FATHER CHRISTMAS.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 21 December 1918, Page 3

FATHER CHRISTMAS.

TO BE QUARTERED AT AITKEN'S,

No season of the year inn Ice* a stronger appeal'to tTie juvenile mind than that of Christ mars—a Reason associated* with joyous feasts of sweetmeats and abundant gifts from Toyland, that land: of plenty presided over by Santa Olaus hiiu.No'-P, whose mysterious visit on Christmas Eve, and whose lavish generosity forms a theme of pleasant wonder to the youthful recipients. The advent of Santa Glaus to Levin hart been amply provided for at Aitken'is.Here Santa will make his headquarters and will superintend the disposal of Christmas presents. A toy department has been specially arranged and a big show 1 is to be made. The approach' down a pas-sage-way to. the toy emporium has been appropriately decorated in a series of pretty colours andl will be lighted with Chinese lanterns, so that a very pretty effect will be given. The toy cave itself is packed from floor to ceiling with a collection that has rarely been seen in Levin, and •will no doubt astound its youthful beholders with its extent and variety. There are toys ranging from large rocking horses, "scooters," and : huge teddy bears to small musical in- ' struments, war toys, wooden engines and games. The collection of dolls varies from kilted Highlanders two feet high to wee clots that go twelve to the foot, and: in all attitudes and shapes. Toy motors galore have places on the shelves, while there are barrows, balls, games, meohanioal toys, bright-coloured ware from the land of Japan, the whole forming a collection that will tend to help the purchasers in making their choice. The ceiling has een profusely decorated with lanterns, coloured paper designs, Jap umbrellas and paper flags, and under the lighting scheme arranged! should transform itself into a wonderland of happiness and good cheer. In one corner a magic well has een formed. Here at a modest charge the visitors will be afforded, the opportunity of exploring the wonders of the well and extracting its gifts. Santa Olaus will arrive on Tuesday afternoon, and the six assistants who will be in attendance will attend to the wants and requirements of purchasers old and yoiing. In the main shop, with characteristic foresight and! energy, a huge Christmas stock has been laid in. The book department carries a good supply of literature —from works y all the popular authors to extracts from the works of famous poets produced in daintjj booklet form and bound in pretty designs. There is also a line of reprints of several good productions got up in cheap form. Any of the above form acceptable and, seasonable gifts. The range of Christmas cards Ls a choice one, among them the autograph design is a chaste and original sample, whilst the hand-painted va-_ ricty is equally artistic. Among other* goods are samples of Japanese work, leather goods and dressing cases, manicure sets, wallets, attache cases and dress baskets for holidciy-ma'kers, very pretty designs in bronze, Japanese antimony and silverware, autograph albums. unique work baskets lined with coloured silks, glove and handkerchief boxes, books for children, and an endless succession of other articles. Fountain pens, always a useful and acceptable present, are from the famous Swan andi Waterman makers. The stock of sheet music, gramaphones, etc., is good ne usual, and there is also a display of English pianos that is rarely seen outside the large centres. The whtolo establishment, in fact, breathes Christmas, and the holiday shopper ifi invited along early in order to make the best selections before the choicest of the articles are snapped up at the bargain prices fixed. The incoming Christmas_ promises to be a merry one and a visit to Aitken's will make it even more enjoyable and an occasion to be remembered.—Published by arrangement.