A. A. PRATT AND CO.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9157, Issue 9157, 5 March 1910, Page 5

A. A. PRATT AND CO.

[Published by Aeeangement.]

A representative of our staff was shown over the new premises of the above firm this morning by the principal, Mr A. A. Pratt, who has found it imperative to move to the present more convenient shop, No. 20, Main street West. This business has been worked up from rather a small beginning, having been established about ten years ago; and Mr W. L. Holland, of London, is now associated with the business. Our representative was first shown the postcards, which have a special stand devoted solely for their display. They include every imaginable kind made, most of which are imported direct from the makers in London and on the Continent, but a line of real photo, local cards arc turned out by "Billens." The next department touched upon was the stationery, in winch are several special lines of writing pads, stationery packets, and envelopes, which are made to the firm's own order. Toys and dolls is another department that receives considerable attention, there being special stands of toye and dolls, which are mostly imported froni Eaudel, Ltd., London. A. A. Pratt and Co. have now the agency for "Stannard's" basketware factory, and carry considerable stock of this useful household furniture. Almost any line in baskctwarc, bamboo, and willow not in stock can be made at the factory, which is at the rear of the shop. The P and D brand of wooden toys also forms a large portion of the stock. Thcee toys are in great favour, as they have been found to be very strong and cheap. Leather and fancy goods. —Under this heading all manner of goods are etook«~d. There are stands of glassware, photo, frames, books, trinkets, etc. One side of tho shop is devoted to glove and handkerchief boxes, dressing cases, writing desks, work baskets, clocke, and general fancy lines, all beng marked up in plain figures. Prayer and hymn books. Bibles, birthday books, autograph albums, poems, postcard albums, sewing companions, manicure sets, etc., are all to be found in tho various glass cases arranged about the shop. Tho news agency subscribers' book gives evidence of the very large business that is being done in daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly publications, there being a special room where the various publications are attended to as soon as they come to hand. Rubberstamp making is a department, which, according to the books, is rapidly growing. The firm are now registered printers, this branch being recently added, and patrons buying visiting cards or envelopes can have their names printed on tho same day. Agencies are held for all the principal publications, the British and Continental Foreign Stamp Co., Gorney Bros., go-cart and perambulator makers, Swan and Tui fountain pens, New York Novelty Co.. Crack-a-Jack Mouth Organ Co., Broadwood-Whito Piano Co., etc., etc. For the convenience of the public a desk and posting box has a prominent I place in the shop. Mr Pratt attributes his success to three things—Civility, attention, and honest trading.