GREAT TRADING CENTRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17348, 20 December 1919, Page 12

GREAT TRADING CENTRE.

LEADING AUCKLAND FIRMS

Auckland is; universally admitted to be New Zealand's busiest and most important trade centre. .Vast strides have been made during recent years, more especially during and subsequent to the recent war. Ihiring this period the clarion call was " greater efficiency and increased production," and there is abundant proof that those engaged in industry in the Auckland district, responded magnificently to the ! demands made upon them during this critical time.

But what was a maxim for wartime has become a common necessity during the present days of reconstruction, and Auckland manufacturers and tradesmen now realise that if this country is to develop industrially and economically during the new era ushered in by the war they, must continue to show enterprise and progress to meet the demands of a public that grows more exacting as time goes on. The approach of the Yuletide season is always th signal for an increase in business, and Auckland manufacturers and tradesmen are looking forward to a period of prosperity and an increased demand for goods- for the home, farm and business. The excellence of all goods manufactured locally or imported by local firms is well known, and in the following columns, descriptive of a variety of trades and businesses, will be found details of the work of establishments that are bound to be important factors in the expansion of Auckland City and Province.

A study of the articles below should be profitable to those Wizens who are anxious to keep abreast, of the tinies and buy in the right .directions.

H,-rE. PARTRIDGE AND CO. (N.Z.), LTD.

This concern, established nearly half-a-eentury ago, is known throughout the Dominion. , The founder, Mr. H. E. Partridge, is still very much to the fore, and acts as managing director of the enterprise, whose success has been so largely due to his initiative.

The original store stood on a portion of the site; now occupied by the establishment of Mr. John Court, at the corner of Queen and Victoria.Streets, and a very small store (comparatively) it was. Bub bit by bit, and step by step, it has steadily advanced, until it is now recognised as a very big concern indeed, with possibilities pf still further expansion.

The present store—close to the site of the old buildingis a really fine one, and wiK bear favourable comparison with any of the leading English and Australian tobacconists* premises.

Just now,, of course, with Xm'as close at Jrand, *'Partridge's "—as it is familiarly 3mown-4s making great preparations for the holiday trade, and will doubtless be liberally patronised by that numerous section of the public who believe that the best gift- for a' man is something in the shape of the goods for which this house is famous. These comprise a whole host of things deaf to the heart of evesy smoker, including briar pipes at from 3s to 35s apiece, and" some are of the well-known "Kia Ora" brand, these latter costing thing. from i&s 6d to 455, those at the last quoted price being particularly handsome, with beautiful gold mounts and solid amber mouthpieces.- Cases, holding two, three, fdtir,. and five pipes, "range from 35s the case eight guineas, and these goods are especially suitable for presentation. . Pouches there are, too, and in a great variety »of i skins,, some with medallion mounts in silver, on which the name, initials, or monogram of the owner can be engraved.

Tobacco jars, of which this store holds a large stock, also make acceptable gifts. These are in lovely art china (Doulton and ether wares), and cost from 8s 6d to 21s. Ash-trays, in- all sorts of designs, are priced at 9d to 10s-6d, and gold and silvermounted, walking-sticks are here in abundance at from 8s 6d to five guineas. Other articles enable for presents comprise shaving outfits, cigar and cigarette holders, cigar and cigarette cases, and all sorts of sporting requisites, such as, tennis balls and racquets, croquet sets, bowls, cricket bats and balls,, footballs, golf and hockey outfits, ete.,'efo;j also innumerable other lines, any one- of" which would make a Xmas or New Year -gift- that would be prized by the recipient.

for tobacco and sporting goods, Partridge's claim to do the largest trade in the Dominion in these lines. In tobaccos the store holds an immense yariety of English mixtures and Australian manufactured "weed," both cut and plug. The stock of cigarettes comprises Turkish, Virginian, .Russian, and Egyptian varieties, including the famous " Mclachrino" (Egyptian) cigarettes in 25's, 50's, and 100's. These latter are exceptionally fine. The firm have also just landed a large shipment of a new variety of 'Three "Castles" -"Magnums." They are larger than the ordinary "Three Castles," and of superior quality. Connoisseurs will appreciate them. "Rob Roy Ovals," in packets of 10, will also appeal to many cigarette smokers. .

Partridge's also specialise in cigars, which they import direct, including 0 the favourite Partagas, in 25's, 50's, and 100's, and the exquisite Corona Coronas, which rest, by the way, 66s for 'the box of 25. Other brands jito Henry Clays. Manuel Garcia*, Flor de Naves, J. F. Murias, A. M.urias, and a large variety of Manila's of h'._'h quality, including the highest grade Manila, on the market "La Giralla " at from 12s 6d to 30s for 25

Mr. H. E. Partridge, by the wav, is a rough expert in tobaccos, and has visiU-d on several occasions the great tobacco-producing countries (America the I'.--.-t and West Indies, etc.) in the interests of the firm of which he is the hew). In fact, so large has the firm's business grown th.it it is now necessary to have some of tliv management away in the gr.-at prodating countries almost continuously It should he added that Partridge's ny.ke pipes to order, and arc the only firm of tobacconists i„ New Zealand whc,"carrv on that industry. A HIVE OF INDUSTRY. "PAGE'S BUSY CORNER," :,; „, KIN'GKLAND I JrSLIf 11 *!*' dlßtnct « the "an,,, of Page S2S,': Wki " 1885, - kxtt-ted 'on «£ ? popular. Conveniently . patronised•s-< lino lhese «tores are h J vrho nitw itUde 0{ Bubur^ |L «Wppi„ g with Pago pays,

because he gives such excellent value. The delivery carts of the concern cover the whole of the Mount Albert and surrounding districts, and some idea of the size of the establishment, may be gathered from the fact that it employs between 30 and 40 assistants.

