DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 63, 28 January 1913, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

TUAKAU. i Business Chats. THE FREE STORES. Good 3 are not exactly given away here, but they are retailed at as fine a profit ps is possible in order to allow business to he conducted on sound ci mmercial lines. 70-day, Mr Free informed rru, i i"our first birthday in luakau, just a year ago sine: we started, - ' and in that short year a tremendous increase in trade has Utn experisneed, and considerable improvements to the premises effected. One of the latest additions was the annexing of the old National Hank p-emi*es. This has made the hu-»inesj as sound as a hank and greatly added to the room. Another new departure is the establishing of a branch depot at Pukekuw-). This will be a bo n to the ■ettlers at that end of the di trict The store is on a fine come section, snd has a frontage of over 100 feet. It is divided into two shops—the grocery, ironmongery and general and the drapery anl millinery department. In the grocery side the very h.st of goods are provided snH a large and varied ;ssoitment nf ironmongery, furnituie and bedsteads, etc., was to he seen. A large trade had been done in a special line of collapsible wardrobes, a very hands m« and useful pi°ce of furniture. In the shop are a b:i?y staff, and o e can be sure of getiing prompt ad careful attention at the Free ftorep. A set of Diy ton's computing scales, which weighs and calculates tiie cost o* sny article from one to twenty - six pounds weight, from 2d to Is or lb by halfpence, a;id mikes a quick reliable r ady-reckoner for all concerned, proves if gr at assistance to the shop hands. Regjlar delivery ri-t- visit Harriav lie, Bucklnd, the Riv.r ani Fukekawa, at the latter place a cart eoes cu* at 6.30 and catches the suppliers at the factory. In the drapery department a very c.editable display of all general and special lines can be seen. Two Luge show cases, which were originally built for the Christchurch Exhibition display, a fine selection of ladies' hats ami finery and an exclusive corner is provided for"try-ing-on." • In the drapery department Mr Free is an expert, he tiaving served five years in a large drapery store in the mo.-it fashionable part of London a,id was for some years the London buyer for the large firm of Strange and Co., of Christchurch. This expert knowledge enables him to buy to the very best advantage, with corresponding results tor his customers. A large clearance sale is now progressing, Mr Free making it a rule to have a clean sweep every season. This sßle will last for twenty-one days, and the printed circulars are well worth perusal. HOLIDAY. Wednesday, 29th, is being observed here as a holiday on account of the regatta at. Mercer. Local readers will also note that the Catholic Church bazaar opens nn the same date. While mentioning regatta, one is reminded of the fact that the same river that furnishes such a good course at Mercer ruis past Tuakau's door. Why not a Tuakau Regatta? A splendid course for racing is available between the Beach and Traffic bridge. Such a function would do much to encourage the formation of a local Rowing Club. Tuakau South could rely upon the hearty support of the township itself in any organised effort to this end. SATU DAY HALF-HOLIDAY. There aie indications that local business people are not satisfied with the experiment of trying Saturday afternoon as the weekly half-holiday. A petition in ;avour of reverting to Thursday has been largely signed.