Page 3 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Mail, Issue 310, 30 March 1878, Page 3

Reminiscences of Wellington.— Tn the year 1845 a worthy citizen plodded his way with some difficulty through fern and ti-tree to To Aro Flat, being in search of the surveyor’s peg which had been driven in at the corner of what is now Cuba and Dixonstreets. Upon this spot was erected a small house, in which a very successful drapery business was carried on by two ladies of remarkable talent and energy, who have long since retired from the scene to the land of tneir birth — “ Land of the mountain and the flood, Land of brown heath and shaggy wood.” In tlie year ISGG it passed into the hands of Mr. James Smith, the present proprietor, who gave to the premises tlie appropriate name of Te Aro House, and under whose management business has steadily progressed with the rising fortunes of the city, until at length it was found that a very considerable enlargement was necessary, and the result was, Te Aro House, as at present, one of tlie most complete and Extensive Drapery Establishments in the colony of New Zealand. The General Drapery occupies a large space, being 49 feet by 2G feet, amply sufficient for all Manchester goods, Fancy Dresses, Silks, Gloves Hosier.-, Ribbons, Laces, &c. The Men’s, Bovs’ and Youths’ Clothing Department measures 42 feet by 14 feet, and lias attached a comfortable fitting-room. Carpets and Household Furnishings have a similar space allotted to them. The Show-room for the sale of Millinery, Mantles, Jackets, Costumes, kc., is a very spacious apartment, elegantly fitted up, and beautifully ligli ed from the roof, and measures 89 feet by 22 feet. The stock of goods is at all times large and well selected, and patterns are forwarded post free on application. A special feature at Te Aro House is the Order Department, and very careful attention is paid to the wants of Country Residents. All orders are executed under the immediate supervision of the proprietor, are securely packed and forwarded to their destination with that promptness and despatch which have always distinguished Te Aro House, Cuba-streef, Wellington. [Advt.]