CHRISTMISS SHOPPING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 13

CHRISTMISS SHOPPING

Have vou done your Christmas snooping? Not yet! Well, let mo lie? vou with n. few suggestions. Iho ton n is full of lovely things, hirst, at the D.I.L. there is a wonderful choice-—from •' parasol to a perambulator, and a tliuu sand pretty novelties m between. Rvorv woman loves lace, therefore, the deep collars of Irish crochet men and cuffs to match, would he a charming gift for a girl; and the Maltese lace scarves and wider ones of black Spanish net would ha ideal presents for “mother.” I also made a men 11 note of the parasols. What could please anvoiu- more than on? <>l the mt.>. iretheso essentially feminine accessories, for instance, white linen embroidered handkerchiefs in dainty designs, to carry with a white linen frock, so chic: and under the heading of useful gifts, one might remember the little suit-cases in mailt e and green shades, which arc just tho thing for “week-end” trips; and also I must mention : THE PRETTY HANDKERCHIEFS, with delicate embroideries or coloured and hemstitched (borders in Irish linen and fine muslin—some in boxes, ready to post. QUAINT HAT-PINS and protectors. —The “Kiwi” design is especially suited for oversea friends, and is quite a noveltv of this season. Dainty Neckwear of every description.—One can do with much of this in the summer. GLOVES.—When in doubt, choose gloves, and hero at the D.I.C. are gloves for every occasion and in all sizes and shades. Tho woman does not live who is not pleased with a gilt of gloves, and more delightful still is it when a fairy godmother presents one with silk stockings 1 To see these is to buy them, so fascinating is their soft texture. ARTISTIC GIFTS pF ANTIQUE DESIGN. Vases in oxidised steel, bronzed antimony and copper, present a bewildering choice —picture the quaint, tall vases in handsome designs; the Japanese specimens being typical with their picturesque symbols. Also, there artcoffee percolators (an epicure says without one true coffee is- unknown): coffee sets in silver and white china; and, oh, the most delighttul solid silver set of afternoon toa-spoous—a designer’s sample, and therefore of unusual bejiuty and value. Quito the latest in biscuit barrels is a box! Just a flat box of art china, with silver clasps. These are just the- thing for either a wedding or Christmas pre sent. In antimony and brass, there are also tea-caddies (quaint triangular boxes), hot-water kettles and spirit lamps, hot-water jugs, oval and square, or round trays, salad bowls, and perhaps tho most useful gifts for a traveller, Thermos flasks in pint and quart sizes. FOB THE LOVER OF CHINA. Buskin ware, Doulton, Wedgwood, or Flambre bizarre, beautiful, artistic, and alluring, in glorious shades. One table is arranged here with deepest pink china vases, bowls, cups and teapots, another has shades of blue or mauve or crimson, but most attractive of all is the newest in art china, quaint hand-painted Dutch, rich with shades of indigo and dull red, and in quite original shapes and sizes. OF BABE BEAUTY is the collection of cut-glass, exquisite salad howls, champagne, and wino glasses and tumblers, carafes, decanters, and graceful specimen vases. How this beautiful cut-glass enhances the appearance of a table! In England just now it is tho rage, and ■ used in conjunction with uncovered polished oak tables, with a centre of some beautiful lace, one would be justly proud of the effect. A SWEET SCENT greets one in the perfumery department, and bore, too, aro many pretty articles suitable for gifts. Subtly alluring are the various scents —all of the best quality for the minimum prices—attractive soap so daintily wrapped up, one really cannot pass it by. Hero, too, are THEATBE BAGS, in Irish crochet, and smaller ones for use with pretty summer frocks and at surprisingly small cost. For little girls, there is a specially dainty bag of floral muslin. These are just the little unexpected gifts a child would love. Quite the latest novelty is the PUESE WATCH. A purse of suede, 1 neatly fashioned with a little inner pocket, in which is securely fixed a small and splendid timekeeping watch, with the face exposed after tho manner of a wristlet watch. No more useful or acceptable gift could be found for the money. FOB THE CHILDREN. Father Christmas has certainly unloaded an unusually large stock of toys at the D.I.C. First of all, no little girl ‘or hoy, either town or country born, should miss the Magic Cave. Here dwells Father Christinas and his attendant fairies, and daily they present beautiful toys to tho thousands of children who visit them, and the cave itself is a place of wonder and beauty. TOYS, TOYS, TOYS. Hero is the place to choose the toys for little girls or little boys, For dolls that talk and hears that walk. There aro cricket bats and soldier hats, Such stoves for cooks .and picturebooks, Noah’s arks and boats, a launch that floats, It is, I declare, a real Christmas Fair. FINBAT AUTO-COASTERS.

