PUBLIC MOURNING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13738, 20 May 1910, Page 7

PUBLIC MOURNING.

THE OUTWARD SYMBOLS. With a view to ascertaining whether public regret at tho death of Kjng Edward VII. is reflected, in such outward symbols as dress, to a greater extend than when Queen Victoria died, a lepresentative of "Tho Press" yesterday had a talk with somo of tho leading drapers and clothiers in the city, and as the result of tho information gathered there can be no doubt that the mourning in the direction ment'onetl is more universal. The reason is not that Queen Victoria's death was less deeply lamented, but that a large majority of the people had never had occasion to mourn the death of their Sovereign, and did not know exactly the correct emblem of mourning for Royalty. They, however, had an education at that time in this respect, and the ideas they gathered have been turned to come purpose.

One manager pointed out that wdien Queen Victoria died black hnts came into vogue with the ladies, and since that timo that class of hau has grown greatly in popularity. For the present season black hats, which were largely sought after by young people, would have been in keeping with the latest fashion even if tho occasion had not arisen for universal mourning. Purple found great favour with th> public, and the largo stock, which Was always on hand had nearly disappeared. Regarding tho tastes of men, they were very divided, though the general inclination tended perrha;ps to purple. Some men liked tho sombre black ties, others liked half-mourning, black and white, but the majority preferred purple. The natural tendency .in ties ai; the commencement of the season was to bright colours, and purpilo largely wredominated in the stocks. Htnce they become "doubly fashionable" as it were. He was qnit© certain that the mourning attire was more universal than at the time, of Queen Victoria's death, because people had now a much better idea of the correct method of dressing for the occasion.

Another manager stated that he wai quite satisfied that the business done m mourning apparel was very much greater than at the time Queen Victoria died. Both men and women seemed anxious to dress in a manner befitting the occasion.

The manager of another firm stated that there seemed to be a greater demand for ribbons, both it/urple and' black, than in 1901. The men were perhaps displaying a little more *jign of mourning in the way of ties, but the demand by women for mourning dresses did not seem to be any greater, if so great. The material for draping shops, etc.. was very much required, and to his recollection the enquiries for it were far in excess of those made when Queen Victoria died.