Page's stock is a very comprehensive one, and embraces all kinds of groceries (new season's goods rxhiaively), provisions of every description, including full supplies of dairy produce (renewed daily). Prices in all cases are as low as they can well he, and it is Page's prices, the high quality of his goods, and his prompt delivery system that (combined) have made the reputation of the stores. The order department i 8 a model of what 6uch a department should be, and the smoothness with, which it is kept running is the result of. method and foresight. The packing is done by men specially trained to the work, and right well they do it.

On the upper floor will be found the department devoted to ironmongery, crockery, cutlery, brushware, and other household necessaries. Among * the miscellaneous stock are many articles suitable for Christmas and New Year gifts. The requirements of farmers are well looked after at Page's, and grain and' all Jonas of produce is on sale, also manures, cement, and sundries. * The district in which these stores are .seated is growing rapidly, and bids fair in course of tune to be as thickly settled as any outlying portion of the metropolitan area, if, indeed, it is not already so- Its progress and advancement since Pages Stores were first established, tour-an-thirty years—ago, has .been rfr xnarkable—but no more remarkable than the progress made by the business under notice. — - _ ■A \^ RY UP-TO-DATE STOKE. C M. BIRD, 360 AND 362 QUEEN ST, OPPOSITE TOWN HALL. _ Mr. Bird, the proprietor of this flourishing business, has • been established in Quean Street for 14 years, and found it necessary, some two years ago, to double jus premises in order to keep pace with i his expanding trade. : Mr. Bird's is a most comprehensive ; stock, embracing a host of articles adapted for Christmas and New Year Gifts, most of them being of a useful— well as of a. beautifulA-kind. We cannot hope, in the limited space at our command, to describe all the goods so attractively displayed in this store, and must content ourselves with drawing attention to a few of the leading lines. ; To begin with the house specialises in I blouses—made on the premises— of : these goods Bird's claim to hold the largest stock in Auckland. They are in a variety of lovely materials, including ! crepe do chine, voile, Irish hand-embroi-dered fabric, and pure silk, prices ranging for crepe de chine blouses from 37s 6d to 455. Crepe de chine is on sale also, by , the yard, and ranges in price from 13s 6d to 18s fid. I The stock of Jap. silks is a very large one also, and for these beauui °?r 3 the rates are strictly reasonable. Here are a few quotations:— mummy 6s 6d, 12 mummy 7s 6d: crepe i? C J\ me .,'„ lo rnumm .y 13s 6d, 12 mummy 15s 6d, 14 mummy 16s 6d, arid up to 18s 6d per yard. Also. Jap. silks in black— 10 mummy—at 7s 6d to 8s 6d yard. There is a really fine assortment of chiffon, taffeta silks, 33in plain at 7s 6d, striped 9s, pink 8s lid yard. White China silk, best quality is offered at 7s 6d yard. The immense range of ladies' underwear ! will be found here also, including manv beautiful lines in rich white silk heavily ' embroidered. Prices in all cases are I moderate. |

The stock of general -including Manchester goods arid napery—is very extensive, and well-assorted, and comprises many lines at really modest prices, as compared with those ruling elsewhere. The untearable taffetas are sure to attract attention. They are guaranteed, and ran~e from 13? 6rt to 20s per yard. Ready-to-wear clothing for men and boys is! another feature of this business, and thiA clothing is all made in the proprietor's \ own workrooms. It is of the first quality and absolutely all wool. Tailor-made suits are also supplied by Bird's to'customers' orders, and will be found fully-equal to any goods of the kind at the large tailoring establishments of the city. Ladies' tailor-made costumes, too, are made on.' the premises—smart and fashionable goods, and quite reasonably priced, as prices go. And Bird's specialise in raincoatswell-cut and beautifully-made garments, which reflect credit on the department of this up-to-date store. They are- for both ladies' and gentlemen's wear, and fine value.

In footwear Bird's are showing the very latest examples for ladies' and gentlemen's use—really beautiful models, full of style and guaranteed to wear. We could fill a column or two of additional space with particulars of this store's many, attractive lines, but our limit is reached and we must come to a full stop. But the store is worth a visit, and those in ward! of gilt goods—fancy lines and other line*-mended to call in and see "hat Bird s have to show them. No visitor is expected to buy

CHRISTMAS IN THE SHOPS

SEASONABLE GIFTS AND NOVELTIES

WHERE TO MAKE PURCHASES

1 ERNEST G. SKEATES.

JEWELLER, DIPERIAL BUILDINGS, 42, QUEEN STREET. L. .—. The name of Skcates is a household i word in 'Auckland, as far as jewellery,' etc., is concerned, having suppled the public with reliable goods for over half a century. Up to a few months ago there were two Skeates' (brothers) carrying on business in Queen Street, within a short distance of each other. . One has now sold out to another jeweller, so that the only remaining establishment under the old and favourably known name is that of ERNEST G. SKEATES, IMPERIAL BUILDINGS, 42, QUEEN STREET, right opposite Smeeton's. The present stock, a very comprehensive one, was mostly purchased in England before the great advance which has j taken place in prices all over the world, and not a single article now on sale at this establishment can be replaced at the prices now marked, while very many of them cannot be replaced at any price at all under the existing conditions. The goods include a splendidly assorted selection of diamond rings, diamond brooches and earrings. real pearl necklaces varying in price from ten pounds to a hundred and fifty (these latter are very beautiful indeed). These goods, we are assured, are of a kind and quality that j is unprocurable in any other jewellery store in this Dominion. The dress and engagement rings make quite a show in themselves, and they are being offered at special value prices ! during the holiday season for spot cash. Then there is an unique display of very high-grade flexible bracelets in gold, set with lustrous gems, which will last for generations, and will be 'a joy for ever" to their possessors. The necklaces and pendants are remarkable for the exquisitely fine workmanship, and the Collection of gold brooches of the better kind cannot fail to appeal to the most cultured taste.

