SPECIFIC NEW ZEALAND NEEDS

Evening Star, Issue 21720, 15 May 1934, Page 9 (Supplement)

SPECIFIC NEW ZEALAND NEEDS

BEST MET HERE Amongst the many modern revivals of words in our English tongue which had almost lapsed into obscurity is the verb “to vagabond.” This term, which is rapidly gaining an important significance for the modern motorist and holiday maker, is acquiring an even greater significance for the very modern and venerable firm of Alex. Thompson and Son Ltd., of Princes street, Dunedin. To them the words "to hike” by foot and “to vagabond ” by car are a matter of business. Whichever method of locomotion the modern wanderer may adopt in his bid to find relaxation from the fatigues of workaday life, he is comforted by “ every modern convenience.” Thompsons are undoubtedly leaders in this field of business enterprise. A visit to their factory and retail showrooms reveals such an enterprising variety of aids offered to the sportsman and holiday maker as to be an eye-opener to those hitherto unacquainted with this type of business. In journeying upon the highways and byways of this beautiful country of ours anyone can easily and inexpensively carry with him a complete “home away from home.” It is easy to understand the popularity of this firm’s products when one considers the obvious value to the enjoyment of any sort of outdoor activity of adequate and scientifically suited clothing, waterproof materials, the comforts of light and sturdy portable furniture, and the physical benefits derived from the freedom from the necessity for improvision in the important matter of food in its preparation.

It is not, of course, entirely to the modern craze for outdoors that Thompson’s popularity is due. For many, many years they have been famed for the quality of their canvas work, their tents being particularly well known, and to-day produced in many varieties. Sailmaking, flagmaking, _ And awnings have contributed materially to their progress. Clothing for all kinds of sportsmen, particularly fishermen and golfers, and for various trades -are manufactured, and waterproof overcoats for the fashionable wear qf men, women, and children are displayed in the very newest styles and colourings. A feature employing the use of special machinery is the manufacture of golf bags of several materials aud patterns. Sleeping bags and stretchers form part of the almost endless catalogue of this firm’s products. It should be warmly congratulated for showing in yet another sphere that this dominion can produce articles adapted to her people’s specific needs. True, also, the enterprise of Messrs Alex. Thompson and Son has done much to popularise out-of-doors in New Zealand that few indeed of the public know anything about.