TOWN IMPROVEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1912, Page 5

TOWN IMPROVEMENTS

. ♦ r— • ." ■ W. McKAY AND SON'S ADDITIONS To write the histor>'..of the firm of W. McKay and Sons, the well-known drapers in .Mawhera .Quay, is practically to write the history of Greymouth. -The establishment commenced in the early '80' s, and like the giant oak it had a small beginning". Sound business .methods,, first-class Stood?,' and courteous and obliging otneiails soon made the shop the most popular in the town /and : trade increased by leaps and bounds. A casual customer who came in attracted by some striking bargain displayed in the \vindo\vs, was •-. so 'delighted >. with the value ojatained that he or she (became a permanent customer and' one of the firm's test 'advertising mediums for there' is no doubt -that a satisfied^ customer is a great: asset. -T^n years ago W. McKay and iSon found it necessary to take larger premises; and they came to their .present j T location. Very soon the pinch of spate began to manifest itself again and alterations and improvements had to be ; made. The latest additions have just been completed, .and- our representative was shown iroynd the premises yesterday by Mr. Nightingale/ the courteous manager Great improvements nave been effected in the • show windows which have been constructed on the "semi-stand" system, which" is that in vogue in the principal British and Continental emporiums. Handsome • mirrors ' have been : installed in the backhand these will ena"ble the "window, dresser to arrange his goods to the utmost advantage. Handsome tiled entrances give access to the ladies 'and gentlemens' departments. The show-room which has done the firm; for a considerable time has ''also been, found inadequate to meet the demands for space made upon it by the ever increasing business. It has been decided to' make it about twice its present size which should enable .the firm to carry a much larger stock than hith-. erto. It will be approached through a handsome carved arch which will greatly .enhance its appearance. The alterations are being carried out under the ■ supervision of Mr Bastings, the well-known architect, who is acting for. Mr Conhan, of Wellington. The head of the firm, Mr McKay, is at present in London making extensive, purchases of -the up-to-date stock which it is purposed, to carry here. More of this- is arriving ek Athenic, which is due in Wellington in a ;few days. A considerable portion, however, is already here and will be shown to-day when the public. wijl have; the benefit of -Mr; McKay's' careful purchasing. We trust that' the enterprise of the firm will meet -with the sutcess "it merits and that in a snort, time they / will again find if necessary tp. extend their' business. ; ;;:- ■'■'.';'. •': "'■■, :. : '";'■. - : :.. ■ ■-■■.'.■