CHRISTMAS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 99, 21 December 1912, Page 3

CHRISTMAS.

LOCAL TRADESMEN PREPARE

FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON.

SOME OF THE SHOPS. Many comments, and all of them favourable, are passed by visitors to Stratford on the excellent showing which our local tradesmen are making. One of these visitors, who spent several weeks and paid the shops the major part of his attention, and not a little of his money as well, sends us some golden opinions in verse of local stores and emporiums which he had noticed.

It was Max Adder, he said, who first conceived the idea of letting a Tame Poet loose in the editorial chair of a newspaper, and the results exceeded all expectations. The poet ‘had a vivid imagination, combined with no knowledge of the inhabitants, and the combination worked wonders. In endeavouring to enliven the paper, he naturally paid particular attention to those sad tokens of death that strike the eye of the leader who looks for the editorial. When met with the usual, “Please insert ip'your issue of Monday and Tuesday: ‘At the residence of her parents, Willow Vale Lane, Hannah, youngest daughter, etc. etc.,’ ” hg.. seized the opportunity and. wrote a nice little par, commencing: “We have lost our little Hannah, In a very painful manner.” And then he Jet himself go, and concluded :

“She was a little seraph, that her father (who was sheriff), Often said ‘how can her long sufferings be borne?’ She has gone we hope to heaven, at the early age of seven, (Funeral starts off at eleven) where

she’ll never more have, care.”

Of course there was trouble. The relatives were bound to make a fuss. Still the poet escaped, and this' fact led “the visitor” to hope that he, too, would escape before the authorities could apprehend him. The Visitor’s Story.

In the first place, “the visitor” desired to state that, although “little Hannah” was undoubtedly dead, the boot emporium bearing that name was very much alive, the vast amount of business done being a tribute to the excellencies of, the boots and shoes stocked. Further, he pointed out that only a glimpse into Broadway would convince one that here Avas a fine establishment, bearing a big reputation and progressing rapidly along with the district. Having made that correction, he proceeded to get down to business, : and gave it as his opinion that had ■ Macaulay gone to the Cash Boot Arcade, an effective window display making such a trip exceedingly likely, he would have mentioned the store in his “Lays of Ancient Home,” and delivered himself thus;

“Them up spoke Cautious Buyer, so very up-to-date, To every man upon this earth sense cometh soon or late, And where can man buy better, than from out the C.8.A., For boots that last the longest, and the least you have to pay.”

The Limerick’s popularity has Availed considerably, and “the visitor” must needs apologise if in summing up the many excellencies of that splendid little establishment run by Mr E. G. Foster, he lapses into the jingle of “The Young Lady of Niger.” He then perpetrates the folloAving:

There was a young lady of Gloucester, Her shoes came straight from E. Foster. “I like the style,” She said Avith a smile, Besides, think how little they cost her.

Byron could easily have adapted his famous poem to express his feelings when, conducted by Mr G. W. Mills over his fancy goods emporium, he was shown a splendid stock of Christmas novelties, comparing ivell Avith any to be seen in Taranaki. It would not be in the least surprising if he had murmured to himself:

“Stroll up thou cautious buyer, stroll, A. thousand bargains tempt not thee

in vain, Man marks the earth Avith ruin

Mills marks his goods Avith figures—clear and plain.”

‘’The visitor” could not but admire the enterprise displayed by Mr C. E. James in amassing such a varied assortment of goods, pleasing to the eye and suited to the pocket. His shop is a credit to Stratford, and it reflects in many Avays the great progress made by the district. Imagine, the “alleged” poet says, a group of citizens discussing the weather, and the advent of Christmas, Avith presents in its attendant train. One, younger than the rest, has been so misguided as to talk about getting goods outside the town, a bad policy, which called for this;

