QUEEN ST. IMPROVEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17965, 15 December 1921, Page 5

QUEEN ST. IMPROVEMENT.

'' '•'/ THE IMPRESSIONS OF A FORMER ;.;., RESIDENT. . . Tho one who notices the, advancements of a city most is the one who leaves it for a few years and then returns. Such was the experience of the writer, who has returned to Auckland after an. absence of several years. The amazing progress, particularly in the business areas of the city, is an eyeopener. Queen Street is undoubtedly now one'of the finest thoroughfares in the Dominion. Towering buildings have replaced the original small structures. Firms that were once small arc now enormous concerns. It is the progress of Auckland's business houses that accounts for the inspiring spectacle Queen Street now presents. The latest improvement that has taken place in Queen Street is the completion of extensive alterations and additions to tho premises of Messrs. Smith and Caughe/, Ltd., and the other day the writer had tho privilege of being shown right through the finished building by a member of the firm. It was fortunate that the writer remembered Smith and Caughey's premises as they were prior to the big improvement, and can therefore place beside what "now is" a mentaVfictuxe of "what was." Messrs. Smith and Caughey's frontage to Queen Street is' now adorned with 14 huge plate-glass display windows, giving it an imposing and attractive appearance with an excellent natural light to show off the goods by daylight, and at night it is a blaze of electric light. The plateglass fronts are set in marble foundations, whilst at the top, artistically designed leadlights effect a most pleasing relief. The whole of the front is sheltered by a lofty suspended verandah—postless, of course—while four wide and iriViting entrances complete the clever external ground-floor architecture of .this imposing building. The writer was first taken into the new wing, which is situated at the southern end of the building. Upon entering, the first impression was that of extreme spaciousness, excellent natural lighting arrangements, and splendid ventilation. Regardless of the sultry heat of the day, one enjoyed a delightfully cool, refreshing feeling in every part'of this

big emporium. At this end of the new wing is situated the ladies' shoe department. Here the splendid stocks of footwear are attractively displayed in large plate-glass showcases, whilst the privacy secured by the furnishing arrangements would certainly appeal strongly to customers trying on and choosing their requirements. The centre cf the new section has been devoted to perfumery, toilet requisites, stationery, leather goods, and novelty Christinas gift, goods department*, and by--,the adoption of many large plateglass' island counters and showcases, a. most picturesque display of these seasonable .goods greets the eye. Hong the. sides of the new portion is the art-needlework department, and the glove and hosiery sections, which now, being' arrayed specially with Christmas stocks, present a gay spectacle, suggestive of the extensive stocks which Smith and Caughey carry. Next come the haberdashery and ribbons. Judging by the exceptionally busy scene in the haberdashery department it is- evident jthafc.. customers fold : Smith aind Caughey's big stocks-of these essential odds and ends replete in every way. Gorgeous is: undoubtedly! the, only, word .applicable^.-.far-;';the; showing: ol; ribbons. ; firery' imaginable, colour in all'its' :.yariouß Mendings and contrastings combine in making the display one l of inspiring beauty. '; '■' /;]; ',' : ;\ *;.'■'"'".' I Passing through' the haberdashery and ribbon departments, we next entered the Manchester and napery■ department. . Whilst here the writer was informed that quite recently two of the firm's most experienced buyers made a, special journey to the Old Country and Europe, there buymgheavUy for all'departments; The Manchester and napery department benefited in particular by this .overseas, purchase, and their present snowing of fancy napery and crash goods surpasses in every way any previous displays offered to Aucklanders. , " ,>"' V ; "

London and" Paris bring' Might to tie hearts pi those who admire and desiro : the cutest creations lor the coming season. Within close • proximity to the Showroom and Millinery are the Blouse and Skirt Departments, while quite handy ft the Larries' Underwear Department vßy arranging these- various departments"in irach close proximity to each other, _ it' simplifies to a maximum degree (Sbs.diffi- \ culty of correctly matching articles from the various departments concerned and makes shopping a real pleasure. On the first floor will also be found the Chinaware and Glass Department. Towering showcases, shelves and fixtures of every description are filled with the newest products of the world's foremost , potteries and glass works. Particularly noticeable'ire the low,prices, idue to'.tho fact that_ all S. and C.'s stocks are bought direct from the manufacturer Finally} we arrive at the third floor, which .will bo devoted entirely to the Furniture Department. At present, however, a large section has been set aside for the usual 8. and C. annusl .Chrietmas Bazaar.. Here, now, is the land of joy for every girl-and boy. Never before have S. and C.'s'displayed such a glorious showing of .toys and .games for the kiddies; and, remember, the major portion of these goods are British' manufacture. To.add gaiety, extensive decorations; and lighting effects have been carried .out- which render a real gala appearance to the " Christmassy " scene. This great Christmac Bazaar ir looked forward to by. hundreds of youngsters each year, and this year tleir little hearts will' throb with joy as they be hold this, kingdom of toyiand, with Santa C'aus reigning supreme.> Every parent should bring their children to this delightful bazaar— boys of seven or 70— all-will find it equally enjoyable, merry and bright. These extensive alterations and improvements 'mi additions are simply the outcome, of necessity—a necessity created by the ever-increasing patronage towiird'S. aiid C. by the Auckland people-r-in fact, New Zealand people. S. and C.'s new building is a great asset to Queen Street. Regardless of the unusual trading conditions that have~ had to be faced during the last few years. S. and C. Have battled ardently and come out victorious. Their sound business methods have created an enviable confidence in the minds of their huge clientele, which is creditable and praiseworthy, ' and it is conceivablo that as each year rolls by the good name of S. and C. will be but more deeply emBedded in the minds of the public,