How boys lore to coast. They fashion dangerous "trolleys” from any old boxes, and do not make too sure of the wheels, thus creating danger. BUT HERE we hare the VERY THING-—a f' i n hat Auto-Coaster, in sizes for very little fellows or for quite big brothers, and the prices accordingly. Write for one, you Country mothers, who would like to have your little ones safe and happy all the day. They can bo used inside the house or out; are worked by a simple and ingenious method by the child itself, and ore easily steered. FOR WET DAYS. The long wet days—we hare thorn throughout the year, and the children must stay in. Then provide them with a box of PERMODELLE and they will bo happy for hours. It is a wax-like substance, provided in all shades of

colour, clean, and workable. This can be modelled by any child into pretty designs, and the boxes complete cost from 9d upwards. This would bo_ great fun for a grown-up ” competition at a Christmas house party, a prize being given for the most original design I MECCANO,” the marvellous mechanical box which can be converted into dozens of clever working models, is an ideal gift for a boy with lovo for mechanics. It helps him to develop any latent genius ho may have for inventing, as the various parts of machinery provided (which can all bo replaced) aro capable of almost unlimited construction in various ways. A book of guidance is sent with each Meccano set, and they are priced from oe (which makes nineteen different toys) to some guineas. FOR CHILDREN’S PARTIES there are surprise boxes miniature bran-tubs, with many interestinglooking little parcels inside 1 There are bonbons and Japanese novelties; varieties of decorations and candles for Christmas-trees; anu books, "Chatterbox,” “Our Pets,” “Hoys’ and Girls’ Own Annuals,” and many more, including “ Chums.” FOR OLDER ONES. Inkpots, pictures, many frames in now designs, suede bound books of poems and favourite authors; many useful gifts in antimony, especially the jewel oases and cigarette-boxes (a splendid present for a smoker), these hold Horn fifty to one hundred cigarettes, according to size; ash trays, serviette rings, card-boxes (for the bridgelover); all the latest novelties in pincushions, beautifully fitted workbaskets, writing-cases, and fitted travelling-cases, dainty fans, and boxes of notepaper are hero to choose from. FOR THE MEN. Look at the special Christmas boxes of socks and tics to match. These are in the latest shades, one pair of socks and one tie in each box, and there are other new designs in socks made of silky-like material. If “he” doesn’t need socks, there are the tussore and white silk washing shirts and “presentation boxes ” of Irish linen liandkerchiefs, and the bath robes 1 They are very swagger, and in such pretty colours. Mothers will bo glad to give themselves some of the washing suits in tussore silk or drill for their little boys; these are neat and cool, and easily laundered. TEA AND TEAY CLOTHS. A list of presents would be incomplete without the choice linen articles included. In drawn-thread-work and beautiful lace-bordered linen ono can see bed-spreads, table centres, duchesse sets, and tray cloths, all of great beauty,' and calculated to gladden the heart of any housewife, bo she young or old. AND, LASTLY, let me suggest the travelling cushion, comfortable, soft, and sleep-inducing, specially designed, made, and sold by the D.I.C. These are inexpensive—from a few shillings—and in serviceable material. A welcome gift, indeed 1

