The Fascination of Christmas shopping

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20131, 17 December 1928, Page 16

The Fascination of Christmas shopping

For convenience, comfort, and speed do your Christmas shopping by taxi. A few minutes before starting out on your •hopping expedition phone 45-255 and a Chess Taxi will arrive, at your service, and At a special reasonable rata for hourly engagement—Or just cngag6 on a from a rank.

Walking alcng crowded Queon Street

In the present gruelling weather is cero, taiiily far from pleasant, and what a relief it is to know that waiting for one is a luxurious car, ready to drive to the next store, and to relieve one of parcels.

To be the oldest dyeing and dry-clean-ing firm in Auckland, and yet to be the most modern as far as methods and machinery are concerned, is the honour held by Messrs. D. and A. Brown, Ltd., 66, Shortland Street. Established in 1866 the business has remained in the family, various members of . which have consistently carried oat* the , ideals of the founder—to advance with the times in eVery respect, and yet to give to all their work that thoroughness which . .was so typical of sixty years ago. Dyeing, is such a delicate and technical operation that great care should be exercised in choosing who to undertake the work, especially when it comes to flimsy and easily damaged ladies' frocks. One can go to Messrs. D. and A. Brown s ■with a feeling of absolute confidence that jwery care humanly possible will be taken, and the finished garments turned but as . new, instead of iready to fall to bits. How utterly impossible it is to keep our clothes in .good condition during ' tna summer holidays we all know only too well, and here is where the service of a competent dyeing and cleaning firm is an economical essential to everyone. A frock that nas been irretrievably stained at a picinc can be taken to Brown's and dyed some becoming shade according to your wishes. A suit or flannels, after the rough usage over the holidays, needs cleaning and pMMittg. Bing for Brdrwn's to collect. • - Brown's ar9 the people to go to —the oldest dyers and cleaners in Aucklandtie most modern in methods and machinery.

At the House of Eagleton, 6, Victoria Street, a few steps from Queen Street; the longest established hairdresser in 'Auckland, one finds the latest methods of fashion's decree. • Mr. Eagleton but lately I returned from Europe has brought new Ideas, from the fashion centres there to graft on to his already wide and unexcelled knowledge of hair culture and treatment. While in

France and England Mr. Eagleton attended the International Hairdressers' Academy, atid was elected a life member, and was also awarded a diploma to demonstrate L'Oreal tinting of the hair. Pormanent waving has become such an es-

tablished thing. nowadays that it has been difficult to obtain qualified assistants for the delicate and painstaking work involved. It is so easy to have one's hair rained by incompetent hands that the utr ' ' most care and consideration should-be given to the choosing of one's hairdresser. It gives such a delightful feeling of relief and contentment to know you can eink back comfortably in the chair, leaving „ all to the operator, without the slightest fear of any mistake being committed. At Mr. Eagleton's Is to be found this feeling of absolute confidence and security.

Vases, candlesticks, salad bowls, serviette rings, etc., skilfully turned out, to your wishes, from New Zealand woods « thousands of years old! It sounds incredible, yet such is the case. At the Mt. Eden Turnery, 80, Mt. Eden Road, nndor the direction of Mr. Wallis, most beautiful works of art arc evolved from

honeysuckle, kauri, vimu, and varied timbers from the prehistoric buried forest at Arapuni. There are ornaments of these and modern wood on sale at the Turnery that by their sheer beauty help one to make a quick choice of a Christm?3 present, and, withal, they have the great advantage of being useful as well as ornamental. The firm turns any wood to one's V desires, whether Jfor decorative

nse, or more prosaic things, such as table and. bed legs; in fact, every conceivable shape it is possiblo to turn wood into.

