THE CHRISTMAS TRADE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 55, 31 December 1912, Page 3

THE CHRISTMAS TRADE.

I Good Tisrie in Pukekohe. All Record Turn-overs. For the last day in the year a " Times " representative spent, a half-day in visiting the shops in Pnk'kohe. During the past twelve months there has been a big expansion in trade and on all hands the testimony was that all previous business records had been completely eclipsed. " Money," said one prominent business man, " more wealth iu the form of produce lias come into Pukekohe during the past two months than into any town ->f its size during that period in New Zealand. " And," suggested the writer, " what about the credit business ?" " Good as gold, good as gold," was the reply. "Of course we strike somo tough marks but the percentage of bad debts in this district is. I believe, lower than in any other pjftt of the Dominion." The writer's pencil stopped wlvile he wished, devoutly wished, that Ise was safely established in the retail trade. And throughout the visit of inspection this solo was accompanied by a chorus of trade satisfaction. Good times in the country, my masters, and we'll have good times in the towns. Help the towns to develop and expand, you tillers ot the soil, and the prospority will react amazingly upon your own profits. What a mutual little world it is.

W. ROULSTON'S. An elaborate Christmas window was but the outside expression of the fulness of the stocks upon the shelves for the festive season. The range in the grocerj and confectionery, the tinned stuffs and the dainties, made up a goodly selection. If the apparel makes the man there is fitting and finery for young anil old, men and women —ladies, if you will, but this pencil is scriptural enough to like not the word—at the " Big Shop." Been there, this Christmas ? F. PERKINS AND CO.

At the western end of the town a newly asphalted footpath, a completed grocery department in brick, and extended office accommodation are some of the evidences of increased trade at Perkins and Co's. The grocery window, attractively decorated, is very inviting. " Trade, trade, trade, is a very ticklish jade " but she appeals a constantly growing: factor at this corner. " One thing I noticed," said Mr Perkins," that the Christmas rush was not confined to two-and-a-half deys ; it was spread over a week or more." SHOTBOLT AND CO.

This is the biggest one-trade shop in town and this year's turnover in drapery, millinery, men's goods and general wearing apparel has made a fresh mark to cover in 1913. The stock is well chosen and of great variety and customers over a wide countryside remember with pleasure their purchases at Shotbolt's. MILLS' FANCY GOODS. Although many took good advice and were not Christmas rushers, the fancy goo<ls emporium of S. W. j Mills was rushed on Christinas Eve. The toy-buyers were after the goods provided in Mr Mills' well-selected stock—and they looked happy with their purchases. This shop has been increased to double its size, its trade ami its stock have been doubled, and its prospects ? We expect to see still bigger business records in the coming Christmas seasons. MILLER'S SUITS. The popularity of Miller's suits has resulted during the year in doubling the staff and with 1913 a further addition is contemplated. " We have had to go," said Mr Millar and he added ruefully. " we are not cleared all out yet." The coats " on the line " waiting for the try-on fully bore out this remark. To have increased so prosperously is a tribute to low prices, good quality and good workmanship. C. LODGE. Mr Lodge specialises in footwear and at his establishment there are and dainty—for hard-working and for dainty feet. There are sporting shoes and light footwear for the summer—for the present thoughts of winter are lost in the trade of Christmastime. R. B. ERLANDSON'S

bakery has been engaged at top s-peed, and at all hours, turning out Christinas cakes, pastry and tasties uf all kinds. The fare is delicious, too. IT. BRUNTON'S " Sublime tobacco " in its various f<>rni- agreeably tills tho shelves at Bninton's. There is <juite a regal choice of Christmas smokes, while the biliiard room and the liair-drei-sing department provide quota towards the commercial success of the season. MISCELLANEOUS

Both jewellers, Messrs Lusher and Wright, wjio have but settled amongst us this year, express satis faction with their trade and their prospects. Naturally, Miice • the weather was so summery, the fruit and summer drink business at Askew's flourished. In the saddlery. coachbuilding, blacksmithing and other trades the business was brisker than ever, while at Cowan's grocery store the staff had to go at top speed all day long. The butchers.'' \\ <-11 the season has been so good that ducks and geese and other Christmas poultry figured largely on tin- bill-ot-fare while the meats most sought aftfr were of the daint»st. Oh yes, th« shops had a good time. So did the people.