AN APPRECIATED GIFT. A piano for Christmas would be a present any lady would be delighted to receive. It will give pleasure all the year round and make many an otherwise dull moment pass happily. Then there are the children to consider; they will grow up with at least one accomplishment. Charles Begg and Co. have pianos they can strongly recommend, and anyone purchasing a Brinsmead, Bluthner, Scliicdmayer, or Kuhla from them is getting an instrument rich in tone and of the highest possible quality. Thoir gramophones “ His Master’s Voice” cannot be beaten. These instruments and records give clear renderings, and help to make home attractive. Begg’s have gramophones from £4 up to £4O, and keep constantly on hand a selection of the finest records the work produces. A Christmas present of very small cost would be one of their handsomelybound volumes of music. These cost from 4s each, and there is a selection of all the beet composers to choose from. They keep also in stock a most varied collection of all kinds of musical instruments. You can got a Harp or a Tinwhistle, a Violin, Mandoline, Banjo, or whatever you fancy, and you can depend upon getting excellent value. They have one of the largest stocks in New Zealand, and their attractive warehouse in Manners street is well worth a. visit from anyone musically inclined. * A. LEVI: • OPTICIAN. All the older residents of Wellington are quite familiar with the business carried on under the name that forms the above headline. To those who are not so well informed it may be well to state that the premises are within a few yards of the central post office in Customhouse quay. This place of business has long been famous for the artificial aids that are supplied to those whose eyesight has become impaired. Sight-testing is a specialty there, and tho public may rely upon being provided with glasses that are ground on tho spot to suit their several needs. Latterly tho scope of business has been extended to meet the requirements of sufferers from defects in hearing. The public are not asked to buy any but scientifically-tested appliances, and then only after due trial. It will be welcome news to all sufferers from tho inconvenience of deafness to know that tho selling rights of that marvellous sound-conveyer, tho “Acousticon,” has been secured by the firm, who will be pleased to explain the simple process by which it fulfils its object. Many of these instruments are now in daily use, and still more would be used if thoir virtues were belter known. Holi-day-makers would do well to call and inspect tho wide range, of field-glasses and other goods kept in stock. * THE GIFT' HOUSE.

Wander into Hart and Co.’s shop in Will is street or on Lambton quay and you can settle at once the difficulty of securing just the right present at the right price. It hardlv matters who the present is for, whether lady or gentleman or child, you will fin* much that is suitable and desirable. Hart and Co. are renowned for. cheapness, they buy big and well, and are content with a very small margin of profit, so in either of their emporiums you are getting goods retailed at wholesale prices. They have such a varied stock that a description is impossible. In electroplate alone there must be some hundreds of different articles to choose from. Then there’s Cutlery, Glassware, Clocks Watches. Perfumes, Soaps, Toys, and uhat not. It is doubtful whether such low prices rule anywhere else. «

