WINTER GOODS DISPLAY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1312, 2 April 1883, Page 3

WINTER GOODS DISPLAY.

On Saturday evening last the first general display of Winter Goods by the Masterton Drapsrs took place, and notwithstanding the unpropitious state of tho weather, was a groat success, and where the show had been made a special feature of, the sight was a very attractive ouo. the exhibition of plush goods, Parisian millinery, fancy woolen goods, dress moterials and trimmings being very oxtcnsive—enough to gladden tho hearts of tho ladies, and cans? paterfamilias to hare gloomy forbodings of tho next " rendering of accounts." Tho shops were all brilliantly illuminated, showing up tho various hues and colors in the windows to groat advantage, till they represented miniature rainbows and gave Queen-street the appearance of a vast mirror, as the reflection of the lights fell upon tbe wator that gathered in the road as the ram descended. Had wo a gas company in Masterton a shareholder would havo had a pleasing prospect of a good dividend after witnessing such a lavish expenditure of lights. Occasionally, as the weather cleared up, the streets would assume an animated appearance, when those bent upon marketing were ■ tempted from their homes, but the ineviteWe Saturday night's downpour would soon cause a clearance,- and in a short time not a shadow would be left on the face of the mirror. As largo uumbers wero disappointed on Saturday evening it is.the intention of tho proprietors to continue tho display all the week, so that all those desirous will have an opportunity of witnessing it. Donison House first came under notice with its choice display of laces, ostrich plumes, fanoy feathers, "Langtry" collars, collarettes, and fancy trimmings, arranged in such a manner that even a crusty old bachelor could not but stop and gaze in admiration at them. This was Mr Bell's second display, as be was a week in advance of the other drapers, and his first bliow, held last Saturday week, was some points better than this one, both in variety and arrangement, In dress material the selection was unlimited, there being every conceivable color and shade, with trimmings to match, Among the hats wero to be seen the celebrated Gainsborough, the Alpine, Queensborough, Ax. There were ulsters and mantles of every shape and style, among the. former was to be seen the fashionable " Duchess." The clothing and hosiery department was very extensively Btocked, and to attempt to enumerate thcin would bo a task of no moan description, M. Casalberg & Co., did not mako any special out•ward show-, unless an immense heap of warm-looking blankets in one window, and a selection of clothing ic, in another could be taken as such,"but these indications, backed up by a largo stock of winter goods in each department was a sufficient guarantee that the wants of their customers have boon carefully taken into consideration Mr, C, Smith's Cash Store was a very attractive, spot, both windows having been tastefully arranged with goods suitable for the coming season; and ll the dresser's idea was to make his windows a representation of a bower in fairyland, ho was, in this instance, successful, as the neat and pretty manner in which the delicate articles were adjusted with the heavy material, showed to very great advantage with the well-lighted shop, that was stocked with all the requisites for the season. At Rapp & Hare's Emporium, where clothing and hosiery is mado a speciality, there was a well-assorted display of winter clothing for the sterner sex, in all the latest shapes and stylos, together with a very excellent collection of shirts, collars, ties, and hosiery, the whole stock shewing that proper discrimination bad been used in selecting it. The "Bon Marche" millinery window was filled from bottom to top with an extravaganoe that was simply ruinous. Tho centrepiece was, of course, " Mrs Langtry " in a handsome prime silk velvet dress, after a pattern by " Worth, of Paris," which was in itself a picture, there was also several styles of ulsters, including tho "Four-in-hand," and " Redingcote." The back of the window was devoted to fans, gloves, feathers trimmings, and woollen goods, the blending of the colors being carefully studied and favorably shewn. The display of bonnets appears to have been a speciality as there were no less than three dozen of various styles and shapes exhibited, so that in this particular branoh the most critical follower of fashion will havo no difficulty in bemg pleased; to these must be added some choice and rare hat and bonnet ornaments, and also a collection of" Nun's" and crowel worked embroidery, which we believe is very difficult to obtain. There was also the latest winter patterns in dress stuff and in trimmings, tho whole forming a very creditable exhibition, Tho clothing and' hosiery branch had not boon neglected as there was a splendid show in that department, the window of which rivalled the millinery one in its gonoral arrangements. Mr McCarthy had made no ostentatious display, hut judging from the appearanco of the interior of his store, ho has not been behind his neighbors in providing for the wintor wants of his customers, The last but by no means the least to como under-notice was the" Hall of Commerce" Here it would appear that more than ordinary care had been lavished on the firstwinter display. The background of one -window was very rich in appearance, being hung with " plush " goods of. new and rare shades, including the Electric, Seal Brown, and Myrtle, interspersed with a large and ohoico selection of woolien goods, whose beautiful mixed colors added charm on charm to the scene. The foreground was devoted to a choice selection of Parisian millinery, flowers, feathers, and ornaments, while from the ceiling hung the handsome "Alexandria" frilling in rich profusion, continued with an array of plain and brocaded ribbons, In costumes there was a large display in all the latest shapes and patterns, noticeable being some jacket bodice and princess robes very prettily trimmed, The stock of winter costume clothes was very bxtensivo, among which w.'s to bo found Indian Cashmere, beige cloth, diagonal woolmixturc, &c, with a host of trimmings to match, and when the very handsome plain and brocaded Velveteens are added to the list, it will be seen that the stnek is in every way adapted to plense all classes of customers, To dwell upon the large show of clothing, hosiery, and general winter goods would be invidious but great praise is due for the excellent manner in which the exhibition has been arranged, the harmonious blending of co-ors and tastefully arrangod fabrics, being enough to gain the approbation of the most exigeant connoisseur.