Christmas 1908.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4359, 12 January 1909, Page 3

Christmas 1908.

Dear Me Williams— As the season has come round again for my usual visit, and as you so kindly invited me to Te Aroha I made it my business to look

you up first on the list. I went very near passing by this time. It was very pleasing to know Sir Joseph Ward noticed my complaint about the wretched shed you had for a Railway Station, I give him great credit for having complied with my bequest for a new and up-to-date Railway Station. I notice he has promised a Post Office, and I believe I will find on my next visit a Post Office in keeping with the Railway Station. I have such a lot to say to you, but business is business, I notice your town is growing very fast, the hotels and boarding houses are up-to-date and your business places all look prosperous. The appearance of the country as I came along was just charming. When I look into the future what'a country I see here; people from all parts of the earth will come to drink your life-giving waters. I see beautiful streets planted with trees, delightful parks where people can enjoy the open air, in additition to your beautiful Domain. I must come now to the real purport of my visit, viz., to have a look through your season’s stock, which, even to me, is most bewildering as to variety and price. 1 know a little about these things, as it is my business every season to visit the Christian World. Your 1 stock is up-to-date, your dinner-set prices ranging from £1 must give satisfaction ; tea sets from 7s 6d ; also charming afternoon tea sets, really delightful ware, must be seen to be appreciated, 6s set. Your glass ware is up-to-date and defies all competition, v dozen good tumblers for 28 ; cake stands, fruit dishes, jam dishes, fancy glass,ware, heavily gilt. This department alone is worth visiting" I noticed a beautiful writing desk. I should advise some young man to see this, and he will make somebody smile. Fancy cups and saucers, a great variety to choose from. Occasional tables only 12s ,6d each, clocks I notice very reasonable. Toys which I delight in, a wonderland, and will delight young and old. I notice you always' keep a good stock of pure literature, Children’s Books this season are a treat. Post Cards, views of all countries, especially your Te Aroha Post Cards, which I have met all over the world, also your china ware views. Indeed, I had a good look at the Mail Bag and found you well represented in presents to friends in the Old Country. New games, kits, baskets, photo frames, steel plate engravings, all are worth inspection. Christmas and New Year Cards, comic, are really good. Th 3 Doll Department, under the able management of Miss Jennings and Mrs Williams, I was really pleased with. For variety and style you compare with anything I have seen in the Dominion. lam sure the ladies will be delighted at your stock this year. I regretted to hear a whisper in my far away Home that you were losing the services of your able assistant. However, it will be one more for Santa Clause to visit. I do not know how it is but this is the fourth and they are all well and happy in their own homes, advising visitors and general public to visit Williams’ where they will be sure of civility and good value. Wishing you all the compliments of the season and a Happy New Year.—l am, etc.,

Santa Claus