The windows of Mr. Skeatcs' muchsought shop are so. full of beautiful jewellery that there is little room left for the display of silver knick-knacks, plate, timepieces and so forth, but the showcases within the premises are literally crammed with a remarkable variety of these goods. There are innumerable specimens of the ladies' gold watch bracelets now so fashionable, with plain and fancy dials, and there is a fine selection also of the popular wrist watches, varying in price according to tbo quality of movement and style of case. This store offers an almost unlimited choice of dainty and suitable Christmas presents, from the pretty but inexpensive article to the costly and magnificent one. , . """"* A VISIT TO WADE'S. THE RIGHT PLACE FOR TALKING MACHINES. If you want to see " the " latest in phonographs you should drop in at Wade Mid Co.'s, Ltd., Record House, Tabernacle Buildings, * 57 > Karangahape Road. Wade'., is one of the oldest-established houses in the trade in Auckland, and the progress made by the, firm has been quite remarkable. Established twelve years ago, this concern is known far and wide, and the fac'v that it is now starting to remodel its entire premises and bring them right up to date, is proof positive that it is getting on! When, the alterations and improvements are all completed (which will be early in the New Year), Wade's premises will be twice their present size, and the firm will be in a position to cater for the music-loving public in better style than ever before. Meantime Wade's are busied in preparing for the Christmas trade, and before the approaching holidays are over probably hundreds of the visitors from the country will have called at Tabernacle Building to inspect the latest models in phonographs and gramaphones, and to hear some of the new records. Talking—or rather writingabout records, Wade's is a great place for them. They line most of' the wails in neatly devised racks, and they cover every description of selectionvocal and instrumental. ' Altogether there are 7000 of thorn in stock, and fresh ones are arriving by every mail boat! If you want anything in the record line you arc sure to get it at Wade's. And the phonographs! Where will you find a finer collection? An Edison diamond disc cabinet machine in antique oak {" the William and Mary," they call it), took the writer's fancy. It's a handsome machine, and would grace any drawingroom, so far as mere appearance goes. It will play any make of records, and no needles are required. The tone is superb, and if you did not know that the liquid sounds flowing from this wonderful instrument were not mechanically produced (or reproduced), you would certainly conclude the vocalist was actually in the room with you. This model is priced at £85, and Mr. Wade says it's a ready seller. It certainly is a beauty.

If you are thinking of buying a phonograph, and consider that £85 is moro money than you care to give, you can get another Edison disc machine for £38 10s, which (after hearing it) you will be sure to pronounce excellent value. This machine is in solid oak, and, as in the case of the first mentioned Edison model, no needles are required. This is a popular model, and so is the more expensive instrument, but if you desire something better than either, Wade and Co. can supply you, for they have Edisons costing as much as £125. The new Edison, by the way. has been most appropriately called " the phonograph with a soul." "It recreates the voices of the world's greatest artists with such utter perfection that the recreation cannot be distinguished from the original."

For those who want a. machine capable of affording real pleasure in the home, and which .18 vet obtainable at a very modest price, there is the Columbia Grafonola, which costs only £8 10?. And it's a little wonder! The cabinet is of polished oak; it has a large interior amplifying chamber, with tone control shutters for regulation of volume. The motor is a powerful Columbia single spring, the taper tonearm is made with sound-tight joints, and it is fitted with a Columbia detachable sound-box. The turn-table has a nickelled edge. It is not surprising to learn that this machine is in constant demand.

~.Some people prefer a cylinder machine. Well, about the best cylinder phonograph on the market is the Edison Diamond Amberola. Of this model it has been said: You would actually be astounded to think that anything but a human being could produce such music. When you put an orchestra record on the new' Edison Diamond Amberola, the Amberola becomes an orchestra; when you put on a vocal record the Amberola becomes a singer: when you put on a violin record it becomes a violin; when you put on a piano record it becomes a piano." And yet this beautiful machine only costs £14 !

It should be mentioned that Wade and Co. specialise also in all kinds of repairs, and employ a staff of skilled operatives, who are constantly employed in restoring defective machines to usefulness. °

The firm also stocks sewing machines of thoroughly reliable makes, and offers a really good drop-head at the moderate price of £8 10s.

Visitors are cordially invited to call in at Wade's, and hear the latest records. No one is under the smallest obligation to buy anything.

A LEADING OPTICIAN.

MR. BALFOUR M. IRVINE F.S.M.C. 18 KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Of the numerous country-dwellers who will spend their Christmas in Auckland this year, it is safe to say that a fair number will seize the opportunity to pay a visit to 18 Karangahape Road, (facing upper Queen Street), where are located the consulting-roms of the well-known optician, Mr. Balfour M. Irvine.

| Mr. Irvine, who is highly qualified, i being not only a Fellow, but a prizeman by exam., of the famous Spectacle Makers* Company of London, has, for a number of years, conducted an extensive practice at the above address, and has been singularly successful in treating visual defects arising from the want of proper glasses.

There are people who, when the eyesight seems to demand artificial aid, will choose a pair of glasses much as they would choose a pair of shoes or gloves. Ho greater mistake can be made. In order that the glasses may prove really effective and a blessing to the wearer they must be selected with the greatest care; They must, in short, be the right glasses, and before the right glasses can be supplied, it is absolutely essential, that the sight should be scientific cally tested with a view to correcting any special defect that may exist. For example, it often happens that the focus of one eye differs from that of the other, in which case the use of two different lenses is necessitated.

