Christmas Stories.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 20 December 1890, Page 2

Christmas Stories.

* " Ti . not in mortals to commaud success, But we'll do more, Sempronious ; we'll deservo it." Once again we offer our readers an insight into the stores of the town, thus enabling them to see that here can be obtained all the useful and fancy articles that are generally required at this season of the year. We can only give but a brief resume, and therefore strongly recommend a personal inspection. We are entitled to say that the storekeepers will be pleased to show, even if they cannot sell. Lord Lyttelton offered advice to a lady friend on shopping in this fashion " Be plain in dress, and sober in yonr diet ; In short, my deary ! kiss mo, and be quiet." However, we believe our lady friends will not be put off in this fashion, much as we should like to try ! We will go round the town, starting with McMILLAN, RHODES & CO.. who run both a drapery, grocery, and wine and spirit business. The groceries are of the usual and best de-

scriptions, so are their spirits; but', undoubtedly their DRAPERY AND FANCY DEPARTMENT i.s the finest in town. There the young men will Tind "' Ribbons a: ■' 'aces To set off the faces Of pretty young sweethearts and wives." also dress goods and prints of the most fashionable shades. Fancy any unfortunate man being dragged in to select a present from French Dress Tweeds, Cashmeres, Flakes, Printed Sateens, Zephyrs, and Pongees de Lames above everything ! Still if you go shopping this is only a part of what you will have to put ii]) with. " There is nothing new under the sun, - ' and it is true, and we extract from " A Winter's Tale," as good a description of this firm's store, as if it was written specially for them. Lawn, as white as driven snow ; Cyprus, black as e'er was crow ; Gloves, as sweet as damask roses ; Masks for faces and for noses ; Bangle-bracelet, necklace-amber, Perfume for a lady's chamber : (■'olden quoifs, and stomachers, For my lads to give their dears, Pin?, and pokiug-sticks of steel. What maids lack from head to heel." For men tiiey have most excellent clothing, with Ties. Scarves, Hats. kc ; also Boots aud Shoes. The drapery window is very tastefully arranged, and Mr de Ridder is entitled to the credit. Though we have said but little of this firm's stock of groceries, it must be remembered that they have one special department i'or the sale of all necessary and toothsome goods. The display in the window' is a work of art, and not only shows samples of the stocks, hut reflects credit on the taste of the dresser. Mr Fraser.