“Then to him spoke Local Buyer, him of the longest head and shrew 1. Full many tradesman’s shop, the big and little I’ve vieAved. (At James’s I’ve called several times; it’s the truth, Finer crockery never Avas seen than his ware from Beyrouth. (And as for that doll Avhich rolls its I eyes,-turns ifs head to one side, while its walking” Said another member cf the group, “Stop talking!” In Broadway to-day, said a man to me I want to give the kiddies a spree, Something nice for Christmas—just a few painted toys—- “ That’s easy,” said I, “Grubb’s the place for your boys.” Of course this Avas excellent advice. Mr Grubb has lately taken over the business so successfully conducted by Mr H. Masters, and he has throAvn himself into the work of making the two shops look really attractive. The myriads of toys Avhich decorate the Avails transform the building into a veritable fairyland. But that is by the Avay. The conversation Avas still going on, and this time a juvenile member of the group had something to say about an establishment Avhich has a big reputation, and more than a local one, too.

“Then another voice chimed in, anxious to have his say, “Toys are all right, and they’re good enough in their Avay. “But last Christmas at Hopkins’, mother bought me a hook, “And this year she has promised that into their shop she m ill look. “They’ve grand yarcs by Ballantyne, Kingsley, Stevenson, Honty, “Our money can’t buy them all, though I guess to choose from there’s plenty.”

And so the conversation Avent on. One individual, in a. loud voice, exclaimed : “Mr Alf. Moon, late T. McKeown, “SAveeps clean, for his broom’s a ucav ’un ”

But here the M.S.S. handed to us from the pen of the visitor comes to AN ABRUPT CONCLUSION. Possibly his head Avas slightly turned, though this Avere hardly possible, seeing that he possessed such a nice judgment of the merits of the shops and goods to Avhich he referred. Hoavever, Constable Bleasel denies that he escorted the visitor southAvards to that excellent little establishment where Taranaki sends her mentally deficient, and from Avhere she imports her pedigree pigs and champion cat-

tle. But it hardly matters. Undoubtedly the poet struck ah excellent theme, though his verse did savour of doggerel, and this has led us to continue his littfe story of the Stratford shops, taking the advertising of the “Post” as

OUR DIRECTORY,

THE- STOCK AGENTS

The stock' agents and auctioneers of Stratford aVe 'YI r New top! King, N.Z. L. and Mi A'. Co., W. TL' H. Young and»Co., 'and' Mr T. Lartiftson. Mr Newton Klht*s huge business has increased in!, popularity during the year, when new and larger premises will he requisitioned. Mention might be made of the large sales which have been accomplished with the Ridd Milking machine, Lister portable benzine engines, Noxon mowers, and Triumph motor cycle—to ryyntion a few of the firm's agencies. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency continues vie .hold its, o>vn w(! and r .tq the development of the district s resources. ' Big sales have been made this year by the firm with their special lines of seeds, and all progressive farmers art: 'making a'jxffnt of calling in at tho’.Broadway warehouse for an inspection of farm implements and requisites. ‘slr W. H. H. Young has disposed this season v of over forty tons of Bibbey’s Cream Equivalent, and Ids sales'of Carton’s'seeds have-been altogether phenomenal. , Mr Lamason’s mart is always thronged when sales are on, and the firm’s business is rapidly growing. THE DRAPERS. Special Christmas displays are being made by the majority of the local drapers. Mr R. D. Lowers has a Christmas sale in full swing, and offers some bargains in trimmed millinery, summer costumes, and boys’ suits. Talking about suits, the Egmont Clothing Company offers style, quality, exclusiveness’and good value, in this line, and gentleman requiring a new clothing outfit could not do better than make a call. At Robinson’s Ready-Money Store, Santa Claus has come along and offered them some nobby, up-to-date, one-piece dresses, just the thing for the holidays, and at prices up to 40 per cent, off wholesale. These are worth enquiring into. The staff of the H.B. Clothing Co. have had a busy time serving numerous customers of late. The quality of their goods is indisputable. Mrs McCallum offers smart up-to-date hats for the holidays, and has a splendid collection of flowers, trimmings, etc. to furnish them withal. A very high-class emporium, which specialises in ladies’ drapery is Morey and Son’s bright little store. Mr (A. Spence is giving a big Christmas bonus varying from two shillings to four shillings in the £ to cash buyers of his reliable goods. “Right values for ready money” are to be had' at Rawlcs, who offers special selections for the season. At the Melbourne* brisk trade is being done, and the quality of the goods will bear inspection. Right at the corner of Broadway and Regan street, Whites dispense values that are hard to beat. Their large establishment is as popular as ever, and at this time of the year tho shop is particularly worthy of a visit. WATCHMAKERS. Just now the shops of the jewellers and watchmakers come in for minute inspection, for they furnish the daintiest and most attractive articles for presents. Mr J. Petrie, especially, makes a brave display. He carries a large stock, and specialises in silverware, handsome vases figuring largely in his window display. Although a new business, or rather an old business in new hands, that bearing the sign of “J. K. Stone” attractively adorns the Municipal Chambers. Mr Stone comes to Stratford with the recommendation of Littlejohn’s, for which premier firm he worked for many years. Mr Stone is an expert at his craft, a fact which is being rapidly discerned by a discriminating public. During the year the “Goldsmiths and Silversmiths” have disposed of large quantities of jewellery and silverware at remarkably low prices. The firm understands the art of displaying their stock to the best advantage, and as the goods are right, this means record sales. Their establishment is certainly a credit to Stratford. TAILORS. What a rush Christmas brings to the tailors. The lateness of the season in Stratford means that summer suits are requisitioned simultaneously with holiday attire, and the result is