Then, again, everybody, with advancing I years, discovers that the eyesight is not j what it used to be, and that they cannot read, write, sew or thread needles (for instance) with the same ease and freedom as formerly. In all such cases the need of glasses is again plainly indicated. But in these cases, also, the glasses must be selected by an expert after the eyes have been properly examined. ' To choose spectacles haphazard is a very unwise proceeding, and may give rise to trouble beyond the power of even the cleverest optician to remedy. Apropos of the foregoing it may be added that Mr. Irvine possesses not only the necessary skill, but also the very latest appliances for the scientific testing of the sight, and having ascertained the precise description of lenses required he has them ground under his personal super vision by his own trained staff of operatives. He consulted daily. D. MOUNT, ORNAMENTAL IRON AND WIREWORKER. At the corner of Crowhurst Street, Khyber Pass (almost facing Hancock's brewery), will be found the ornamental iron and wirework factory of Mr. D. Mount, a specialist in his line of business. Mr. Mount served bis apprenticeship with the well-known firm of J. and W. Faulkner, Dunedin, and . subsequently i entered the employ of Faulkner and » Collins, Dominion Road, Auckland, with ! whom he remained for ten year's. He is now in business "on his own," and, ' although only established for six months, ' i& well satisfied with his prospects, for his ! traue is already showing signs of expan--1 sion. There is nothing in the way of ornamental iron and wire work that Mr. Mount does not produce. His factory is well equipped, and everything he undertakes is done under his own personal supervision. He specialises in iron and , wire gates, fences, wire shutters (both collapsible and ordinary), gravel and sand screens, garden arches, umbrella roseguards, garden seats, summer-houses,., wire fireguards, fire-escapes, wire street and park waste-baskets, general iron and wire work, and also steel wire for reinforcing concrete. This wire can be made of any strength, size, or shape required. Mr. Mount asserts emphatically that iion and wire work are stronger and more lasting than wood, and he asks those who have hitherto used wood to give iron and wire a trial. ; He is an authority on gates and fences, and especially recommends gates and fences of diamond mesh wire, which he declares never fail to give satisfaction wherever fixed. Wood fences, says this skilled workman, tend to deteriorate and suffer in appearance, but if constructed of iron and wire they will last a lifetime. Mr. Mount has issued a very attractive illustrated catalogue, giving full particulars of his manufactures, and architects, builders, and others will find- this booklet of particular interest. It does not profess to cover all the lines made at the factory under notice, but the proprietor will be pleased to furnish quotations for any description of article in -his line of business required by builders. He claims to possess a very thorough knowledge* of his trade, and he absolutely guarantees to give his patrons nothing but the very beßt of workmanship and materials. His telephone number, it may be stated, is A 2664, and he may be seen personal!} any day at the factory. Country residents, and those unable to call, are invited to communicate with him by letter. All correspondence receives prompt attention. A FIRM OF REPUTE. PHILLIPPS AND IMPEY. This well-known firm has been catering for the Auckland public (and also for other sections of the public) for nearly 70 years, their business having been established in 1854, when Auckland was, compared with what it is to-day, a place of very small importance. But this now flourishing concern lias kept pace with the growth and progress of the city, and is now acknowledged to be at the " very top of the tree." The house was established by Mr. William Phillipps (deceased), in conjunction with the late Messrs. John and Frank Phillipps, and at that time it enjoyed the distinction of being the only oil, colour, and glass warehouse in Auckland. In 1911 this concern was amalgamated with that of Messrs Impcy, Ltd., and the union has proved a happy one, for the house has won a reputation that extends beyond the confines of Auckland for the quality of its goody and the fairness of its business methods. The firm is a very enterprising one, and is quick to adopt the latest ideas in connection with its business. It's glass-bevel-ling plant, for example, is considered to be the most up-to-date in the world, and to see this plant at work-is to realise the progress made recently in the glass-bevel-ling art. This store has always been famous, also, for its wall-papers, and the latest examples of these papers exhibited by Phillipps and, Impey are remarkable for high finish and artistic design. The firm's '• stock of these goods is, they claim the largest in New Zealand, and they import them from the leading manufacturers of the world. «,

Another specialty of P. and \.'s is to be found in the ready-mixed paints made famous by Lewis Berger, which are admittedly of the very highest quality. They have proved of inestimable value to builders and house-decorators, and enjoy an immense sale. The firm specialises also in lead-lights, and do an extensive tra;]e as glass merchants.

The beautiful engravings and coloured prints on view in the P. and I. showrooms are well worth inspection, and are admirably adapted as Christmas gifts.

"THE GREATEST MOTOR BUSINESS . IN AUSTRALASIA."

MR. W. S. MILLER INTERVIEWED. "Our progress since last Christmas," said Mr. W. S. Miller, of the big garage, Khyber Pass, in reply to a question, "has been phenomenal, and although we were only established about .four years ago we now claim -to run the greatest business of its kind in Australasia. Where we shall stop, I don't know, but you will see some surprising developments in connection with this concern of ours in the not remote future. You will have observed that we have remodelled the entire front of our premises since last year, and introduced a row of plate-glass windows. This has not merely given us a splendid natural light, but it enables our stock-in-trade to J be seen from the street, and thus advertises our wares for us in the most effective way all the time. Other improvements we have made are the laying down of new flooring throughout, and the erection within the garage ( of the fine office in which we are now seated. The office adjoining (also new) is for the use of the clerical staff. "Are we going to rest content with that, you ask?—-by no means! We propose to add a couple of—storeys to the building. That will give us an acre and a-half of floor space altogether. The dimensions of the garage are 192 ft by 168 ft— tidy size.

as. you say. But it. is not nearly big enough for our growing requirements. Why, we sometimes have as many as 300 cars assembled beneath this roof at the one time. We have a hundred or two here now. During the past year we have sold more high-grade cars than any other firm in New Zealand. Many Dominion motor-importers, as you are of course aware, are badly handicapped, and have been for the last 12 months or more, by the difficulty of getting their.orders filled. Shipments have long been irregular and uncertain, and in some cases orders which were placed 12 months ago are not filled yet. Well, I want to tell you that we have been exceptionally fortunate in this respect. Our consignments of cars are coming along alright, and have been doing so for months past and, talking about that, we expect in three or four weeks' time to land a special shipment of America's masterpiece Pierce-Arrow It's a wonder! It is really a very powerful tar, but with such a light and graceful appearance that it pleases everybody. Oh, yes, it's a goer! The price —Oh, about a couple of thousand.

