A WORTHY LESSON

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12532, 18 April 1935, Page 5

A WORTHY LESSON

CONFIDENCE IN' OSBORNE. ME, A. STONE'HAM’S, ENTERPRISE. NO BETTER. DISPLAY WINDOWS IN N.Z. ’ ' 5 ; - - • It is gratifying to observe the exemplary 'evidence of confidence ,on the part of. ’-one of the leading business firms—confidence particularly in its local ' application-—:at a time ■when many people who are in a position to’d|o‘so, are economising, as represented in the magnificent new shop front installed by Messrs A. Stoiieham and €-o. jewellers and diamond merchants, Gladstone road. Mr . Btoßchgm . realises that nowadays one must move with the times, and carrying, as he does a very large and attractive stock of jewellery, crystalware, etc., he has~emharked upon an expenditure 1 ' that will present to Gisborne, a retail service comparable with the best in New Zealand.' The design of the shopfront itself has been skilfully studied: to display rings and smaller articles of- jewellery which must ho brought close to the eye for observation. The glass shelves are therefore so disposed that the goods are merely inches distant from the eye. The window's generally are set to present as far as possible alm.QSt a complete, index of the great stock carried in the business, i.e., every section or department of the business has. adequate representation through the window display. From the point of view of design the windows arc absolutely distinctive, and it is claimed that the shopfront in its completed form is the most outstanding in Gisborne; in fact, the claim is made that it has "no superior in New Zealand. From the constructional point of view tho frames of the windpnvs arc in polished pah, embodying essential enrichments in bronze metal, a Very delightful feature being tho window floors*, which are finished in polished parquetry. Tho window hacks and furnishings hear- the impress of the skilled craftsman, all doors being thoroughly dustpr°of An important feature is the lighting of tho windows, which is unique jn that the lighting shades are the first of the.ir particular kind used in New; Zealand. The panelling of the coiling itself, unlike most windows which are usually solidly constructed, is glazed eliminating to an amazing degree reflection. The general ensemble is indeed magnificent. The leaded light work, which was entrusted to Messrs Smith and Smith, of Auckland, through their Gisborne represent native, Mr W. E. Moxley, leaves little to he desired in workmanship and detail. The artistic blending of the various white glasses, with bevelled plate centres,, bordered by margins of sanci-.b'lasted mistic, throws the window display in sharp relief, while the symetricallydesigned leaded bevels in the entrance highlights add extreme beauty to the front, while giving a. maximum of daylight to the shop interior. Such details as these play a most important part in. shop front and interior layout, and great credit is due to the designer, Mr T. J. Clark, for the very fine achievement in this respect. The interior has had its full quota of attention in the genera! scheme, and a very attractive setting is presented. The shop itself has been deepened, while the .general redisposition of tho whole of the interior fittings to which has been added quite a number of new features presents a most appealing exhibition. The structural work, which involved the removal of a steel column that represented a definite obstruction, and replacement, by new girders, was carried out bv Mr George Smith. Tho tiling and plastering was the work of Mr H. Rit/chie, while the electric lighting was done by Messrs Ellis and Bull. Th fl glazing a most important feature of the work, was carried out by Messrs Smith and Smith, Ltd., whilst the shopfronts were installed by "Mr J. H. Aitc-heson, shopfitter, Auckland, Mr G. J. Johns was responsible for the lettering. Tho whole of the work has been executed to the plans of Mr Thomas J. Clarke, formerly of Australia* but now devoting his skill to Now Zealand. The remodelling, work the price of which is in the vicinity of four figures, is now concluded, and the shop stands worthy of the largest city in Australia or New Zealand a source of pride alike to its owner and to the .general: public, for such promises establish a new and very high status for Gisborne,- ns the centre of the vast hinterland that covers all the north-east portion of the North Island.