When you are buying Christmas pre- , Bents, Aunt Jane has just what you require. All kinds of novelties, cake covers, bathing bags, shopping bags, vanity bags,

purses, art works; in fact, everything that combines utility with novelty. Let Aunt Jane choose your Christmas presents. Then there is Tilly. Tilly will mako your Christmas cakes and puddings, and cater for your Christmas parties.

find Aunt and Tilly

To walk into Frank Wisemans, Ltd., in Queen Street to-day is to walk Into a Christmas shop ideal. The whole place spells Yulotide joyr and whether the visitor be grown up or young, the Christmas spirit is there, and as varied unci seasonable a choice of gifts one could wisfy for, making the matter of a suitable present soon settled. Be it for man, woman, or child, Wiaeman's have it. The name Wiseman is synonymous with the finest leather goods obtainable, and here ono will find ladies' handbags in all the latest styles and shapes, wallets and purses, tobacco pouches, writing cases, cushions, collar boxes, etc. Leather and " fiberkane" travelling goods, always in demand over the holidays, such as suit and attache cases, are there, together with useful and necessary assets conducive to pleasurable voyaging. Among attractive gifts are shaving sets, razors, mirrors, china and crystal ware, work baskets, manicure sots, writing paper in dainty boxes—these just enumerating a few—for the kiddies arc games, dolls, etc.

A special department deals with Zeiss Ikon and other cameras of all descriptions, and their accessories. A four-hour film service is at one's disposal. In the Sports department will lie found everything appertaining to outdoor and indoor games and the open-air life. At this time of the year naturally tennis and cricket occupy the minds of most of us; Wiseman's will show you whatever you require to commence, renew, or complete your kit. In fishing gear their stock is complete, from heavy shark tackle to the light rod of river fishing. Meccano and Hornby trains for the son of the house, and although it's not supposed to be, but nearly always is, for father, too. In these highly educative pastimes, one can hardly call them toys, Wiseman's are the Auckland Specialists. They have also actual working models of aeroplanes, steam engines and launches. The radio branch covers from the smallest reliable crystal set to the most powerful long distance one, together with their spare parts. The newest type of the famous Atwater Kent giving one the advantage of direct electric connection instead of batteries. If it be desired to present gifts which are interesting, unique and likely to increase in value rather than- deteriorate, visit Messrs. G. and W. Alexander at 296, Queen Street, opposite the Civic Square. In their showrooms of " Fine and Rare" things you will find an infinite variety from which to select.

The stock comprises fine English china, hand-mado crystal in a large variety of goblets, decanters, and charming table pieces, a wide range of English and Oriental brasses, pewter, jowellery, and " objects of art." This firm also specialises in high-grade etchings, watercolonrs, Japanese woodcuts, and old English prints by Ackerman and Baxter.

In the category of nseful and durable presents there are on show hundreds of small and inexpensive things, both antique and modern, such as clocks, cups and saucers, plaques, brass candlesticks, photo and miniature frames, place cards for prossnts, sweet dishes in china and cut crystal, and French pearl necklaces. Alexanders are specialising in handwrought English pewter, of the " Tudric" design. This pewter is made in the same way as the old Elizabethan pewter, and comprises teasets, jugs, trays, beautiful clocks and household pieces.

All goods are plainly marked, and inspection at leisure is invited. Don't forgot that there is now a sale on at this gallery of choice things.

The No Deposit Piano Company, 305-7, Queen Street, in order to cope with their ever expanding business, found it necessary to move to their present large and commodious premises next door above llio Town Hall. Here, among other world celebrated pianos, they are exhibiting the famous British-made Allison, which is an instrument used by I lie lloyal Collego of Music, London, and the Trinity College of Music London—sufficient recommendation in itself.

For those who long for a piauo to. complete their Christmas and year round happiness, yet hesitate on account of the sum involved, a visit to the No Deposit Piano Company will solve all their difficulties. A piano is a profitable investment as a means of compulsory saving, and the No Deposit Piano Company will help you to buy one through a system of easy payments conducted in an absolutely private manner, and they give full consideration in case of sickness. In purchasing a new piano, ordinary or player-piano, they will take your old ono in partpayment at the highest value possible, and even" allow you part cash. And remember, every piano purchased there has behind it the guarantee of the No Deposit Piano Company, a firm that has been in business for thirty years*

To be well and neatly dressed and perfectly groomed is an attribute generally associated with the outward appearance of an English gentleman. The sartorial horr6rs of sotne men's attire have no place in his wardrobe.

Those men who are particular, and desire to dress faultlessly, go to the Birm of Fowlds in Queen Street. Horo man can be clothed from head to toe.