' JL'ell you about some of our other

'extra specials'?— Well, amongst our numerous agencies we hold those for about ball-a'-dozen cars of really extraordinary merit, including the following :— "The Pugeot, a French car, a thing of beauty, and a marvel to travel. It has won all the great car races, and carried everything before it. A 1914 model won the two biggest races run in America last year. It will cost about £850.

"Then there's the popular Chandler Six. The latest model is as near perfection, as it is possible -to get— result of the constant improvements* 'on the original Chandler of six or seven years ago. Throughout this car is built of the finest materials to be had for money, and the workmanship could not be bettered even if it sold for double its actual price. Witn its fine new body types, its marvellous motor, and its splendid chassis the Chandler is a car owners may be proud of. There are three models—the Chandler four-passenger roadster, the Chandler Despatch (the sporting car), and the Chandler seven-seater touring car. As to. the Roadster, the public demand for this -model has steadily increased. It combines grace with power, and is smart and serviceable, besides being most luxurious. The latest type of the Despatch Chandler bids fair to surpass in popularity all previous ones. It can get over the ground quickly, and being beautifully upholstered is very comfortable. Lastly, there is the Chandler Seven-seater Touring Car—a fine, big car, remarkable for beauty of design, and fitted with two cosy auxiliary chairs, • which can be folded away out of sight when not in use. We are wellstocked with all three Chandlers, and can give immediate delivery of them. Prices run from £700 to £725 or so. "Oh, and I mustn't forget the Cleveland Six. This car is going to be the bt-8t seller on the New Zealand market, and don't you forget it. It's modelled on the Chandler to some extent, but nothing quite like it has previously been offered to the public. It is built with four types of body—a five-seater Touring Car, i a roomy three-seater Roadster, a five-passenger Sedan, and a fourpassenger Coupe. There's style, service, speed and comiort in the Cleveland; it is fitted with a number of novel improvements, and is bound to become as popular in this country as it is in that of its origin America. "And I want to tell you about the Autocar Motor-truck—another of our specialities. This truck is now in universal use all over New Zealand— and all ever the world. Why, one firm of Ameri"can carriers doing a" world-wide business has been known to place an order for 600 of these trucks at once. You can't beat them for hard work, and they are the only vehicles of their kind that have passed the Brtish Government test—and that's a pretty stiff one. We have Autotrucks in stock now, and more coming along. They are quick sellers alright. "The Napier truck, or'business vehicle,' as its makers call it, is also a good thing of its kind—one of the best, in fact. It comes from a good —Napier and Son, Ltd., contractors to the British, French, Russian, Belgian and Portuguese Governments, and to the Crown agents for the Colonies. The motor-truck is fast superseding horseflesh, and some day, before very long, the horse will be as extinct as the moa alfeady i». Well, the Napier trucK is a handy contrivance. A shipment of these motors is now on the water ( lor us, and also a shipment of the Napier passenger cars is on order. These are very high-grade cars, elegant in appearance, swift, and comfortableluxurious, in fact. The cars cost about £2500; the trucks we shall be able to do at about £1100. I

"The last car T am going to tell vou about to-day is the Lancia. It's Italian built, with a decidedly smart appearance and a good turn of speed. It costs about £1100.

"Used cars?— have any amount of them. In fact, I can unhestitatingly say that we carry the finest collection of "them in either this country or Australia. We find a huge demand" for- them, and have constantly something new in this line to show. Prices range from £50 to £700— and those who buy of us often pick up unusual values.

"Accessories? Yes, we carry very extensive stocks of them of all" kinds, including tyres in great variety, grease, oil and benzine. We specialise in repairs, too and employ a large staff of skilled operatives. We have every modern appliance ier the carrying on of 'our extensive motortrade, and we find our free-air pumpingplant, which anyone is welcome to use—there's nothing to pay—is much appreciated." It is worthy of note that two members of Mr. Miller*s_ staff recently- visited America in the interests of the "firm, and picked up many useful hints on their travels, which the enterprising head of the concern proposes to make full use of. Visitors are sure of a cordial welcome at the Khyber Pass garage, where Mr Miller and the members of his staff are always pleased to answer questions, and to exhibit the latest models in motors to anyone interested. Mr. Miller is a keen man of business, with a pleasant, frank manner that inspires confidence and wins for him many friends. He possesses an intimate knowledge of his business, and although, as may be supposed, a very busy man as the head of the great enterprise he controls, he is alwavs readv to give others the benefit of*"his expert knowledge and ripe experience.