that the tailors and their stall’s of workmen have to work away into the small hours of the morning for six days of the week. Mr D. Butchart’s suits are distinguished for their smart cut, and their good appearance does not fade away in a few weeks. “If we could fit facts to figures, as expertly as we fit clothes to figures ” there is hardly any need to quote further the claim made by the Cash Tailoring Company. The fact that they “have made good” is clear from the number of men this season for whom Mr Beslcy has tailored. SADDLERS.

A business which has increased by leaps and bounds is that controlled by Mr M. C. Aagaard, and proof of his business acumen is furnished by the fact that in open tender he secured the contracts for dog collars, lei by the various local bodies. A skilled workman himself, Mr Aagaard has a good staff, and his work has given every satisfaction to his many patrons. He carried a large stock of reliable goods; he cuts the prices, but not the quality of his saddlery wares. Horse and cow covers are among the specialities of the business. FRUITERERS. Mr D. Graham’s establishment has enjoyed a well-earned popularity, and this has never been so evident as of late, when the demand for good sound fruit has been unusually keen. Across the road, the shop of On Eee displays tempting fruits from the orchards of the Dominion and from the orchards of the Empire. In the handling of such a business, John Chinaman has few rivals, and it is by far the most popular shop run by local celestials. TOBACCONISTS. In addition to a very extensive fancy goods business, Mr C. E. James hae a sterling reputation as an up-to-date tobacconist and hairdresser. Stratford saloons are noted all over New Zealand for their up-to-dateness, and James’ shop is a sped mem bearing up that well-deserved reputation. Carrying such a large stock of z-eliable goods, no one in search of presents for the men folk, pipes, tobacco pouches, and so on ad infinitum should fail “to see Mr James about it,” THAT HAMPER. j

