The Bon Marche, Masterton.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3327, 5 October 1889, Page 2

The Bon Marche, Masterton.

Our representative had the pleasure of inspecting tho newly enlarged drapery premises of Messrs L. J. Hooper and Co. this morning, the interior of which ho found had altogether a new appearance, Tho ceiling of the shop has been entirely renovated, and tho interior is now open to the lantern light at the top, a distance of thirty feet. The interior is lighted from a. raised skylight which is ten feet. high, and glazed with ground ' glass which mellows the light to a nicety. These alterations have been carried out by Messrs Green and Rose, under the supervision of MrH, J. Haigh tho architect, and reflect great credit on all eoncerued,

On entering tho premises tho Brat display on tho left to catch the eye. is that of gloves and hosiery, tho stock of which is very largo. There is an attractive display of ribbons arranged on a central stand in the main body of the room, opposite which are the buttons and fancy goods, The dress section which adjoins the fixtures is crowded with all the newest designs and latest novolties, Proceeding onward the print department is encountered, which contains a choice assortment of patterns in overy quality, A largo archway, draped with lace curtains, gives entrance to the Ladies' Show Boom, on tho left of which extending the whole length of the apartment is a lart;o dustproof show oase fitloil underneath with drawers, This is stocked with .all tho newest slopes in hats and bonnets, amongst which we noticed of the latter tho Dorothy, Platean, Tetupleton, Doris, 80-peep, Nellie and Bessie, and in tho latter the Valtyne, Melitza, Fleurette, Amazon, Caueddisli, Caterina, Varoni, The Queen, Clyde, Renman,, Clarcwont, Princess Alice, 01eredor,. : Australia, Queensland, Fancy Chip, Fernando, and a second show case contains untrimmed straws in endless shapes, On the centre stand are trimmed bonnets, arlilicial (lowers and feathers,' and other ohoice millinery goods, A large mirror adds in no small degress to the attractiveness of the room, Wo also noticed in the Show Room an assortment of ladies jackets and mantles in watered silk, brochc, lace, and light summer tweeds. In corsets there were to. be seen novelties in shapes mid designs, including Dr Scott's" oleetric," the new Symington "C'estus," whichadapts itself to overy, shape. Ladies waistcoats were displayed, pretty in design and rich in quality.

The men's aud boy's clothing division oocupies tho length of the shop ou the right and is stocked with every description of garments, all of Colonial manufacture, There is a largo assortment of white and colored shirts, gloves and general mercery, whilst the stock of hats ranges from the cheapost straw to the most expensive black silk "Belltopper." Mr Hooper states that he has secured the solo right of the salo of the "To Ngawari" hat which is designed to adopt itself to tho shape of any head, and is besides unbreakable, Ascending a broad stairway tho balcony is arrived at. This forms a promenade on three sides, and the walls are lined with ' attractive goods, including linoleums, floorcloths, carpets, and furnishing goods, From tho balcony open-out offices, dressmaking rooms, and ladies' fittingroom. A second stairway gives access to these rooms for the convenience of those who wish to avoid the crush of [bo shop, The premises in the even, ing are lighted from a large central gas jet and a row of jets extending all round the interior just above the counters.

Last night the first grand display of spring and summer goods were mado in the windows of the Bon Marche, aud proved quite an attraction to the fair sex. The display will be continued to-night, and the tempting exhibition.of finery must be soon to, be 'realised. '.■■•'.'.'..'