Taking his head first, then, let us commence with his hats. Fowlds have, as they have in all .tilings, such a large varioty and stock that it is a simple matter to get one to suit in every, respect, shape, size, colour, and price. One finds there, of course, the renowned Stetson and Borsalino, but Fowlds show a British line of their own, which, at the money, are equal in value to any in the world. 'lf one should desire a cheap hat, they are there, only remember, never mind at what price Fowlds sell a thing, whatever it may be, you are certain of receiving an article t>f undoubted quality. Velours, furs, ordinary felts, Panamas, sun helmets, one has all kinds to select from. Caps for everyday wear are not worn very iiiuch nowadays, but for convenience and comfort in travelling they still more than hold their own. The habit when travelling of carrying a cap somewhere handy, ready to don in car or train, is one that, if aoquired, will soon repay one in comfoft and ease experienced.

Good linen is an absolutely essential finishing touch to dreßS for business and social life. Fowlds' linen collars are naturally in all sizes, but as well as that they are in all shapes. So many men prefer their own particular typo of collar, and find some difficulty in procuring it, they will readily appreciate and take advantage of this fact. The comfortable semi-soft collar that needs no starching becomes, however, more and more the favourite of a growing number of men on account of the ease and neckroom that 30 hand and hand with them. The semi-soft collars of Fowlds' jyve this contentment, but, at the same time, without sacrificing that " pukka" look stiff collars seem to have. Ties in all shapes, colours, and fabrics, in Silk, poplin, knitted wool, cotton, etc.

Of shirts, Fowlds' have an unrivalled range—from the stiff-fronted one for evoning wear to the neglige one for sports or leisure. Cut, which means as much in a shirt as in a suit, is apparent in those of Fowlds, and every description of -size and material is there to choose from. If you prefer, they will make you a shirt to measure.

Underclothing, in wool, cotton, and silk, heavy and light, full or sleeveless, knee-or ankle length, just as ono fancies. Of suits at Fowld3 a page by itself could be written. Ready-made or made-to-measure, they present a choice of the very latest or of conservative styles, which also applies to tho colours. Texture and material naturally has a lot to do with the price, but the Fowlds' standard of cut is maintained the same throughout—expensive suit or knockabout.

Shoes and boots for business, evening wear, cricket, bowls, or hiking, slippers in leather, or soft woolly ones to accompany a book and pipe, ono need go no further to get full satisfaction from one's purchase.

Now, as for " milady's" Christmas gift for mer© man, go to tho " Firm of Fowlds," madame, and get the advice of one of the courteous salesmen, or just rely on your own judgment. Ties, \ socks, handkerchiefs, silk dressing-gowns and pyjamas, hair brushes, collar boxes, links and studs, safety razors, those and a host of other presents of real utility' you will see there, presents that are sure to delight the receiver as adding something very personal to his belongings, and fitter all the personal element in a gift is what makes it of all the more value. So, ladies anil gentlemen, once more tho advice, " Go to the Firm of Fowlds."

Do you lilco crayfish, and crayfish straight from the sea? Then just go down Custom Street West, a walk of about eight minutes, across the site of the old graving dock, and continue until you come to the City Market; opposite this is a large red corrugated iron building. On this you will see the sign of the Auckland Crayfish Bupply Company, pointing to their wharf, where you can buy crayfish straight from the boiler, into which they aro put fresh from tho ocean waters.

The advantage of buying right on the wharf will readily present itself to lovers of crayfish, the cheapness of this way of purchasing making a considerable saving, and as well as that one is assured of absolute freshness.

For a summer dish crayfish salad is a delicacy apart, and the few minutes spent •in its. preparation are amply repaid by the wholesome and tasty nature of tho meal.

A pioneer Auckland firm, Messrs. J. J. Craig, Ltd., supply many things essential to, the home and for the building of a house.'

* mast shopping that one experiences at no other time of the year. Here are a few seasonable suggestions for gifts beauty and utility, gifts that will remain always a source of delight and pleasure. Here, also, are some suggestions that, while away from actaa shopping, are of great practical interest. Do your shopping now before the last-minute rush commences.

Something of findoubted practical utility and a present which, though constantly in use will last for years, is one of the reinforced concrete washing coppers manufactured by Messrs. J. J. Craig, Ltd., of 100, Queen Street, at their St. George's Bay Depot. This style has many decided advantages over the older type, being for one thing much more economical in that by retaining heat more than metal they conserve the use of fuel, and from the point of view of cleanliness are far superior because in a few minutes the whole thing can be made spick and span.

