PETONE MILESTONE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 257, 26 July 1930, Page 25

PETONE MILESTONE

Shopping Month Begins

LOCAL INTEREST Although it was bitterly cold, hail intermingled with snow falling a few minutes earlier, the ceremony of opening “shopping month” in Petone was performed in fine weather by the Mayor (Mr. D. McKenzie). The lady mayoress (Mrs. McKenzie) cut the ribbon which was stretched across Bay Street, at the corner of Jackson Street. What is hoped to be a milestone in Petone history was launched fairly on its way. to the accompaniment of three cheers called for by Mr. J. Kerr, president of the Petone Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the Petone shopping month.

The Shop Premises. The heavy storm overnight, with its thunder, lightning, hail, rain, and wind, augured anything but hopeful for the commencement of the venture. . All the shopkeepers, aided by the shopping committee, had performed their parts ably. On all the premises were posters recommending the people, in their own interests, to shop in Petone. The goods displayed in the window or at the door were all plainly ticketed, and it was noticed in not a few instances that there were considerable reductions in prices. There were reminders of the numerous competitions and the prizes to be won by the mere act of being observant. Here and there were windows which had been specially dressed and about which a Jot of time and trouble had been taken. Upon the people of Petone rests the responsibility of determining which is the best-dressed shop window, so that the winner may receive “The Dominion Challenge Cup. Interested People. All day, long even before the official opening, numbers of people of all ages were seen looking into shop windows in their endeavours to “spot’ the particular article the window contained, and which the observant one could have as the prize. y The Opening. When 2.80 p.m., the time set for the opening, approached, hundreds of children, and a goodly number of adults, crowded in Jackson Street in front of the Municipal Buildings. Prompt to time the mayor, accompanied by Mrs. McKenzie, Mr. J. Kerr, and Mr. E. S. Neill, the secretary of the Shopping Month Committee, arrived. Mr. Kerr, who introduced the Mayor, trusted that Shopping Month would be a success and that the people would be induced to spend their money in Petone. “I hope,” said Mr.. McKenzie, * that every encouragement will be given to the shop-keepers of Petone by the people. They have built up all that is best in the community. By the support the people give them the shopkeepers will be induced to stock all requirements so that it will not be necessary for residents to go elsewhere to do their shopPS “The industries in Petone « h ° nld . supported so that they In their turn will support Petone. May the Sun Always ShineAfter reminding the people tharlt wm at Petone the first settlers in Wellington district landed, Mr. McKenzie cincluded: “It is up to us to help our in dustries. We are a prosperous town and by our help the industries and the shopkeepers will become /?_ our benefit." Then, observing that the sun was shining out of a blue sky, Mt. McKfenzle added: “I hope the sun will alwavs shine in Petone. I would like to think that it will always be summertime to the community.

A Wild StampedeAfter Mrs. McKenzie had cut the rib- , arrnsß the street, and the three cheers ss the firm whose name was on the balloon.