and the United States had also been requisitioned to make up tho show. Several of tho local tradesmen declared that it was the most complete display of its kind that had vet been seen in Gisborne and in locking around ono had no difficulty in crediting tho statement. Mr. Forbes, whose special department is the millinery, handled a gossamer-looking hat lovingly and carefully, declaring with enthusiasm that this undoubtedly was to lead tho Gisborne fashions during tho coming season. In a burst of confidence ho informed the reporter that it was the “Dolly Varden,” and that fruit was to be all tho rage this season. The connection between fruit and hats did not appear very obvious, but a few questions elicited tho fact that Mr. Forbes was not referring to the local orange trade but to the very excellent assortment of artificial fruits and flowers on hand that are to be used in tho decoration of ladies’ hate. The cherries, strawberries, nectarines, etc., were undoubtedly marvellous imitations. Many other similar tips were given, from which it was to be inferred that the array of goods thero displayed were not only excellent in appearance but did in actuality represent the very latest devices of those Paris and London autocrats who tell the rest of an obedient world wliat it may or may not wear. In a comprehensive exhibition the Cambridge shirts, of which 350 classes were shown, and the classic underclothing calls for special mention, both of these lines having been awarded a gold modal at the New Zealand International Exhibition.

Tlie idea that such firms as Macky, Logan and Co. only stock imported goods was completely expelled by a close investigation. The reporter was shown straw hats in all shapes and sizes and in various grades of quality that are the product of an Auckland factory. Both as to style and substance these left nothing to be desired. Parasols that looked chic and dainty enough to have come direct from Paris were frankly acknowledged as the product of Now Zealand operatives. Exquisite lines in dust-coats and costumes were also included in this category, and even the display of ostrich feathers—an exceedingly fine one—was chiefly of local origin. At the Helvetia ostrich’ farm of Pukekohe tho birds are bred, the feathers plucked, cured, arid' dressed ready for immediate sale.

A large number of trade representatives and their friends, visited the warehouse yesterday and congratulated Mr Kyme, the local manager of Messrs Macky. Logan,-..Caldwell and Co. upon their enterprise in launching out so extensively in connection with the Gisborne business.