RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30716, 3 April 1965, Page 42

RANDOM REMINDER

GOLD OLD DAYS

It’s really something to look back at a bit, isn't it? We discovered the other day a yellowing issue of this newspaper printed way back in 1896, and it received far more attention round the breakfast table than the usual up to date edition. Indeed, there were girlish shrieks from every place as they read their way through the ads. Cretonnes at 4d a yard! Eek! Trimmed hats, very smart, 3s 6d. Heavens! Galateas and zephrys, whatever they might have been, crash, dimity, twill, cambric, poplin, muslin and sateens at Hid, reduced by up to half at sale times. There were sunshades with gold and silver tips for 3s, chesterfield suites (tapestry) for

97s 6d and drawing room suites for £l3 10s. Wow! English blankets were but 10s 6d pair: and for those contemplating marriage, the ads offered the requirements of a two-roomed cottage, complete with furniture. blankets, sheets etc., crockery and hardware for £9 up: three rooms, £l7 up: and four rooms £26 up. For our part, we were interested to find we could buy a suit in colonial tweed off the hook for 25s 9d. “People are much more particular nowadays about the style and fit of readymades,” the ad, said. “They want something almost equal to bespoke garments.” That “almost” is good for men's suits to measure were 67s 6d, though admitedly in Scotch

suitings. Overcoats in tweed were 17g 6d white starched shirts 3s 6d and ties but a shilling. Strong boots (“no rubbish") were 4s lid and women’s and girls's boots, perish the thought, 3s lid. But the family became quieter and more pensive as they looked at the news. A noted New Zealand wool clip brought 7 3/8d per lb in London. Prime Canterbury lamb sold at 53/8d per lb. And they really felt they were living in the right era after all when they discovered that roadmen had received a risa from 5s 9d to 6s per day. a carpenter was seeking work at 33s 6d per week and a journalist, poor hack, was wanted at a salary of just over £2 a week.