Coal, < cement, lime, materials for making roads and paths, scoria, bricks, shingle, sand, etc. For those who are spending a quiet Christmas at home there will be an opportunity of going over the garden, so for one thing why not get in a supply of lime to thoroughly stamp out plant pests. 'lo add to the picturesque side of the garden the volcanic, bluish-red rocks which are procurable from Messrß. J. J. Craig make decidedly beautiful rockeries. Whatever y6u need in the way of materials for laying out or mending tho paths Messrs. J. J. Craig, Ltd., can supply, including an excellent economical quick-drying "Laykold" preparation which once spread needs no more attention. Messrs. J. J. Craig, Ltd., head office is 100, Queen Street, with branches at Mt. Eden, Newmarket, Onehunga, and Hamilton.

Brims turn this way and that in the new models of pliable straw fashioned for summer wear. They are pleated, tucked, sometimes tied in bows, and give plenty of shade for the eyes. Crowns, too, lie in intricate folds, shirred effects and tiers. They are usually flower or ribbon trimmed. Bangkok trimming gives a pretty effect, too; used in bands it is very becoming, and is particularly suited to the sports nat which will be used with tho sport ensemble.

" Adalie," at 25, Karangahape Road, will show you a large range of beautiful and chic models. The Mdllos. Bcntloy and Howard tako a personal interest in each customer, and should it happen that you are not suited from tho hqts on display, they will make one in a very short space of time to suit your individual taste and fancy. They also retrim and reshape your old hats to your perfect satisfaction, the delightful personal interest in the whole affair giving just. that little touch which makes all tho difference.

A shop that presents a seemingly unending array of Christmas gifts of boauty and unquestionable utility is that of Messrs. Tanfield, Potter, Queen Street. Theirs is, of course, " the" shop in Auckland for chinaware and crystal of all descrip-tions—-dinnfir and tea-sets, vases, etc. Their clientele is so extensive and sales so rapid that the shelves do not long hold the same display, therefore constantly new shipments arrive from Home to fill the depleted stocks, thus ensuring that only tho most modern of warea are presented to the public. Of course, if one so desires, older patterns may be inspected, as the wishes of everyone are considered.

Just unpacked are some most artistic Paisley tea-sets, of design and colours never seen in Auckland before, and a perfect delight to look at. As appropriate gifts, ono would suggest supper sets, consisting of tray and six small Elates, salad sets of floral design, with owl and six fruit saucers, floating and rose bo .vis, Byzantha novelties, afternoon tea-cups, saucers, and plates. Crystal fruit bowls, jam dishes, water sets, etc., in endless variety. And for father! Tanfield. Potter's have special large breakfast cups for the nominal head of the house.

Upstairs at No. 18, Swanson Street, in a quiet, old-world workshop, sits Mr. Hewitt, one of the few violin makers in the Southern Hemisphere, an export, who, besides actually making violins, tends carefully to their ropair and retoning.

It Is well worth bearing in mind by musical holiday-makers that, try as they will over tho summer vacation, it is impossible to keep their instruments up to tone, and that a pligrimage to Mr. Hewitt just before tho cold weather starts to have one's violin or 'cello gone, over is only what is due to a worthy instrument.

To take a stringed instrument td Mr, Hewitt is to lake H to a loving master instead of a to a carpenter.

A household word in Auckland during the last fifty years for cakes and bread, the name McKeown remains 10-day with a reputation nothing if not enhanced, Au old firm, Messrs. E. McKeown and Sons, Ltd., of 7, Queen Street, have advanced with thb times, and in their spotlessly clean bakeries at Symonds and Victoria Streets Will be found the most up-to-date machinery for the baking of bread. Machine-mado bread, untouched by hand in the process, is so obviously more hygienic that the point hardly needs stressing. Bread and bakers' small goods they make in all varieties. As for cakes, McKeown's, amongst all kinds, mako a Christmas cake, the recipe for which has remained a secret of their family since the establishment of the firm; this secret, though jealously guarded, Aucklanders have the gustatory advantage of when they come to sample the finished product. It is a Christmas cake on its own, and unique in its flavour. It s really ever so much cheaper for the housewife to order a cake to be baked at McKeOwn's instead of attempting to make her own; and look at the time and worry

