WINDOW DECORATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 305, 24 December 1891, Page 2

WINDOW DECORATIONS.

This season some of the leading firms have gone out of the ordinary course ac regards the setting out of windows. Whilo some very pretty effects have been obtained in many establishments' by the skilful blending of colours, and Dusteful arrangement of fabrics, stiil one or two firms in QueenBtreot liavo not been content with the simpler displays, and have adopted the American plan of introducing scenes in the windows in order to pleaee the public and also to draw attention f.o the establishment. The idea is one which will no doubc extend to the suburbs next season, as the ofleot must be tliia year to draw visitors down to Queen-street to note tho effects, which will naturally result in more trade. Ifc is pleasing to note that bbereare more decorations this year, generally speaking.

Dkapkks.—This year the drapers have undoubtedly led the way inartistic window dressing. Messrs Wilson and McCullough's windows depict the Christmas in the old land, and the now. One window represents a garden in summer with a fullsized figure ot a lady viewing the plants. Behind are seen two cottages nestling amongst the trees, and to render the scene more homelike the spire of fche village church appears in the distance. The next window depicts a winter scene with Santa Glaus guarding iiis treasures in the shape of Christmas presents. Messrs Smith and Cangbey have represented Christmas in the region of the Worth Pole. A ship is seen icebound in the distance, while near at hand a couple of seals are lj'ing in the snow. A sportsman is also shown in the act of raising his rifle to shoot a large white bear. The opposite window is a faithful picture of a Christmas i:i this favoured country. A mar-s of. beautiful foliage surrounds a tastefully-laid-oub garden. At fche front is a uiiniaiiine Like loniuid by a mirror shrouded with foliage. On the margin are waterfowl, ivnl a large gull hovers overhead. Behind are trees laden with fruit and children gathering the beautiful products of the orchard. Messrs Milne and Choyce have their windows tastefully arrayed with draperies, robes, curtains, lace, and strnshade.?, the colours being so arranged, as to produce a charming eiiect. The upper window is rendered ptill more attractive by the addition of an infinite variety of Christmas presents. The D.1.0. establishment is also an instance of what excellent effects can be obtained by the skilful arrangement of drapery, etc. From the top of the window depend streamers of beautiful ribbons?, while beneath are good specimens of the millinery art. The corner window in rendered still more attractive by the addition of several very handsome specimens of decorated flower pots on large pedestal?. Amongst these are arranged millinery and drapery goods in a manner that gives a pleasing result. '

Messrs T. McMaster and Co. have also an attractive window, and the verandah is tastefully decorated with ferns. In the doorway is hanging a fine basketof creeping plants, which presents a pretty appearance. Another attractive window is that of Messrs Macpherson and Co., Karangahape Road, which is very tastefully set out with ribbons, laces, drapery, and other goods, all within the trade.

Fancy Bazaars. —As might be expected at this season of the year, the fancy goods establishments present a very ■ attractive appearance. Mr Goodson's shops, both in Queen-street and Karangahapeßoad, are decked out with a bewildering variety of articles suitable for presents. Mr J. G. Mathewe has also a splendid display at his establishments in both these thoroughfare?. In Queen-street the verandah and doorway of Mathews' bazaar are decorated with Chinese lanterns. A fine show is also made at Kelsey's bazaar in the Victoria Arcade.

Photography.—Mr Charles Hemus has prepared a free treat for visitors at his photographic studio, Queen-street. The show-room has been tastefully decorated with flowers, evergreens, and mottoes, while all around are tine specimens of the photographic art, the majority being work done during the four monthe he has been in hie new premises. Amongst them are a numberot .vell.executedenlargements,oneamusing picture being " The Young bhavers," in which two children are imitating their seniors, the boy undergoing; a mimic shave. The cases have been replenished with a number Of opalin& photos of well-known citizens, and also a selection of Auckland belles. Another good enlargement ie a child and rocking-horse, while a fine picture

of Sir William Fox adds to the attractions. The studio will be thrown open to the public from 7.20 to 10,30 this evening. Mr John Hanria's photographic studio also presents numerous attractions, containing as it does excellent pictures of well-known citizens, also the leading characters in the recent performances of the Amateur Opera Company, as well as several fine enlargements, amougst them being Sir George Grey speaking his message into the phonograph. Stationers. —Quite a wealth of Christmas cards decked one of the windows of Messrs Wildman and Lyell's, in the Arcade. A large variety of designs are there open to the inspection of the public. Messrs Upton and Co., Champtaloup and Cooper and other stationers have all got fine displays of Christmas cards. Grocbrs. —This year the grocers as a body have not paid quite so much attention to window-dressing. Messrs Hewin Bros.' window is an evidence of what can be done in window-decking with Christmas -fruits and confectionery. A really excellent display has been made, one striking feature being a large globe depending from the ceiling composed entirely of nuts and peel. Mr R. Rew : s shop in Victoria-street is dres&ed out) with seasonable goods, and rendered attractive by a number of beautiful almanacs. In Karangahape Road, Mr F. Rowe and Mr R. French have also sebup special windows in honour of the season. At Mr Greacen's shop, a black bear beating a,drum attracted an amount of attention. The figure works very naturally by clockwork.

Upholstjereek.—Messrs Garlick & Cranwell have got an excellent display, the upper window being decked with mirrors on which are sprays of handpainted flowers. At the back are handsome hangings, and large fans of various colours, while the space in front is occupied by bamboo work and occasional furniture. Messrs Winks and Hall have also a good display of inlaid work, upholstery, carpets, etc., in their windows, Shortlandstreet.

Tea Warehouse.—Nelson, Moate and Co.'s window is also worthy of note. Here are shown some very fine vases, al?o beautiful almanacs bearing the picture of Miss Florence Nightingale going on her rounds through the Hospital wards at Sentari. Hotels.—The proprietor of the Ponsonby Club Hotel has had the building tastefully decorated with evergreens, and to-morrow evening; the place will be illuminated, and Impey's Band is to attend and discourse sweet music.

The Market.—The interior of the Market presents a much better appearance this Christmas, in consequence of the excellent show of the win? occupied by the Avondale Fruit and Vegetable Supply. The stalls are decorated withleavos of tbenikau palm, while from the roof depend a number of hanging - baskets containing handsome foliage plants. On the tables are pot plants in flower, which, together with the large supply of fruit and vegetables, makes a really good display. Mr John Walker's stalls are also decorated with ferns, evergreens and flowers. Here is also an excellent display of pot plants as well a,3 numbers of poultry. Butchers.—The time appears to have passed away when butchers went in for extra fat cattle at Christmas. This is due to the fact that the hot weather does not favour the business. Now, the butchers go more into poultry; consequently line shows of dressed birds v/ere to be seen at Mr Raynes's in Parnell, Messrs Fisher's, Hulrae's, and Salmon's, Quaen-street. Messrs Hellaby Bros, had their establishment in Shoriland-street handsomely decorated with evergreens today, and inside was a fine show of both meat and poultry. In Karangahape liond Messrs YVal'is and Coates, Fowler anci Lincoln also have their premises well decoraced. Mr A. Sanderson, in Hobeonstreet, also had an attractive display at the Stockton Fork -Pie Company. A novelty may bo seen ab the fhop of Mr R. S. Luud, pork butcher, Queen-sfcrceb. In order to keep his goods cool. Mr .Laud has had fitted up a contrivance that ensures a continued stream of water trickling down inside his window. The various goods are temptingly displayed, the window being decorated with flowers and evergreens, the whole producing a good eSect.