S MR. WALTER RICHARDS,

A REMARKABLE PERSONALITY. Sceptics may shake their beads and >• smile incredulously, but facts are stubborn things, and it seems that the subject of this notice, Mr. Walter f- Richards, of 29, Pitt Street, Auckland i, (almost facing the top of Grey Street), is, e and has been for years past, performing '3 some,, very remarkable cures of casos of it disease, cases which would seem to have e baffled all previous attempts to remedy II them, and had left the patients in a coni- dition more or less hopeless and despone dent. 0 Mr. Richards states that during his ' professional career he has received Hun- '- dreds of letters from people whom be has s treated, testifying to the relief, ho nas 1 afforded them and expressive of their dea light and gratitude. Of -course, where testimonials are concerned the question is bound to arise: Are they what they purport to be?—or, 1 to put it bluntly, are they " faked?" As to that matter the writer can only say 3 that he has, at Mr. Richards' earnest re--3 quest, examined a large number of these 3 testimonials, and he can say, unhesitatingly! that they bear every appearand » of being absolutely genuine. They are > in a great variety of handwritings; some have been penned by men and some by f women; some are evidently the handiF work of illiterate persons, and some that . of persons of education. They are E pasted into volumes, and not only are . they open for public inspection, but Mr. > Richards is most solicitous that they ! should be inspected, and will be happy > to exhibit them to anyone who will favour i him with a call. Meantime, perhaps, it • may interest many readers of this notice i to quote one or two of the more remarki able of the letters referred to. ! A local resident, writing from Ponsonby (his precise address he might not care to see published, and so it is omitted) cays: 1 "It is with the deepest gratitude I write i this testimonial certifying to the eom--1 plete cure effected by your skilful treat- ! ment. For 20 years I could ncs use i either of my arms. I have been under i several doctors, but they could do me no ; good. I had given up hope when a lead- . ing doctor recommended me to try your treatment, with the result that from the '. first treatment I had at your hands 1 improved wonderfully. I had 20 treatments in all and am now perfectly cured. My general health has never been so good before. Wishing you every success I remain gratefully yours . This letter was witnessed by. an Auckland J.P. Another Auckland resident (a lady) • wrote to Mr. Richards to tell him how much she had benefited at his hands. , Referring to the time when she first consulted him, she says: "My eyes were so bad that at times I was nearly blind, and was not able to see to work properly. My face, also, was very bad with pimples. After three treatments my eyesight was splendid, and the pimples Were gone. lam very grateful." This letter was witnessed by two persons. Writing later the same correspondent says: "It is now three years and one month since , I had your treatment and my health is • still perfect." , | In another case a young girl of 15 j years of age, who had been com- : pelled to wear glasses since infancy, being unable to tell the time when only two and a-half inches distant from a. clock, ' and when using the strongest lenses obtainable, became a patient of Mr. i Richards', and in four months' time, he. succeeded in giving her the full use of her eyesight. This girl's mother is about to visit Auckland again in order to consult Mr. Richards. He gave her one treatment some considerable time ago, and she declares she derived more benefit from i that solitary treatment than she has ex- 1 perienced since as the result of protracted • and more orthodox treatment in the, South Island city where she resides. Yet another case: A young man, a resident of Auckland Province, when a cnila of four years of age, sustained a very severe mental shock. He was chased by a lunatic and was almost literally frightened to death. Subsequently his right hand became paralysed, so that he could not use a pen, save to make illegible characters, and could not lift his hand , more than a few inches. After nine or ten treatments this patient improved so much, thanks to Mr. Richards, that he learned to write quite legibly, and specimens of his handwriting are new in the possession of Mr. Richards, who has them 1 on exhibition. J One more case (although hundreds of cases could be quoted if space permitted). A boy of 12, Basil S , was the patient in this instance. The lad was a sufferer from birth, his hand being affected. He was incapable of putting it to his mouth —couldn't use knife, fork, spoon, or cup. When he tried to write he produced an illegible scrawl. About a month alter Mr. Richards took him in hand he began to write a little. Three months' later 1 his mother reported that Basil (who had ' long before returned home) was able to , use his hand freely, and could take horse ' exercise and guide his horse with the | hand that" had been a source of so much trouble. He can now write quite well and easily. Mr. Richards professes himself utterly at a loss to account for his gift of healing, but says he has possessed it from boyhood. He uses neither drugs nor instru- ' ments of any kind whatever. He declared he was not a spiritualist, hut he believed in hypnotism, and had practised it successfully for years, but now had a better method—" Manipulative treatment ' and divine science." " I can tell," he : says, " what is wrong with any person : I by merely holding the person's hand in : ! mine." , This very Uncommon practitioner makes : ;no charge for consultation, and may bo seen at his residence at any hour "after ' 9 a.m. daily. Since his treatment is so - extremely simple, absolutely painless, and ' not involving operations of any kind, sat- [ ferers from any complaint that seems to ' resist ordinary methods of handling might ' possibly with advantage seek an inter- i view with the subject of this notice. He i declares that he courts difficult and obsti- ' nate cases of long standing which aave , refused to yield to ordinary methods, in- ! stancing his success hi treating ehronis < diabetes, loss of voice, paralysis, neuras- ] thenia, spinal and nervous disorders, etc., and chronic deafness, also innumerable ' other complaints, and he claims also to . have cured many returned soldiers suffer- ' ing from shell shock and nervous troubles, i some of whom had been pronounced hi- l curable. * i Mr. Richards proposes to give a free ' juiblic demonstration of his powers early ' in the New Year, when all who are rater-* j estec! will have an opportunity of seeing i and hearing him and of witnessing his * methods of healing. Further particulars i of this demonstration will shortly be an- 1 nounced. * ' It is also worthy of special mention 1 that Mr. Richards is ably assisted by his ' wife, Mrs. Margaret Grant Richards (who j claims to be very successful in treating ,' sufferers of her own sex). Mrs. Richards , (whose grandfather was a medical man) ! was recently awarded the degree of doctor I of chiropractice, and gained her diploma with 97 marks out of a possible hundred, r

WICKINS AND SUTCLIFFE.

