BUSY CARNIVAL WEEK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21640, 4 November 1933, Page 11

BUSY CARNIVAL WEEK

BRIGHTER PROSPECTS

OUTLOOK IN CHRISTCHURbH

CONFIDENCE AND .BRISK TRADE

Carnival "Week in Christchurch this year promises to bo a great deal brighter than it has been fpr many years past. At least, that was the impression conveyed in interviews tha other day by the managers of several of the city's largest retail shops and, as one of them remarked, they should be in a position to know. Some refused to be drawn into making statements hbout "improved conditions," but they were only a few, and even they did not try to conceal feelings of quiet gratification at the way trading was going on. There were others, however, who were openiy enthusiastic, especially about their millinery and dressmaking departments. "Our girls are going at top," said ono manager, and another described conditions as "just one hectic rush." Ho added that there were 30 or 40 assistants in his firm's dressmaking department, but it was quite impossible to take another order beforo November 11.

"There is a feeling of confidence which one cannol help noticing, especially since the country has had some of tho rain which it so badly needed," said yet another manager of a drapery store. "It may be that wo have some way to go yet, but tho people seem convinced that we aro at last on the road to better times."

Another noteworthy point—and this was emphasised by more than onq manager—was the demand for better merchandise. It indicated that the people who had money were at .last beginning to spend some of it. "Women now are paying up to 15 guineas for a dress, while last year they wanted two for that price," said one manager.

It was remarkable that the increased activity extended even to off days. The day following Labour Day, for instance, was usually one of the dullest in the year for drapery firms, but this year it was very bright. Boot shops, too, have been busy, and tobacconists and taxi-drivers are looking forward to a rich harvest.

All the leading hotels in the city are booked up. Indeed, they have be.?n refusing custom for the last two or three weeks. "People are coming from places practically as far apart as North Cape nud the Bluff, and they are coming in numbers laxger than for some years past," said a proprietor. Another jubilantly told the story of how ht had sold all nis accommodation, even to corners in the sewing room, where shakedowns would be prepared. "I tell you," he remarked enthusiastically, "such a thing has not occurred in my hotel for years. It seems too good to be true."