THE PLEASURES OF CHRISTMAS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1916, Page 6

THE PLEASURES OF CHRISTMAS.

THE BIG STORE AT WAITARA

Whatever we are and wherever we may lie, be we yoiing or old. rich or poor, dwellers in the hurly-burly of the city, amidst the peaceful scenes of the farm, or the loneliness ol the hush, there is an indefinable something about the Christmas season that appeals to lis all, and we feel that wo inu-t in some way mark the season. It u a time when W'e like our homes to look their hest. when we are anxious for our friends and ourselves also to experience some additional pleasure, and when we ourselves look forward with the keenest delight to the joys of giving and incidentally ot receiving. What, to obtain that is certain to be appropriate for and give pleasure to the receiver, is a difficult problem that always confront's Christmas shoppers.- and is one that will probably be snore accentuated this year owing to the need for economy. A visit to Ronnie's big store at Waitara will, however, solve (ill difficulties Each year this popular firm lays itself out to cater for the wants of its ever-increasing patrons, and this year it lias excelled itself. Manufacturing difficulties, transport and other troubles have been overcome with, as ii were, a magic wand, and the Big Store is replete with a wide and comprehensive stock, representing the combined efforts of England and her Allies. The store is a very commodious one, and presents an attractive appearance, the decorative effect being a feature. It is so arranged that the main features of each departmynt ~ m -yiewed with

• cowi ort, tliore being ample floor space anil selection can be readily n'ade' 10 ls a courteous staff of 14 attendants, whose business is to see that every -Mjstqmer is satisfied. They are always willing to place their experience at the disposal of customers.

A feature that will appeal to country patrons, who in these days of scarcity of labor can spare very little time away from the farm, is the prompt service. Only a cusory glance at tin window display is necessary to convince one that the ''Big Store," 'for wide range of stoc.c, combined with economy of pric,\ lias no superior in Tarana'ki. The window dispiay is a revelation, and simply compels tho attention of passers-bv There is no less than 120 ft. of window frontage, artistically dressed, each department having its own particular display. There is some tiling for everyone; a very wide range of toys for the children, who at Christmas time coma first, blouses anil costumes-, hats, silver ware and the innumerable knickknacks so dear to the feminine eve, clothes for father and the boys, boots and gifts for all. Hours could be pleasantly employed viewing the delights of the windows, but brief glance is sufficient to tempt the purchaser inside, where he is at once impressed with the roominess of the oig -.tores and its interior decorations, which alone are well worth viewing, the seemingly endless variety of the stock, and the excellent arrangement of each department, the various articles being displayed in such a manner a.= to enable the customer to see them at a glance.

Inspection of the windows had prepared one for something n oo <l, ami oxpeetations were exceeded. Entering the door one is confronted with the store department. Here are dolls of all ages, sizes and designs, dressed and undressed. Every nationality is represented, including our colored brethren; guns, .torches, tops, trains, tram-cars, battleships, etc., are here 1 in profusion, and one can well believe the proprietor's modest claim that here Clans has unloaded his pack, and for the time being has his headquarters there. This is enhanced by a glance at the Christmas tree and bran tubs, loaded with delights for the kiddies. Next are numerous tables, well dressed with dainty neckwear and articles of personal adornment so dear to the feminine mind—and to the male mind also, if, he will onlv admit it—attract the eye. A fine array of artistic and valuable articles in china, electro plate, silver-ware, etc., are next viewed. These are the gifts which are such a big feature of the Christmas fair, which is probably the only store in Taranaki to -dopt the plan. Every purchaser of goods to the value of iris and over has a choice of a number of gilts, all useful and artistic, and all marked with the value necessary to b? purchased to secure them. This scheme has been in vogue for two or three years, and is each year being added to. The dress department offers some attractive materials in blousings, voile.-, organdis, etc., whilst the more serviceable fabrics, in piques, tobraleo and ! world-renowned lloyles' 100-y!\ars' prints jp.re shown in a vast array of'colorings and patterns. Dho haberdashery department shows at) attractive series of lines, including Japanese suede bags, also hags of French, English and Russian leather.

Italy is represented by kid gloves. Toilet articles, nirrors, brushes, -perf 11 ino sachets and presentation sets for infant-, are in great variety. The silverware section is particularly pleasing. Silver purses, photo-frames, manicure sets, perfume sprays, etc., at very modest prices, offer unlimited choice. Entering the show room one is confronted with a display of Sw'iss embroideries suitable for -flouncing and dress skirts, and rivalling the cobwebs in delicacy of design. , The costume department is replete with the latest models. A stand containing a variety of novel ell'ects in blouses foi holiday and present-wear proves very attractive. White voile is very popular, but here may he also seen very dainty blouses in floral and spot voile, together with the more economical tussore silk and white pique. .Some beautiful white Japanese silk blouses are sure to be in great demand, as are also the wide range of ready-to-wear frocks of the latest fashion,' prominent being some new designs in white voile, and many exclusive flocks in- voiles, tussore silk, silk stripes, together with - the everyday cambric and the new washing "Lavisca." Children's dresses are a specialty. Here the tiny tot- or school maiden will be fitted out in a way to delight mother. Muslin, silk and tussore frocks, together' with everv-day washing prints frocks, and dainty colored poplin kiltie frocks, also the romper, a serviceable dress, in colors, to slip 011 for seaside and holiday wear. Costumes include tussore silk, poplin, etc., in the newest full style, new shades in garderdine, and the ever-faith-ful fine navy serge. The millinery, saloon is a vision of beauty that baffles description. Here are displayed some beautiful model ready-to-wears in a wide range for holiday or ordinary use or for important « - m -°^

■price*.•-They • Include 'the servieealvc Panama ami pique (the girls' delight), crepe do chine, silks, glorious pinks anil browns in straw, lace picture lints, also a "fiainsborough," with remarkable effect in black and white ostrich feathers.

The dressmaking department, with a:i expert start' and well-appointed fittingrooms, is conveniently situate!. There is also a fine display of dainty lingerie, hosiery, gloves, etc., that go to complete 'a smartly-dressed lady's, toilet,. When in doubt about presents give handkerchiefs. There is here a charming variety of choice embroidered lawn and linen handkerchiefs, with dainty corners, also some beautiful real la-'e.

The naperv department contains uH that goes to smarten a home, including dainty ■ traycioths, duchess sets, runners, and jace jurtains, including some charming designs in crash. The furnishing department is also worthy of a visit, as something to beautify the home is certainly required in view of the eo ming Christmas guest. Casement curtains, cretonnes, carpets, hal 1 runners, linoleums, Jap mat squares and the new seagrass mats are here in profusion, whilst the bedding department —a new departure—is re; plete with everything necessary for comfort. The men's department is also repMj with every requirement for the holiday season, including the tailored suits, with all the finish and style of the handtailored garment, which are much worn by those desiring economy, style and finish. Silk shirts, Panama hats, fancy socks, ties, in fact, every requirement for the holiday season is here to be found. The boys are also catered for. There are some very ;inart effects in boys' suits as worn in the cities. The hoot department is also wellappointed, in keeping with the standard of tiie "Big Store." Here are stocked footwear from the best English nmkors, Bostock's, Crockett and Jones, ami the well-known Xew Zealand firm of Sliciton and Frostick. The window displaj is very effective, the dainty white shoe taking a prominent place and canvas shoes for present wear at picnics and the beach are within the reach of an; purpose. Holiday-makers will also find a well-selected stock of travelling bags, trunks, etc.—(Published by arrangement).