iav6d. Besides, the human clement in homo-baking often fails—there in so much 3lse on the housewife's mind —and often too uneven oven temperature baulks one. McKeown's never fail; everything has been brought to a point of scientific efficiency and .perfection. Those who sample their delicious big cakes and delicious little cakes of all descriptions will realise and appreciate how true this is. Through McKeown's daily delivery service by motor-vans one is assured of receiving the freshest of bread every morning. North Shore and country deliveries are.also maintained, McKeown's Supplying in some of the apparently most inaccessible spots. Of Special # interest to picknickers, ana hoating parties is the fact that McKeown's make a speciality of packing hampers of one's ordering, and despatching by land or sea to the customer, saving one considerable inconvenience on that score. No resume of McKeown's activities would be complete without mention of their 'excellent tea-roams at 7, Queen Street, and at the comer of Victoria Albert Streets. Here, amid coolness, cleanliness, comfort, and unrivalled service, one can sit down to a tea of dainty cakes, tasty sandwiches, and delightful scones, with a further varied menu to select from.

A visit to Mr. Gummer's hardware store at 151, Queen Street, next Herald main entrance, will well repay those in favour of decidedly useful Christmas presents. . Beautiful cutlery is on display there, including the latest styles in table knives, V vith curved blades and plain or coloured handles. These knives are now quite the thing in England, and add just the necessary finishing touch to a table. Clear-cut crystal, too, without which no modern table looks properly arranged, Mr. Gummer has in a large range.

Scissors of all descriptions, guaranteed razors, beaten brass and copper ware, watches, knives from the great wickedlooking hunting knife to the dainty pearlhandled one for " my lady's" purse, these and countless other most appropriate gifts, so varied and seasonable, make it ft simple matter for the undecided shopper to settle on a suitablo present for either sex, young or old.

Auckland, of all places in the Dominion, offers unrivalled facilities for those whose holiday pleasure lies on the water. Bound the shores of the Watemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf lie countless snug beaches and inlots, ideal for camping ana picnics. One only needs to watch the waterfront on any holiday morning to realise the popularity of aquatic excursions, private or otherwise. It is not everyone's good fortune, however, to own a launch or yacht For the multitude who nevertheless delight to spend their weekends or holidays in picknicking and cruising in tho beaitiful surroundings of the uppper and lower harbour, or in cruising among tho islands in tho gulf, provision is made bjij the Auckland Launch and Towboat Company, under tho direction of Captain A. J. Pearce and Mr. A. H. Bentley, whose office is situated on the western side of Prince's Wharf.

Catering for the aqtlatic-loving public is the special business of this company, which owns a fleot of fast, reliable and comfortablo launches, each in the charge of a competent and experienced master. These vessels can be chartered at any time for family or institution excursions. First and foromost is the smart launch lona, which can accommodate up to 35 passengers. For larger parties thero are the lonoto and loneoreo, whose carrying capacity is 103 and 105 persons respectively. All three are up-to-date and powerfully engined, and suitablo for any kind of weather likely to bo experienced within harbour ■ limits. Engagements can be made by telephone, and at the shortest notice. On holidays the company has further resources at its command, being able to secure the use of additional launches whenever occasion requires it. As the title of the company indicates, another important branch of its enterprise is the rendering of tug service wherever it is needed for the assistance of navigation of the larger vessels entering or leaving the harbour, and for any kind of towing work. In this respect it performs a very large proportion of the towago done in the Waitemata. In addition to the smaller craft it has also acquired the more powerful Simplon, which is now equipped with powerful salvage pumps, capable ot throwing 600 tons of water an hour. The Simplon can now bo secured for the most responsible kinds of tug operations that the nautical industry may require. Further, the company owns the smart smaller tugs Jumbo and Sambo, which are daily engaged "as satellites to big commercial vessels whenever moored in harbour or in carrying goods to distant settlers along the Auckland coast.

For lasting presents to be treasured for a lifetime, jewellery, now as through the ages, still holds the undisputed premier place. . For those who wish to be the donors of some ■ never-to-be-forgotten gift, a visit to Stewart, Dawson's fascinating .shop in Queen Stree* is confidently advised. • Here are found most exquisite things. Crystal necklaces, their clarity and brilliance making an instant appeal for unfeigned admiration, are pbrhaps the newest idea offering in jewels. They are cut in many different styles, diamond, oblonpc. or round, some with some pendants of pear shape or elongated drops.

