CLOTHES AND THE MAN

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 151, 27 June 1914, Page 8

CLOTHES AND THE MAN

A -PROGRESSIVE FIRM. There is no doubt that "good clothes make a man feel worth while"; and in time it may be that the tailor will come into the kingdom awaiting benefactors of tho race. In the meantime, the rewards of success in attend upon the efforts of good makers of good clothes. For instance, rapid expansion, both in business and in premises, thoroughly modern principles of employment, and a marked popularity in its own country are characteristics of the Wellington tailoring firm of D. Milligan and Co. Thirteen years ago the business was founded in Kelburn-avenue, in three small c . rooms. These have repeatedly been extended, till the last .expansion has increased the firm's premises from the cable-car tunnel to Lambton-quay on one fiooi^ a frontage of 250 feet, with nearly as big a space on another, and a useful ground floor frontage. The ground floor is taken up with show rooms, the next above with fitting and cutting apartments, and the top floor is occupied by the work rooms. Forty employees work in the building, and the yearly output is such that a flock of 2000 sheep would be required to supply the wool for the cloth used. Tho firm finds that about a third of its work is ordered by people nob resident in Wellington, and visitors from all parts of the world have their clothes made there. Addresses in Argentine, Borneo, Straits Settlements, China, to say nothing of England, America, and Australia, are to be found on the books. The firm makes a special feature of its conditions of employment and the treatment of its employees. Musical selections (per phonograph) are part of the lunch hour routine, especially in wet J weather ; afternoon tea is regularly' j served, and the workrooms are decorated with pictures and flowers. To the bright and healthy surroundings Mr. Milligan partly attributes the high efficiency" of his staff. In eight years he has never had an employee take a day off through insobriety. j These characteristics all go to establish the standing of the firm. The foundation of skilled workmen in good surroundings is solid. v The materials used are the best procurable. The artistic element necessary in the best tailoring is ensured by Mr. Milligan's supervision. Ho was three years ago hall-marked as an expert by election as > a member of the Institute, of British Tailors, in recognition of his winning the London Tailor and Academy's competition in cutting frock I and dress coats.

The Salvation Army services to-morrow will be of an interesting character. Adjutant M'Auloy, one of the oldest officers in New Zealand, will conduct eaoh serviot k $