NEWTON'S LEADING AUCTIONEERS d AND UP-TO-DATE HOUSE ~ FURNISHERS. e This well-known firm, so long identified r with the Old Mill Mart, recently shifted j their quarters, and moved into much more . commodious and central premises at 42, '' Karangahape Road, close to the comer of % Upper Queen Street. Here they will be ii better able to cope with the demands of e their rapidly expanding trade. y The ground floor is occupied by the . auction mart, and on the floor above are '_ the new furniture showrooms, filled with examples of modern household furniture, in oak and rimu, adapted to the requires ments of all classes of buyers. The rooms .. are spacious and lofty, well lighted, and inviting. Visitors are welcomed, inspection is solicitedbut no one is asked to 8 buy. There are but few firms in the Dominion that are prepared, nowadays, to furnish a . four-roomed cottage for £100. But Wickins and Sutchffe undertake to do it and to include, moreover, all the articles > essential to the comfort of the purchaser 3 for this modest sum. The fact is, the firm r is not out to reap big profits. Content - with a narrow margin of gain, it aims at making a large turnover. Its new furniture is manufactured expressly for it, and • it is thus enabled to supply its patrons i at factorv prices. This is a point well j worthy the consideration of soldiers with 3 repatriation orders. The firm will treat them generously. Auction sales are held in the mart every " Wednesday at 1 p.m., and invariably at- ' tract numerous buyers. Many a good > bargain is picked up at these sales, which' j are always worth attending. and miscellaneous lines are on private sale every day at this mart, and ' people are dropping in all the time to ex-; ' amine and price the goods, and it fre- , ? quently happens that just the very article ; you are looking for is to be picked up at j Wickins and Sutcliffe's at a very reasonable figure. The goods are never on sale i longthey are snapped up too quickly for ! that. But they are immediately replaced . by others. ( The firm conducts auctions at private residences, if desired, and vendors are generally well satisfied with the prices rea- . 1 lised. on these occasions. j W. and S. are at all times open to pur- . chase used furniture in any quantity, and j , those who do not care about disposing of , their belongings -by auction, or who cannot wait for a sale of that kind to eventuate, 1 will find t it well worth their while to treat ■ with the' firm under, notice. They pay • j satisfactory prices- in all such cases. , It should be added that this enterprising ; firm has been appointed sole Auckland agents for the Stevenson, ready-to-erect homes—bungalows of tasteful design, which are made in sections, and can be readily > put togf ther and erected where desired. ; j One of these dwellings can now be seen in , I position on the beach at Point Chevalier. They can be erected in a week, and range in price from £110 to £350, according to size. THE GREATEST FRUIT, POULTRY, AND PRODUCE CONCERN THIS SIDE THE LINE ! E. TURNER. AND SONS, NEW CITY MARKETS. > A chat with Mr. Harvey Turner, one • of the partners in this gigantic concern, is quite an interesting experience, so much has he to say of moment regarding the j : trade with which he is connected*: j j Our premises were pretty extensive I this time last year, said Mr. Turner, in opening the conversation, but we have : j made considerable advances since that I time, having in the interim absorbed the ; old-established and well-known business of Tooman and Co., fruit, produce, and . poultry people, whose large premises we j have added to our own, and we now have : a total floor space of 505Q00 square feet. ! : There are six of us, brothers, ail taking : an active j>art in the control of the con- , ' cern. When the war finished only two , El us were running the business, but three aving returned from the front, and one from camp,, we axe all together and working away in concert as formtVly. The three eldest of us have been identified j with the firm for nearly 20 years. I We have four auctioneers, whose duties J are decided thus: —Fruit, H. Turner and ' P. Turner; produce, H. Gladding; poul-1 I try, T. B. Arthur. j The fruit and produce auctions take place daily at our mart. The strawberry auctions are timed for 9 a.m., after which . the sale of other fruit, and also of pro- j duce follows. As intimated already the ground floor is the scene of the auctions, , where th_e invoicing is also attended to, ; three windows for cash payments being provided. I may mention that we have now opened an office in Wellington, where the staff supervises the shipment of fruit, i etc., from that end to headquarters here! in Auckland. , i We have handled the largest quantity ' of produce this year we ever touched, and anticipate that we shall deal this season with the greatest quantity of fruit in our i experience so far. ' j the auctioneering business is essenti- j I ally one that requires to be done on the ' ground-floor of any premises devoted to, the line, and we not only possess every ' possible facility for doing a very exten- i sive trade in our line, but also abundance j of space for our operations. This, as the . public well know, is a- point of consider- j able importance. And here I might tell; 1 you that should the requisite shipping facilities be available—space for tin goods, that —we anticipate doing ere long an extensive export trade in apples. We are very fortunate, I might point ; out, in our location. Our premises occupy [the premier position in the City Markets, having a double frontage—one looking ; out on Customs Street, and the other on Market Street, and there is a convenient j J lane running all along the rear of the. premises as well. j ! ( Our building comprises three floors. I Communication is secured by means of powerful electric elevators, and there is ample cool storage accommodation on the premises most advantageous arrangement for the tirm. as by its means we are enabled to supply the"market continuously. But for cool storage the Auckland public would be deprived of certain fruits for a considerable portion of the year. Anyone who is interested in the New '' Zealand fruit industry should attend one ' of our fruit sales, and visitors must be impressed by the quantity of fruit we handle. It is certainlv an' eve'-opener for the uninitiated. We are always glad to i see strangers, and they will find that; one of our big sales is a sight worth ■ seeing. ' We are now handling the bulk of the ■ locally-grown strawberries on the market, • and to give you some idea of our operations in that way I may tell you that at ' a recent sale we "quitted" 800 crates of the fruit, representing 12,800 punnets or chip- , boxes. This, of course, was exclusive of other fruit sold on the same occasion. Our poultry sales (held on Tuesday ' and Friday, weekly) are also a prominent 5 feature of our business, and at a, recent sale of this kind we handled some 3000 1 head- Yes, poultry is fetching high prices j at present. Owing to the scarcity of feed . and its excessive cost, many people are discovering that it doesn't pay to keep ' poultry nowadays. ' The entire management of this busi- X ness is under the personal supervision of j the principals, assisted by an experienced and efficient staff of employees, many of ' whom have been associated "with the firm \ for lengthened periods. Of course the \ rapid growth of our trade has necessitated 1 many additions to the staff, and whereas we had 30 employees 12 months ago, we ' now have 60. \ It should be mentioned that the office i tor the despatch of general business, and ! also the land agency, are located on the ■] first floor, and on this floor will also be j found the tea and luncheon rooms, freely ! patronised, not only by buyers and sellers, but also by the general public. To show the extent of Turner and Sons' * trade it may be said that they not only i handle consignments of fruit from all the i fruit-growing districts of New Zealand, t but also from Australia, the Cook Islands, Society Islands, Fiji, and America, 1 and their gross turnover to-day is just i about five times as large as it" was five v years ago. Where will they stop? r In reply to a question as to the fruit t> prospects for this year, Mr. Turner said I <