Wristlet watches are an ever seasonable and suitable present, the varied shape and kinds exhibited helping one to choose a design for individuality. The fashionable straps of the moment are dainty affairs i» black silk for madame, and white, gold, or platinum for her or for man. In the matter of small clocks, perhaps quite the daintiest and neatest to be seen are the Swiss carriage clocks, which the firm have on view. In design And appearance they are really unique, the surprisingly reasonable price being an added inducement.

Another new feature is the long range of enamel and gem-studded art jewellery, of distinctive look yet withal ornaments that Will blend with any. A quite Unusual suggestion in this group is a glass cigarette box. These are "but a very few of many trnly beautiful presents of utility the famous House of Stewart Dawson are featuring.

Wo all know the old black " brolly," a name which originated " on the playing fields of Eton." The fashionable modern Dumpy, however, combines strict usefulness with the extreme of Fashion.

At Lethaby's, in the Strand Arcade, such a wealth of choice in colours and handles is obtainable that it will be impossible not to match the exact shade of " milady's" Christmas toilette. And what more pleasing present could be given ?

Tho name Lethaby as synonymous with umbrellas is well known in England and New Zealand, the firm being represented in thiß country in all the more important towns. v >

For men there is an equally large range 'of umbrellas and walking sticks, the latter in all kinds of woods from 2s lid up to genuine Partridge «,*«, «—j, ~ r ~ r .ilar in London. , Select ,youi Christmas presents at George Lethaby's, 16, Strand Arcade.

On show »t the Salon o! Messrs. Pairweather's, Ltd., 215, Queen Street, is a fascinating display of exquisite summer frocks and go>vns, oreations of the latest fashion, which, while the dainty, beautiful materials are most alluringly cool in their flimsiness, retain that distinctive air mnmiin of taStfi. . Exclusive to Fairweather's are a number of attractive frocks in floral georgette from two guineas, crepe de chine from four guineas, in marocain, bengaline, and many delightful fabrics, colours, and designs, plain to tho point of Quaker simplicity or trimmed, flared and pleated according to one's own desires, a champagne georgette bordered with old cluny lace to tone being particularly adorable. As well as frocks, there are on view | black coats for summerwear, in so varied a choice that the customer is sure to obtain one to please, and one that is individually exclusive. Shortly to arrive from Europe are some handbags of a style entirely new to New Zealand, with novelty handles, in snake, lizard, and various leathers, with interwoven and interlaced work, tho colours being of delightful blend. . Fairweather s are now holding a sate which lasts until Saturday, December 22, of special Continental frocks, with reductions in price of from 20 per cent, to 25 per cent.

Now, before the holidays, is the time to have one's portrait taken. The Crown Studio, 266, Queen Street, are specialists and exports in head, portraiture, single figure or group photography, their productions being veritable triumphs of artistic and lifelike work. A photo taken by these masters is a gift that will bring continual joy to the recipient, and an additional ornament to the drawing room.

Provincial visitors on a Christmas shopping expedition to tho city will find tho occasion an excellent opportunity for having their portraits taken by first-class photographers. » .1. • _ J

Crown Studios are famous for their wed-

ding groups, and specialise in colour work as unusual as it is beautiful. So popular have these studios become with the discerning public that they now announce the opening of a third branch at Newton.

In the intervals between tho rush and bustle of Christmas shopping the question must often occur to many people ."Where can I got a really nice cup of tea in peace and quiet?" The Cottage Tea Rooms in 3, Shortland Street, is the answer.

Here,' a few steps from tho city's main shopping and business street, one leaves behind the noiso and dirt of a busy thoroughfare,

and enters into restful and delightful surroundings. In tho " peace and quiet so longed for, ono can have tho daiaticst of teas with home-mado cakes, scones, "sandwiches with delectable linings, or just whatever one desires most at the moment. Not only teas alone, but appetising home-cooked luncheons and very much inquired for hot evening meals are served for those who wish. The food, furnishings, table appointments, service, and whole atmosphere about the place give one that feeling of quiet contentment so welcome during a busy day.

Splendidly madfc and solidly built model aeroplanes, large enough for a child to sit in, are for sale at Mr. 0. E. Cordes, Grafton Road,- at Khyber Pass. For children imbued with the Kingsford Smith spirit here is the ideal present. Side by side with these are children's scooteni and tricycles of sturdy construction.