' When ordering that Christmas Hamper from Mr Dan Malone, please note ’ that the services of Messrs J. A. J Thompson, R. Handley, G. Slight and Co., and H. Trotter are at your disposal in delivering it to your home, | or to the station. At the same time you have a reliable medium to solve the problem of your general carrying work, LIVERY STABLES. “There’s nothing like dealing with an old established firm,” as the widow looking for her third husband remarked to an eligible bachelor. Marr’s have the reputation to sustain, and they are noted all over Taranaki for the care and attention they bestow on their business. Those thinking of making a trip to the mountain should consult Mr Marr as to the means of transport. A light vehicle, or a drag for a picnic party—it’s all the same, at Marr’s you get the best. BAKERS. H. Kerr and Co. have but recently commenced tho delivery of bread in Stratford and the surrounding districts. The quality of their bread is undisputed, and their small goods, sc admirably displayed in the little shop next to the Courthouse, show them to be highly skilled at their trade. Elders’, the Scotch bakers, ace renewed for many other things beside their bread, and their large business is manconsummate skill and business integrity. PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Mr J. McAllister makes an excellent suggestion. For a Christmas present, why not send your friends a photograph of yourself. He points out that nothing else would be so appreciated. As the pet remarked, it would undoubtedly be “a thing of beauty and a Joy for ever.” DINING ROOMS. Stratford is well served with dining rooms, Messrs S. J. Pivac, J. Bowen, William Elder (a caterer of much note) and D. Beaumont being all popular resorts. “The Royal Tea and Dining Rooms” put on a first-class dinner from 12 to 2, and tea from 5 to 7. It is related of this establishment that a country resident who arrived at the rooms for dinner did his best with the menu, and then called Mr Pivac to his rescue, addressing him so: “Say, I’ve eaten from thar to thar (pointing to various items on the car’d) can I skip thar ; and begin thar.” What the proprietor replied hardly matters, except to say that that customer went away entirely satisfied. Mr J .Bowen, the genial proprietor of “The Golden Gate,” does a big business in the supply to residents of fish, which he receives in splendid condition daily. Orders are also taken fordressed poultry for Christmas. His fish lunches and suppers, at a reason-, able price, are of unquestionable excellence. Mr* D. Beaumont has not long been introduced to the Stratford public, who will soon realise, 'as Wanganui people have long done, that he is a caterer to the public wants—par excellence. GROCERS. What an air of comfort and prosperity the grocers impart at this festive season. In their Christmas garrn, they look singularly attractive, and busy housewives throng their counters replenishing the larders, which the season demands must be filled to overflowing. J Masters and Son offer for the Christmas season a special 25s order, which appears to be excellent value. Mr E. A. Drake, of the “Dreadnought Store,” has made a speciality of superior groceries, and his imported cheeses are particularly appetising ; desert strawberries, Oriental and English pickles, are also figuring among his popular lines. Naturally the Central Co-operative Stores deal ini many things beside groceries, but it is on this particular commodity that much of their reputation is based. Mr E. A. Alger’s establishment in Broadway South still flourishes, and “a square deal” at this store can be depended upon. Mr Godfrey Phillips states that he is cutting prices, ENGINEERS. For repairs to your lawn mower, and for all machinery that is out of gear, Mr Bert Harkness is your man. Mr Harkness is the agent for the “Standard Household Separator,” an up-to-the-minute Swedish Disc Type machine, specially designed for- the one or few-cow farmer. The price is in the neighbourhood of only £3. In addition, Mr Harkness has other agencies, notably that of “Ferrodor” paint, the extraordinary resisting powers of which against weather ensures for it a ready sale. Messrs McMillan and Fredric are specialists in dairying machinery. They call particular attention, however, to the Vacuum Washer, which save the rubbing of clothes, and works automatically, there being no gear to get out of order. Their Excelsior Steps are exceptionally light and strong, and are just the thing when cleaning windows.