the indications were for a light; to huh diuhi crop of sfcbne-friuts, but a heavy crop of apples and pears—especially in the South Island. Turner's have four telephone numbers 452, 4387, 781, and 4449. and in this con- , neefcion it should be added that the firm have installed at their own expense, a I switchboard of their own, and thus time 1 is economised, and communication with ) clients greatly facilitated. , In conclusion it is worthy of note that : this immense business, founded by the I late Mr. E. Turner, has grown with the " growth of Auckland, and has not. by any means done growing yet, for it never i stands still, and is constantly expanding. » It is not merely an Auckland institution, , it is a New Zealand institution, and its fame has spread to other lands than ours. OUTFITTING UP-TO-DATE-A BUSY KTNGSLAND STORE. "ALLLNGHAM'S." "Allingham's" is situate at 203, New North Road, Kingsland (on the twopenny section), and was established twelve or thirteen years ago, since when it has made steady progress, until to-day it i» known all over the Kingsland and Mount Albert districts, and is patronised by a great many of the residents in those progressive j suburbs. Allingham's specialises in outfits for ladies, for men, and for boys and girls, , and is just now making an attractive dis play of summer goods, including (for ladies' wear) smart costumes and fashionable millinery, frocks, blouses, underwear, j gloves and hose. j The men's department is replete with j new season's goods, including smartly-cut 1 ready-to-wear suits, shirts, and sundries. I Allingham's might, be called " the top | to toe " outfitters, because it can equip ■ everybody from head to foot with wearing j apparel of the best and newest. I The proprietor claims, and doubtless j quite truly, that no reasonable customer . has ever left his store dissatisfied. The j house is naturally proud of the reputation j it has made for giving a "square deal." i and is determined to continue to deserve the good name it has won. AH CHEE. _ THE LARGEST FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DEALER IN AUCKLAND, v The subject of this notice claims to be doing the largest trade in fruit and vegetables in Auckland, and it is questionable whether a larger concern of the kind is to be found in the Dominion. The business in question was founded by the father of the present proprietor (who is now living in retirement), has been !in existence for nearly 40 years. For about half that time "it has" been conducted by its present chief. Like many successful 'enterprises, this one began in a comparatively humble way. For years it was located in the small shop adjoining the present premises. At that time but a few assistants were necessary. Now the staff numbers about 60 hands, while the turnover has grown accordingly. ! It should be borne in mind that the j trade is not merely a retail one—that is j only one branch of the business— Ah j Chee does an extensive wholesale trade as well, and also a large shipping trade, besides supplying the requirements of many hotels, large boardinghouses. private , families and public institutions. i Half the battle where vegetables are j concerned is to get them fresh from the soil and the only way in which this can be done by the retailer is for him to grow them himself. That is what Ah Chee is doing. He owns market gardens at Avondale, Mangere, and Parnell— 100 acres in all—and from these gardens he is supplied daily with vegetables as fresh as they can well be. He sells great quantities of potatoes, cabbage, peas, heans lettuce tomatoes, small fruits, etc., n n d the bulk ° these things he produces himself What he does not produce he buvs in.the city markets. Everything is of the best. Quality is the principal consideraAs to foreign fruits, this enterprising trader imports the greater part of his stocks direct, principally from Sydney, the Cook Islands, and Fiji. Shipments are constantly arriving to his order, and thus he is enabled to keep un a fine display of fruits in season in his window, as well as withm his commodious store. It may be mentioned that the premises referred to extend from Queen Street (opposite the G.P.0.)-right through to Little Queen Street, in which latter thoroughfare the wholesale department is located, and from whence, also the ship ping orders are executed. ' Ah Chee, like most members of hi* race, is a keen business man: and mora tiian that he is a good organiser The expansion and development of the biff commercial concern with which he is identified, and the success which it i« at taming, and has already attained, are due to his energy, initiative and enterprise aided by the efforts of a loyal and efficient staff. THE FARMERS' BAZAAR. 06 ALBERT STREET. The proprietor of this business. Mr. B. M. Morley, is a smart young business man, and a native of Auckland. He was formerly in business in Stanley Street, as a gram merchant, but when the war broke out h e was called to the colours and spent three years at the front. Since his return to this city he has embarked once more in business at the above address, and although but recently established, has succeeded in making good already. Ho started "from scratch." and his turn-over now represents nearly £1000 per month— an astonishing record, all things considered. Hie Farmers' Bazaar is, as its name implies, principally devoted to the interests of farmers. Mr. .Morley deals, as he says, in "anything and everything tor the farm," and he has quite a considerable stock of second-hand harness and saddlery on sale. He handles, also, farm implements of all kinds—farm carts and ■waggons, spring-dray?, waggonettes, buggies (single and double), gigs and sulkies At the present time he has a stock of about fifty vehicles of one kind and another, all second-hand and in all sizes and conditions. Fresh goods are continually coming along, so that he always has something new to exhibit to callers and possible buyers. He deals, also, in used motor cars and has several of them now on hand, prices ranging from £120 to £400 He is open to buy, sell, or exchange am of the lines .he specialises in, and pavs periodical visits to the country in" a motor-car, which he keeps for his private use. _ These trips are all made for commercial purposes, and in connection with his own business. He- travels in this wav all over the Auckland Province. An important feature of this concern is the Farmers' Land and Estate Agency, and those having farm properties or blocks of land to dispose of or who wish to acquire properties of the kind will do well to communicate with Mr. Morley. The sub jeet of this notice hopes to establish an extensive grain, produce, and feed trade .early in the new year. He is well satisfied with the progress he has made so far, and confident of his ability to extend his operations very largely. It should be mentioned that clearance auction sales of farm stock and implements house and landed property, and miscellaneous goods, can be arranged at the Farmers' Bazaar at any time. It only remains to add that. Mr. Morlev has a very straightforward way of speaking, and impresses one with his sincerity when he says he will not stoop to misreoresentation, but is prepared, absolntelv, to civs every client a fair and honest deal.