Mr. Cordes is agent for, the famouti Rudge Whitworth motorcycle, several types of which are in stock, and he undertakes repairs of all descriptions to motor and ordinary cycles. At the rear of th<i garage is a handy benzine pump.

The firm of P. M. Hobson, Ltd., whose premises are situated in Belgium Street., just a few yards down on the right from the top of Queen Street, is one which Jt though only founded in Auckland fbr tho comparatively short Bpace of four and a-half years, has established a sterling reputation for supplying the very beßt.rtli builders' and plumbers' hardware at the mbst reasonable prices. Contractors, large and small, have not been slow to recognise the businesslike promptitude with which their requirements afd met, as is shown in the steady expansion ot the*, business, which has necessitated continual enlargement of the premises. Thii> plesent well-lighted and large showroom exhibits to advantage the display o!f stock in which the firm deals. Many things there are, too, that appeal greatly to the seeker after really useful Christmas presents, or to those about to build a home. The large extent of the stocks gives customers the benefit of & very wide choice as far as variety is concerned. The quality is a constant factor, too, as the firm has never varied its policy of carrying the best stock only, and that 95 per cent. British. Everything for the builder can be supplied at short notice, including roofing, spouting, and doors and their fittings, which .latter include the; very latest tasteful styles in bronze metal. Among other items might be mentioned excellent lines in carpenters' tools.

Under the heading of Banitary waro come a large variety of bathroom fittings, including the best English porcelain-finish baths. , A particularly attractive recent style ih wash basins is a porcelain pedestal basin designed on the most modern lines. Those fittings can.bo supplied complete, or spare pedestals can bp obtained for modernising existing installations.

Private customers lire welcomed, and receive every attention. The premises are handy to the centre of the city, and wdl repay a visit whether the quantities required are large or small.

The namo of Wickins and Sutcliffe is a " household word" in Auckland in a very literal sense. Hundreds of homes have been furnished entirely from x tht.t firm's premises in Melvern Building, Ivarangahapc Road, only a few yards from the top of Queen 'Street. Established 1? years, Messrs. Wickins and Sutclifle have recently found it necessary to enlarge their already extensive premises in order to cope with their continually expanding business in new furniture. Evejy possible want of the householder in the way of furniture is to be had from them, in many different styles. The prices are extremely moderate, not by virtue of a&y decline from standards of the highest excellence in quality, but because the volume of business enables profits to be cut tto a minimum.

Particularly attractive lines now being handled lhclude some very fine pieces in English Oaks. As an indication of the extre-noly reasonable ranee of prices may be quoted three-piece Chesterfield Suites from £ls 10s, rimu dining room chairs with tip-out seats, 16s 3d, similar chairs in oak 22s 6d, oak dinner waggons, in any colour, 255, three-piece oak bedroom suites from £l9 15s, rimu combination chests £2 13s 6d. They maintain as well an auction mart in St. Kevin's Arcade, and specialise in outdoor sales, this combination, their standard of excellence and reasonable prices enabling them to justly say: " This firm in fact defies competition." THE CALL OF THE BEACHES. During the warm summer days of the Christmas vacation, the sandy beaches of the North Shore call one. Here, in secluded boys, you can bathe and picnic, apart or frequent the more popular resorts, just according to one's own ideas of how to upend a holiday. Aucklanders are favoured people, when practically at their front door they have such unexcelled pleasure and beauty spots a few minutes, via vessels of the Devotlport steam Ferry Co., Ltd., from the noise and bustle of town. These ferries maintain regular and frequent services to Devonporfc, Stanley Bay, Birkenhead, Bayswater, Northcote and Chelsea, making special excursions to outer parts of the Waitemata as advertised in the daily papers.

