C. E. JAMES' NEW PREMISES

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 68, 20 November 1913, Page 6

C. E. JAMES' NEW PREMISES

EVERYTHING UP-TO-DATE. Mr C. E. James lias been in business in Stratford for something over three years and in that Lime his fancy goods business has become well known ; and to such an extent has the business increased that a little time ago Mr James found it necessary to increase his shop space and to make the premises generally more convenient. These alterations are now practically completed, and on Saturday morning the premises will lie thrown open to the public. Much expedition has been displayed in carrying out the work.

The first striking feature in connection with the premises is the verandah, which is a postless one—the first one in Stratford, by the way. It is constructed on the cantilever principle and is lined with Wunderlich stamped steel, which gives a very attractive appearance. On the to]) of the verandah, close to the wall, is a row of skylights, the light through these passing through frosted windows into the shop. The front windows have been shortened in height to enable this arrangement to be made, it being recognised that in most windows much of the height is useless. Altogether there is 56ft. of window space in front, although the actual frontage of the section is only 24ft. This has been done by making a big bay in the middle of the frontage, in which is placed a large island glass show-case. There are mirrors provided in the windows, which should present a striking appearance when fully dressed. The windows are framed in oak and are finished off with brown glazed tiles, while the entrance to the shop is also nicely tiled. The mam'shop has a floor space of ■4oft. by 24ffc., and offers special advantages for the telling display of goods. Two short counters are provided on each side of the shop. These are to have glass, tops. In the centre of the shop will run a big glass show case, and the back portion of the shop will be occupied by four display tables, round which customers may walk and ingpeot goods to advantage. Behind the shop proper is another commodious apartment which is cut off by a movable partition. For the Christmas trade this partition will be removed, enabling the whole of the stock to be displayed. A sufficiency of artificial light has been provided for, the electric candlepower* in the shop ..being 500, and in the windows and" oiitsido 550. Mr James has a complete new stock of goods for the shop valued at €ISOO, and in future he is making a feature of gentlemen's leather travelling goods and, of ,jew.el-, lerv. ~

Mr A. T), Blick was. the .architect for the new work, the contractors being Messrs Holder and .McLean, of Stratford. The windows were the work of Messrs Fry and Treloar, of Wanganui, and are an especially ex-* cellent feature of the premises. The firm specialise in this department, and specimens of their .work .are, to. be §e'en all over' the country. v ' The electric light work was done by Messrs McMillan and Frederic, the plumbing by Messrs Smart Bros., and the painting by Messrs Bellringer Bros. -,