A STORY OF PROGRESS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 38, 21 March 1914, Page 5 (Supplement)

A STORY OF PROGRESS

The warehouses which are , established in a number of New Zealand towns under the title of D.I.C. (Drapery Importing Company) have always been, the happy possessors of a first-class reputation. This was the case right in the beginning, but as tiipe went on it became added to, and enhanced, for the .proprietors are men who realise that s a business must march with the times i otherwise that which was good ten years ago would be a back number to-! day. Every step of advancement and ! progress taken by the towns in which their businesses are situated has been duplicated by the D.1.C., and they have always: kept faith with the public in the matter of giving value for the money that they have received. Under these circumstances, is it any wonder that shoppers swear by the D.I.C. —its Values, its business methods, and its goods? PROM THE FOUNTAIN-HEAD. About twelve months ago the: company, owing to. the great expansion -of business, found it necessary to bring their Home Tjuyer out to New Zealand, to enable him to become thoroughly conversant with thb needs of the Do- ( minion. During the eight or nine months he was here; moving about from •warehouse to warehouse, and department to department, he managed to become fully acquainted with the requirements of the Christchurch ladies, and it was eventually decided, at a conference of directors a-nd managers from the various thai? the London buyer should visit all the different iashion ; centres of the world, so that the D.I.C. should be thoroughly up to date in every branch. Since doing so they have received consignments of goods from all the famous fashion centres abroad, and the result is a display ef unequalled splendour, and — this is very important —each item showing excellent taste, and an excellent appreciation of the needs of the Christchurch climate and conditions. Clients who have had an. opportunity of inspecting the new season's goods have expressed unstinted amazement and delight at the magnificent display which the D.I.C. is now making, and the general verdict is that never before in the annals of -Christchurch has it been equalled, let alone excelled.

and for those ladies who object to heavy coats there are some quite "featherfreight," but beautifully warm at the same time, GOATS AND SKIRTS, Then there is the coat and skirt department—one of the principal featuf e& of the D.I.C. The display in the salon just now will repay any lady who cares to spend an hour in inspection of it, and the novelty, style, and exclusiveness of the designs will charm and amaze her. Only one of each design is and the D.I.C. have taken great care that the garments sold by them cannot become livery. So many designs were noticed by the writer that it is impossible to enumerate them all, but the leading feature of the material used is decidedly of the velour nature, Boft, and draping gracefully to the form. A feature that strikes one forcibly is the purity of the cut and the excellence of the finish of each, the costumes'-at 84/? showing it as unmistakably as those marked 17 or 18 guineas. DAINTY CREATIONS. But what shall be said of the beautiful evening and afternoon gowns, which are just emerging from their tissue paper wrappings to tempt and entice every beauty-lover—and what woman is not one- where clothes at least are concerned? Dainty creations of ninori and satin and crepe and silk, many of the evening gowns showing the softening influence of the fur edging that is now such a leading feature of fashionable frocking. The sight of them was very refreshing, and the new pretty copper and lime tints struck a cheerful note of colour in a dull and cloudy morning. Some of these creations—and there was only one of each style—were priced as low as forty-nhie shillings and sixpence, but of course they ranged much higher than that, most of them coming from the heaven of the fashionable lady—Paris. Need any more be said after that?

FUR SETS. Fur sets, one feels, must be mentioned —they are so very exclusive and beautiful. These were specially selected by the Home buyer in Berlin, and being in a position to buy for cash, and at the same time buying for their three large houses, it places the D.I.C. in the forefront for value. They have black fox se|s at 12 guineas, that for value and style could not be equalled, and other magnificent sets in fox were prices at 40 guineas. These fur wraps are completely made from whole skins, and show head, tail, claws, and all. There was another delightful set shown in Civet cat, wliieh wo,uld go well with a coat of Russian pony; and many, many other styles in fur sets were shown from 45/- to seven guineas.

A GREAT SHOW OF FURS. When the buyer was in Berlin, ne made a special point of getting something quite out of the ordinary in ladies' fur coats and paletots. Finer coats, one feels sure, have never been seen in the Dominion than the dear .cosy garments now being shown in natural and brown musquash, grey and brown Russian pony, real astrachan, coney seal and real seal. They are all made in the new styles, and any one cf them is guaranteed to give the wearer that sublimely happy and confident feeling that comes from correct' and stylish dressing. If any man who reads this would like to transport his wife to the seventh heaven of happiness, the remedy is in his own hands. The present of a fur coat from the D.I.G. is bound to do it.

EVENING- WRAPS. " Evening wraps were shown in velour, chiffon velvet, satin granadine, and other fabrics, and each one . was so beautiful that they fairly bewildered one. . The ever-useful blouse was shown in many new designs, and then there was the millinery. CHARMING HATS.