The trip across the harbour being only the matter of a few moments, many business people prefer to live at Devonport and nearby suburbs, on account of the invigorating sea air, quietness of surroundings, and the facilities for boating and bathing. For the convenience of those regular passengers, the Devonport Steam Ferry Co. issue special concession cards at most reasonable rates. Motor-cars, etc., are carried by special vehicular ferries. Services are maintained to Devonport all through the night by launches at regular intervals during the few hours the ferries do not run.

lo lovers of music and musical instruments thete is an.irresistible appeal about Messrs. Lewis Eady, Ltd., at 102, Queen Street. Here can be found everything required in the musical world, of a quality and at a price to satisfy the most discerning. Gramophones, from the portable so beloved of the holiday-maker and camper, to the great handsome electric machine that is a piece of furniture in itself, one has choice from. A portable suitable for 1 campers is the inexpensive " Excelda,". at £3 3s, but for use in the bach or flat there is the " Cliftophone," which is made by Chappell, the piano people, at £6 15s. There are other portable, table, and cabinet models at all prices and at the very easiest terms.

Holiday time is probably the ideal tim« for a musical instrument. A beginner's violin Eady's have at the cost of £2 10s, and for instruments the playing of which can be mastered in the matter of a few minutes or so they have the one-stringed violin at £1 55,. banjo ukuleles at 27s 6d, and a saxophone at 255, with a more pretentions Hwanea Saxophone at £4. Of course, on view are more elaborate ones of all these suggestions for the accomplished pliayer.

Eady's have in stock an enormous range of gramophone records, from jazz and popular songs to classics and opera. For those tvho wish to listen to and choose their records in solitude before purchasing, this firm has special sound-proof audition rooms. A splendid idea for a Jhristmasi present, and one that is sure to be appreciated, is say half-a-dozen recorcls of whatever music your friend loves. A complete opera, for instance, or musical comedy. Eady's pack these, as well as all presenta, if so desired, in special Chriistmas wrapping with Christinas card tinclosed, ana will post direct to year friend, thuii obviating a lot of trouble for you. A piano, or player-piano, is a suggestion for father's gift to the family or betrothed daughter Eady's advertise that if your ordinary piano is silent, change it with them for a player, and they mil allow you a very liberal credit on it.

Then selection of sheet and book music is extensive and replete in every detail, representing as they do several of the most important English, Continental, American, and Australian musical publishers.

Those keen on radio, whether beginners or experts, will find at Eady'a that their , wants are soon complied with. And'last, bnt not least, Lewis Eady's, Ltd., are the Box Office people. They book seats for Auckland's principal theatres, and for the majority of visiting musicians and singers during their stay in the city. Mere words are a poor way of pointing out the attractions of this musical salon de luxe; walk in yourself, listen to your favourite records, inspect and appreciate at your leisure. There is always a court®ous assistant at your service to demonstrate and assist you, for service is the keynote of their business.

What could be mora popular with either sex than one's own individual pattern and colours lor a bathing suit ? These are obtainable—hand-knitted —at Masco's, Karangahape Road. Taie in your own sketch or idea, and in the shortest possible time yon will .be wearing the finished garment.

Think Of the possibilities opened np by this idea. 'Engaged couples—families--parties—clubs, can all be fitted out with their own distinctive colour scheme and pattern. Children who have become separated from their families can be easily identified and picked out at a distance, a great saving of worry to harassed parents. Every girl will be pleased with the knowledge that she has least one outfit which is absolutely exclusive, and for those not so particular, Masco has numerous patterns and colours at cheaper rates.

Used Cars, Ltd., the home of Security* Used Oars, at Broadway, Newmarket, should be the venue of anyone desiring to purchase a thorougHTy reliable used car. Now that summer is at hand, a car is ■ universal want, and through the above firm you can x buy one for a few pounds down and instalments out of income, at a surprisingly recsonable cost. Here may be found every kind of. car to suit every purse, and, what is more, every, car is mechanically perfect, with every nut and bolt overhauled before being offered for sale, each machine being ready for th© road with hundreds of miles ahead of it. You may examino and inspect free and unattended, and if you have a ques* tion to ask a courteous assistant is at your call.

A used car for salo moans to many ft car with some defect. Disassociate youfselves from that thought. A used car, properly reconditioned, is a sensible economy. When you buy a used car from this company you get one that w thoroughly renewed inside and out to givo new car performance. The guarantee of the proprietors is behind ever}' vehicle. The only real difference so far as you ro concerned is one of price, and prospective buyers are certain here of obtaining unquestioned value for the outlay made. At their Broadway Garage, storage » also available, and car-washing car««l out. First grade benzine at Is 10d gallon, and oils, are obtainable, the garage being open every evening*