ATOUR THROUGH THE D.I.C.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4997, 9 April 1895, Page 3

ATOUR THROUGH THE D.I.C.

THE WLNTEK SHOW.

Having been invited by the genial aid courteous manager of the D.I.C, Wellington, to make a tour of tins leviathan establisluncnt your representative duly presented himself at the time specified, and was immediately taken in hand by Mr Coii'igan. On passing down the spacious ground floor departments one is struck lirst of all by the fine display of handsome and tasteful furniture, carpets, and linoleums in every jt.iriety, the main stock of which is kept jffi a special furniture room. A little *lurther on I am introduced to the Manchester departments. Here there is a truly imposing show of flannels and flannelettes. Of the latter popular fabrics the D.I.C. makesaspeciality,aud they are to be seen in endless variety of quality,colour, and texture, An especially fine assortment I am informed. " The best ever landed in Wellington," and remarkable for their fine, rich, and fast colours. The Manchester department is replete with every description of goods in bewildering quantities, good, cheap, serviceable, and well-chosen, but far too numerous for the non-expert to describe minutely. To the right is the glove department, to which Mr Corrigan directs my attention with pardonable pride. Hore are so many pairs of gloves of every kind and colour, that one wonders how one season will dispose of them all. I am informed that th c D.I.C. is enabled to sell gloves cheaper than any other house in Wellington, because buying a 8 it does in such large quantities for its three establishments, it is thus «ced in an exceptional position as ards trade discounts and prices. The next stall to the glove department contains some splendid samples of imported boots and shoes—ladies' and men's. This stall is only used for the display of samples—the main boot departraont being upstairs in another part of the building. However, quite enough is shown the visitor to enahlo a good idea to be formed of how thoroughly the D.I.C. has taken up the boot and shoe importing. There are some remarkably fino samples of new goods specially imported for winter wear, and known by tlie name of Norwegian slippers. Up the broad staircase we next wend our way, where Mr Corrigan leaves me in charge of the capable headof the dress department, Mr Martin. Here I should at once have been at sea, but Mr Martin takes pity on my ignorance and spreads before my bewildered gaze, tempting wares which are of such enthralling interest to the i fair sex. I am initiated into the mysteries of French fancy dress fabrics, French robes, and Sedan cloth, The latter by the way is an entirely new article of fine texture and beautiful colouring. Then (here are Harris tweeds, French tweeds, Scotch and Colonial tweeds (Wellington and ltoslyn) in all widths and in Hpiooth and rough finishings—for ladies' Costumes. "My guide, philosopher and friend" dilates with onthus-

iasra on somo beautiful Covert y coatings which he shows me and waxes really eloquent oyer an entirely new material which, is known as French Crcpon. This latter material, even to my inexperienced gaze appears to be strikingly unique in texture and exceptionally beautiful in colour. I next sec I. all kinds of ladies' serges including the fashionable and favourite Estamene and Cheviot uakes. I am then instructed iu made costumes, highly effective and surprisingly cheap and of handsome design. My guide is, however, not yet done with me. I must examine the ' cloaks and jackets. There arc" golf" cloaks, sealettc jackets, fur trimmed ' jackets, ulsters, waterproofs, in silk and woollen materials, tt fc ijtmu mine, all too numerous to mention. My attention is next claimed to the display of Tea and Dressing Gowns and opera eloaks.all to the masculine cyebcwildcringly pretty, Before leaving I must see the furs, amongst which arc real sable, beaver, marten, bear, lynx, mink, racoon skins ' and many others, a superb collection. My affable companion then wishes to introduce mc to the ladies Special department, but being of a JWiodest and retiring nature politely but firmly ask to be excused, I, however, . learn that the D.I.C. carries a largo and varied stock of natural, wool _and * • flannelette goods at the lowest prices, and that the newbifurcated garment for ladlesi following' out the direction of JUtionil Dress Mora, which they

havo introduced, is becoming exceedingly popular. Time now pressing, I Lave not tho opportunity of inspecting the dressmaking, tailoring, fancy, and other departments, All, liowcyor, arc as busy as can be attending to the numerous orders which daily flood in upon them. I therefore tab my leave, after partaking of lnuch in tho handsome and commodious rofrcJimcnt room, admiring the case and order with which everything is managed, and the consistent and cheerful courtesy with which the streams of visitors are received, who daily (lock through the spacious halls of the D.l.C.—Advt.