COMFORT in the motor. One notices, in wandering about the different departments, that due provision has been made for the motoring craze, and the special seven-guinea furlined coats, with deep fur collar, are just the very thing for keeping the wearer warm and snug on the most nipping days. Motoring in wet weather has also been provided for. by tweed coats with leather lining, through which the very heaviest shower could not penetrate. Other coats stocked include the new furry "Teddy Bears"— and surely the evolution of the coat material has never produced anything more suitable or more comfortable wearing than this most effective fabric. The D.I.C. have them in the new tango shade, also in mole and purple, and they are very smartly* cut, with the wide sleeves and large collar, the price being only four pounds. The beauty—or perhaps it "should be, said one of the beauties —of the '' Teddy'' coats is that it eoold be worn on almost any occasion with perfect correctness. Then there are coats in blanket and Harris tweeds,

Such charming hats, carried out in such pretty shades —the new tango colour, copper colour, and lime being three of the leading shades. Then there were hats in violet, cerise, and the new pretty red shades. All were in small shapes —evidently the large hat is as dead as Queen Anne for the time being, and may it long remain so is the feeling that one has after viewing all the snug, close-fitting designs in the D.I.C. A particularly smart hat was shown in floral panne, and in the saxeblue show case were displayed some very pretty models in this most becoming tint. Materials used were principally panne velvet, plush, fur, and felt, fur being also used greatly for trimmings. The stylish little shapes in the brocaded velvet effects were exceptionally attractive, and one does not need to be told they command a ready, indeed, a rapid sale. CHILDREN'S MILLINERY. Children's hats also have a share of the salon, and the sweetest little shapes were shown in "Teddy Bear," suede-

LIKEWISE BEAUTY and UTILITY

cloth, satin, .silk, and other materials, both for small boys and girls, while for the bigger girls there were numerous hats of the pretty, simple styles so suitable for growing girlhood. THE D.I.C. LINGERIE. The D.I.C. have always been noted for the excellence of their lingerie department, and their stock just now is exceptionally good. Particularly be-, guiling is the lingerie made of sheer linen, beautifully hand-embroidered, or. trimmed with hand-made lace, and also the dainty garfhents fashional of silk,, nun's veiling, and satin. Every woman loves nice underwear with a great and abiding affection, and the D.I.C. capers for that affection thoroughly. A feal.i.re of the Sra«.nV underwear is thr> new tango underskirt, which solves the pioblem of how to be petticoated ae cording to the cut of the new gowns perfectly. >•;! NEW DRESS GOODS. In the .dress department, the writer was informed that the leading materials for day wear this season are corded velours, matalasses, and brocaded effects, also curl ana knop cloths in a variety of weaves. The dominant •_'olours : are browns, tans, reds and violet's, while for evening wear bro* cades, crepe de chines, printed ninons and satin mousselines will be greatly worn.' In colours, blues, golds and apricots will rule, and in evening wraps the favourite colours will be tangerine, flame, gold, and apricot. THE ETCETERAS. In what may, be termed the etceteras of dressing I was shown some pretty and novel sash belts, made of black ottoman silk, with embroidered ends edged with tassels. These are for wearing #ith either dresses or costumes, and the smartening effect they have is indeed wonderful. Then there are some very stylish for coats principally, in stamped velvet, cloth and felt, with fancy passementerie edge, and another new idea was represented by the sfriart little waistcoats of silk, satin, and other materials that are to be such leading features this winter. Ribbons were prettier than ever, some entirely new effects being obtained in stamped velvets and brocaded satins.

BEAUTIFUL TRIMMINGS. The trimmings to be used on the evening gowns this winter revealed mope, jiew ideas, and a mere pen pic-ture-can give no idea of the beauty of them. The embroideries of rhinestones, pearls, and silver or crystal beads were quite fascinating, and the buckles, clasps, and fringes of iridescent beads made one wonder anew .over the ingenuity of the material-makers, and thC beautiful effects they achieve. in unique and fashionable shapes and materials play an important part in the stock of the D.I.C. In laces, shadow flowerings were featured, in whitef cream, and the new 11 nigger-browns, - >: f and coloured all-overs were als| strongly in evidence. ' HOSIERY AND FOOTWEAR. J Owing to the present trend of the fashions, hosiery and boots play a very important part in the warc}frobe "of milady. Here again the D.I.C. are to the fore. They have soft-silken stockings in black and colours, embroidered and plain, as well as in cashmere and other makes; while the,boot department is quite up to the minute. Besides smart shoes and boots for street weal, their show-cases contain some exceedingly dainty shoes for evening wear in gold brocade, beaded bronze, and black satin, besides the usual makes in velvets, suedes and coloured satins.

