SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29021, 9 October 1959, Page 2

SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS

Brisk Sale Of N.Z. Souvenir Goods

’Shopping for Christmas has started already. Overseas mails close at the end of the month. Many city shops report a brisk sale of New Zealand souvenir goods—scarves, handkerchiefs and tablecloths with colourful designs —and further stocks are expected soon. “These are often used to wrap round presents for overseas,” said a salesman displaying bright tea towels printed with maps of New Zealand. "Our carved-wood souvenirs always sells well,” said another salesman, “and this year seems to be no exception.” Paua shell jewellery, china ash-trays and Maori dolls were some of their most popular lines, he said.

The range of Christmas cards with a New Zealand flavour is wider than ever before, with local artists drawing on both ancient and modern sources. There are many Maori scenes as well as cards with bird and flower motifs. Coloured photographs show New Zealand’s tourist attractions, and pencil sketches of familiar city landscapes add a local touch. Cards have been in heavy demand. One salesgirl estimated she had sold more than 5000 cards the first week they were displayed. Perhaps the most popular gifts of all are the New Zealand pictorial calendars which, with their special envelopes, are a simple solution for the person who hates wrapping parcels.