They are also plumbers and tinsmiths, and practically share with Messrs Smart Bros, the whole of the Stratford business in this “connection.” Messrs Smart Bros, are an exceedingly reliable firm, and their workmen artexperts, who know their business from .A to Z. IRONMONGER^. Good business lias been, done by the Stratford ironmongers of late, the throe firms, Messrs 11. B. Anderson, Bellringer Bros., and tire Taranaki Hardware Go., making good displays of some attractive goods. Bellringer Bros, are fortunate in having such ample window space, and their shop in this respect is practically unequalled in Taranaki. For Christmas, among other novelties, they offer a parcel of cutlery of guaranteed quality at 25&, the parcel including If dozen each table and dessert knives, table and dessert forks, dessert and, tea spoons. The Taranaki Hardware Co., which has become famous for its cutlery, has just landed an extra large stock, and this is selling at prices calculated to make their business bigger. The Daisy Vacuum Cleaner is sold by R. B. Anderson, and all would do well to inspect this great little labour-saving device. Other ironmongery is displayed there in profusion, and at prices reasonable, since the quality k right. CO ACHBUILDIX G. An important industry in Stratford is that run by the Egmont Coach and Carriage Co., who have at present a unique display of gigs, spring carte, etc., on view. They build any clast of vehicle to order promptly, and everyone knows that work entrusted to them is in the best of hands. GENERAL.

Among the boot and shoe specialists the name of Mr Bert Burges? should not be missed. Children’s foot-wear and repairs are his speciality. The New Zealand Novelty Co. offers hundreds of bargains in toys and presentation goods. MOTOR CARS.

A new 7 business which has. rapidly grow r n up in Stratford is that of the motor proprietary. A glance at our columns will show that Messrs A. W. Reid, L. R. Curtis, H. H. Gollop, R. Gredig, and W. Mudforcl have venicles for hire. It would he invidious to recommend any particular one, but all are trustworthy and reliable drivers. Mr Mudford, in addition, has a wcliequipped garage. Mr Reid is the agent for St'udebaker, maker of the famous touring cars, the “E.M.F.” 00 h.p., and the Flanders, 20 h.p., while Mr Curtis lias the local agency for the most popular car in this district, the Ford, also an American make.

PAINTERS AM) PAPERS AX GEES. In addition to Messrs Bellringer Bros., who have an extensive painting and paperhanging business, Mr R. Beckett specialises in this line. He recommends some special lines in art wall papers, and house decorations, and in picture framing in all varieties he guarantees best workmanship and best materials. Nothing could Im fairer. CYCLE SHOP. ' In cycling goods, Clayton loads an easy first. His cycle and phonograph stocks are reliable and up-to-date, and in addition, lawn mowers, are reground and scissors sharpened. music warehouses. Fine displays of musical instruments and accessories are made by Grubb’s and E. Dixon and Co. 1 The former makes a speciality of Collard and Collard, Allison’s, Broad wood, Agollo’s, and the British Pianoforte Company’s instruments. Any of these pianos Mr Grubb guarantees to give satisfaction, as time has proved that they are eminently suited to the Taranaki district. E. Dixon and Co. stock a great variety of musical instruments, and their Newman English made piano at £JB is a great bargain. If desired, time-payment is given ,and it is worthy of note that on this system of payment, pianos are insured against fire free of cost. FURNISHING WAREHOUSES.

Great strides have been made in the furnishing business in Stratford, and a change worthy of note has been made in that well-known business of John Leydon, now owned by Mr Garrett E. Wilson. Mr Wilson has been fortunate in retaining the former proprietor’s excellent staff, and he has started off well in offering to the public a great cash sale of £SOOO worth of stock, to lie cleared at “slaughter” prices. Messrs W. and E. Brocklebank, of Broadway North, have brought their plant up-to-date by installing an electric motor, and their labour saving machinery is a triumph of modern, furnishing. CHEMISTS. It might be thought that the chemists are placed last because their services are likely to he required after Christmas. “That would be a dismal thing to do,” as Alice’s oysters remarked. Still, Mr Edwards’ toningup tonic will help 3011 if the excitement of Christmas has proved tec much for your general health. Hie attractive window display of Piver’s Perfumes appeal as something decidedly novel and refreshing, and the sale of the articles featured proves the value of attractive advertisement. The well-known business recently conductcel by Mr E. B. Stohr has passed into now "hands, and under the careful management of Mr I'. A. W. Nicholson, the new proprietor, it will certainly lose none of its reputation. Nat only does Mr Nicholson dispense pure and reliable drugs, hut also things that please in the way of special and dainty articles, suitable for presentation.