“GETTING TOGETHER”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 March 1939, Page 4

“GETTING TOGETHER”

RETAILERS’ DINNER LAST NIGHT’S SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. VALUE OF CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT. He was delighted with the muster of representatives of 25 different Tetail firms said'Mr. G. Daubney, who presided last night at a dinner in the Midland Hotel, given by the Masterton retailers co-operating in the present “Ideal Homes” season to Mr R. B. Forsyth, of Wellington, judge of the window dressing competition. When so many apparently competitive retailers could get together in that happy fashion it was indicative, Mr Daubney thought, of the value of co-operative effort and was a practice which should be fostered in Masterton.

Although the “Ideal Homes” season actually commenced a fortnight ago, it was only this week that any great interest had been shown in it. But the past week had proved its worth and he considered that further combined campaigns should be conducted by all the retailers of the town.

In replying to the welcome extended to him by those present, Mr Forsyth congratulated the firms concerned on their co-operative effort. His task of judging 38 windows of such varying appeals was an extremely difficult one but his final decisions would be based upon the selling value of the windows in question. Tfie best selling windows were not necessarily the most artistic windows. In fact, art found its place in the art gallery rather than in commerce. An attractive looking display would not, by virtue of its attractiveness alone, sell goods. He did think, however, that the standard of many of the displays was a high one and offered any personal assistance possible to the retailers of the town in any future effort of the same nature.

In adding his thanks to the judge, Mr. H. P. Hugo spoke of the public interest which had been created in the displays then showing in the town. He congratulated the organisers of the present effort. The stimulation of local trade was necessary to every local business and the more the public’s attention could 'be directed to the goods sold in the town the better it would be for all.

Other speakers discussed various aspects of the campaign and indicated lines of action for future consideration. Mr. Daubney was thanked for his energetic and efficient chairmanship of the committee which formulated the details of the campaign and thanks were also expressed to the “TimesAge” and its advertising staff for much practical assistance and valuable publicity.