good many years Mr Garrard had defended the balance-sheet, and it was quite a treat to find him criticising it. As for the training hall, the Union did not own that yet. The Union's only interest in it at present was as a .mortgagee. He understood that the •clubs interested intended to make the when it was free from debt, the Union's property. The Union could only show in its accounts that it had paid out £3OO in a mortgage on the property. Mr C. W. Hervey, as secretary of the training hall, no doubt colld give some information to show : whether the Union's security was a good one. Mr Hervey said that the hall was nqt the property of the Canterbury Rugby Union. It was started by five clubs who wanted training quarters. The delegates of those clubs would have a meeting next week, when a balance-sheet would-be presented. The hlll.was well patronised last year, and a| far as he could see the finances were in a pretty healthy condition. Mr E. Husband praised the committee for getting through a big year with such a small debit. For one thing, a lot of trips had been undertaken that really were an asset to the union. The report and balance sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers were elected as follow:—President, Mr G. H. Mason; vice-presidents F. T. Evans, F. D. Kesteven, and C. Buchanan; Managing Committee —Messrs C. Hasell, A. M'Phail, S. F. Wilson, L. Corbett, W. J. Morgan, C. Evans, A. K. Baker, and E. E. Crawshaw; Selection Committee —Messrs C. Bucha,nan, L. Corbett, and S. F. Wilson; Junior Selection Cpmmittee—Messrs W. M. Allardyce, C. Evans, and C. Hasell; delegates to N.Z.R.U. —Messrs G. H. Mason, F. T. Evans, S. F. Wilson, and W. M. Allardyce; auditors, Messrs W. G. Garrard and D. Hoare; hon. treasurer, Mr A. E. Byrne. The appointment of a Wellington delegate to the N.Z.R.U.; was left -to 'the incoming Management Committee. Mr" F. G. Wallburton had resigned the position owing to the pressure ,of business and family ties. A resolution recording the Union's appreciation of Mr Wallburton's past services was recorded. SUB-UNIONS. The president said that the rules regarding sub-unions should be altered to provide that three clubs —instead of four, as heretofore—may form a subunion. This matter was discussed by the Union's executive some little time ago, hence the motion. s The delegates carried the motion without discussion. NEW COMPETITION RULES. The president- also moved, on behalf of the executive:—" That, for the betterment of the game, the following interpretations of the playing rules be adopted in our. various club competiThat a player may recover, a (knock-on by catching the ball before reaches the ground. (2) That a player be penalised if, not in a scrummage, 1 he crosses an imaginary line dtiawn through the back rank of his. oWn Side of the scrummage and parallel ygith , the goal-line. (3) That in lineopt play the advantage rule be strictly enforced. j "'Most of the discussion centred on tfoit portion of the proposal relating to Wing forwards. The President remarked that the ,Union could not .make the game, no matter what rules it had, unless it was backed up by the players and the referees. If the game were played in its true spirit, no alterations of rules would be" needed. But apparently they would never get that until the millennium, and so they had to do what they could. Mr E. E. Crawshaw said that the only improvements needed lay with the players. He had seen some very fine and fast games played under the . present rules. The game would be quite fast enough under the present rules if the players were "fit." He moved that the proposal conceding the wing forward be amended by altering the words "through the back rank" to "through the centre." Mr C. Butler favoured the committee's recommendations. The experience of wing forward play locally in the past two or three years had not been of the best. He took it that this proposition was a first step toward the abolition of the wing-forward. The sooner they got rid of the wing forward the better. After more discussion Mr Crawshaw's Amendment was defeated, and the committee's recommendations were adopted without alteration. ACCIDENT FUND MATTERS.

Another recommendation from the executive was that the clause in the Occident fund regulations requiring the committee to pay £SO annually to the accident fund should be altered by the deletion of the stated sum, the clause being then altered to provide that the committee shall have power to donate from the general account.such a sum as may be necessary to keep the fund in a sound financial position. This was carried without dissent.

Mr A. M'Phail asked the president for a ruling regarding the position of clubs not paying the accident fund subscriptions. Mr Mason replied that every club affiliated with the Union must pay the subscription fixed according to its status. The fact that some were not deriving benefit from the fund did not relieve them of responsibility. It was very narrow-minded for any club —unless it was in a bad financial position — to say that because it was not benefiting from the fund it would not pay its subscription. The stability of the fund depended on all the clubs paying their subscriptions. I A "TIRED FEELING."

Mr Spanjer voiced the opinion of some members of the Christehurch Club that the training-hall at Lancaster Park was too far from the centre of the city. There was, he said, a strong movement in his club to re-commence training in the Drill Hall. The President replied that he was very sorry indeed to hear that an old club like Christehurch was getting "the tired feeling" so soon. He hoped the Christehurch Club would continue to help in the upkeep of the hall, i whether the club used it or not.

GLOVES. i Lastly the writer passed through the glove department, where gloves in all styles and makes were shown—ki£, suede, doe-skin,-- buck-skin, dog-skin, and so on. In connection with this department, it may be mentioned thkt the D.I.C. make a speciality of re-dom-ing gloves, already worn, a fact which would doubtless be much appreciated if only it was better known. Altogether, after a most careful Inspection, one comes to the conclusion that the D.LC. richly deserve the excellent reputation which it has—iand after all, what more can be said than that! 714

GENERAL. It was decided that, the Union's competitions should open on April 25. The Belfast Athletic and Social Club applied for affiliation of its football club with the Union. As insufficient information had been forwarded by the club the matter ' was left to the executive. • Mr Maxwell pointed out that from April 20 to May 2 many players would be in a territorial camp, and this would interfere with the clubs considerably, especially with the younger players. The President said that the Defence authorities had met the Union very

well indeed last year on this matter, and he thought General Godley should be approached while he was in Christchurch. The matte* was left to the committee.