A PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS.

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 18, 22 January 1916, Page 4

A PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS.

Mr. F; W. Jones's Book Arcade,

It ,will come as a surprise to many readers to learn of the large volume of trade which is transacted in Levin, and that the town's business men are enterprising and progressive will at once be evident by these records of their rospective operations and achievements. As will be seen, every department of commerce is well represented. The booksellingand stationery trade, however, occupies a leading position, and in the hands of Mr. F. W. Jones could not be improved upon. This business was established fiome six years ago, and with careful management has become the chief centre 'or all goods appertaining'" to the stationery, bookselling, and fancy ware trade of the .district—in fact, it is the largest business of its kind between Wellington and Palmerston North. Mr. JonesV stock is- of the most comprehensive description, and its- wide range in literature illustrates the enormous development which the profession has attained within recent years. Sustained enterprise in business matters has always been the keynote of success, and the- rapid manner in which Mr. Jones's business has grown conclusively proves that the wide knowledge he obtained of the trade after many years' service with such weU-kno-wro firms 'as Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, S. and ,;W. Mackay, and others has been an important factor, in providing Levin residents with such an up-to-date establishment, and really excellent choice in literature. ' In the way of books of fiction, excellently bound volumes by all the best-known authors are being disposed . of. at greatly reduced prices. Standard works in limp leather, with gilt edges, are ■ numerous at the Book Arcade, and those who prize Dickens or Lytton will be able to renew old associations, and make new ones with the writers of some of the choicest gems in English literature. Reward books, suitable for all ages—from the bairn to matured age—will be found here in endless variety, and there should be little trouble to school committees or other similar bodies in selecting their requirements from such a comprehensive stock. In recent times Mr. Jones was compelled to forsake his original premises for new and more up-to-date ones right in the very centre of the chief business portion of the town, and within, a very short time further extension will have to be made to cope with his increasing trade., The stock of stationery kept at the Arcade 13 • well calculated to satisfy the most extensive - or: -varied requirements, while the many novelties shown in photo, frames, stamp albums, card cases, postcard albums, purses, pocket-books, etc., form a never-failing course of pleasure and interest to those desirous of obtaining the prettiest and best examples of those goods. \ For the convenience of those residing at a distance, Mr. Jones has completed arrangements whereby stationery, etc., can be posted direct to clients, or, where necessary, samples of such can be sent for the approval of clients. .-■ ■;■-• -.'•-.

A new consignment of leather goods recently unpacked wilb appeal to the most fastidious taste of either lady or gentleman. Ladies' handbags, gentlemen's wallets, military brush cases, and writing cases may be had in many unique designs, and at prices that will tempt the most exacting. A large assortment of autograph albums and birthday books is also kept in stock:

Ornaments of aE kinds in the way of glass and pottery should find a ready sale. The range of chinaware stocked is, of course, too large, to detail here, but the different articles are all of a natty, chic design, and'will be found valuable for purposes of- utility^ or effect.' The children are catered for wjth excellent discernment. There isa galaxy of, dolls, dolls' cradles/, pasteboards, wooden horses, carts,, rockers, motor-cars, ABC blocks for juveniles, trains, cannon's, and some roally capital boxes of tools for the juvenile carpenter, and for the convenience of customers Mr. Jones is prepared to order any book, magazine, or other article , not in stock,. and to meet his clients' wishes in any respect, for he believes in catering for all classes of the commtmity at reasonable prices. The number of newspapers and magazines received every week at the establishment illustrates the wide field of his operations. All the leading papers are stocked, and the Evening Post, for which. Mr. Jones is agent, is delivered to any part of the district..