STEWART DAWSON’S. Be sure to go to this house of beauty! After a tiring day, looking for CHRISTMAS GIFTS, wc reached Stewart Dawson’s, in Willis street, and at once exclaimed; “Oh, why didn't we come here first!” One beautiful object- after another came into view as wo strolled round tho many show cases. There is no need to use up one’s nervous energy in searching for gifts for Christinas, for hero they are suggested for you. Just tho tilings for men, too! If they smoke there are cases of pipes, 1, *2 or 4 in nice-looking cases, or an amber and silver cigarette-holder—-and even these were outshone by tho silver cigarette-cases—so compact and flat with novel little finishings in gold, and so inexpensive! To some the leather and silver flasks would bo a useful and handsome present, and if they don’t smoko, and do not drink, well, they must shave, so what about a strop that automatically rolls up into its little silver case when you have finished with it. Here are safety razors complete in case for half a guinea, silver match-boxes in quite a new design, and a case of seven razors —ono for each day—what a joy to have a razor in perfect condition each morning! For your motoring friends choose tho case of six motor cups which slip one inside another, and an auto-thermo flask in a pint or quart size. Think how useful on a long journey. It was licre, too, we found just the very thing wc wanted—a Moore’s non-leakablo fountain pen. These aro excellent and most satisfactory presents. A calendar worked with a simple new contrivance and combined with glass inkstand was chosen for a busy man’s office-table. Other gifts which one may suggest for tho difficult man are silver pen and pencil cases, walking sticks in various woods with silver bands or silver-mounted handles 1 and what about the adjustable shaving mirrors and mugs and brushes; whilst in LEATHER GOODS there is an unlimited choice from lea>thcr or suede purses and pocket-book* to more elaborate eases for tho traveller, with little pockets for sovereigns, stamps, cheque-book, and another for letters, the whole thing being made to fold compactly and pack away in tho smallest space; military brashes with leather, ivory, silver or ebony backs, and beautiful dressing-cases complete, and there is a splendid choice of writing pads and blotters and handbags. FOR FEMINIE FRIENDS. A silver dressing case! mirror, tray, and brushes complete. What a pleasure to receive it. Tho latest design is perfectly plain silver, except for the faintest engraved “stripe.” Here aro the ever popular silver Dorothy bags and purses, manicure sets in ivory; silver, and ebony. Such beautifullj - fitted travelling eases from quite inexpensive prices. A novelty this season is the little cone-shaped silver hatpin holder, with silver chain to hang on to one’s looking-glass, and some solid silver, perfectly plain napkinrings would make splendid prizes or presents. EVERY WOMAN LOVES a pretty dressing table, so you cannot go wrong if you give her something for it. Silver-mounted and cut-glass powder box, or scent bottles, silver candlesticks, or hat-pin holders, silver mirrors and pin trays, silver vases, or set of scissors. Quaint and charming were the antique copper and enamel boxes—with Egyptian design. These were square in shape and most daintily lined with satin. They would be so swoet for handkerchiefs, jewels, or veils, and are so new! A FEATURE of Messrs Stewart Dawson and Co.’a display of presents is tho fact that although the show cases are filled with such exquisite goods the prices are such that everyone can afford to buy them. There are many inexpensive and pretty gifts for a shilling or two in addition to the more valuable ones. GO TO EDWIN ARNOLD’S if you want a perambulator, for he has the loveliest ones in town—so comfortable and roomy; and, in addition to the baby’s, there are others for dolls—■ from tiny ones with scarlet hoods to carriages for quite big dolls. There are hundreds of dress baskets, too. The latest ones are in coloured plaited straw, complete with leather corners, straps, and handles. There is a great display of BASKETWAEE of every kind, cradles and bassinettes, tea tables and pretty chairs, and cradles for babies, and smaller ones for dolls. INVALID CHAIRS, with adjustable backs and comfortable foot-rest and rubber-tyred wheels, are made by Mr EDWIN ARNOLD, and very up-to-date are the side-cars for motor-cycles in all the latest, safest designs. These are very cosy and comfortable. Here, too, aro push-carts of every shape and size. They are a comfort both to the weary mother and little child. * MRS WALSH. One of the oldest-established news agency and stationery businesses in Wellington, is that of Mrs Walsh, of 52, Molesworth street. The proprietress recently landed a direct shipment of goods mostly of tho kind suitable for Christmas presentation. The stock comprises a fine range of ladies’ handbags, autograph books, post-card albums, post-cards, birthday cards, Christmas cards, presentation' books, and children’s picture books. School requisites of every description are stocked, and popular novels, magazines, etc., are to be had in endless variety. * AT ARCHER’S, IN UPPER CUBA STREET, ' You can got whatever you want in the drapery line cheaper than anywhere else in town. Archer’s are just outside the line of high rents. Their stock is comprehensive, and contains much that must appeal on account of its daintiness and high quality, as well as on account of its cheapness. Archer’s want you to make comparisons, knowing that if you do their goods and prices must appear to advantage. • TO JOHNNIE AND ETTIE. I shall be on’y too pleased to see you both. Bring Jerry and little Jean; so that I can give them just tho very toys they want. That is nicer than trusting me to leave the correct thing on Christmas morning, and besides I’m getting old and forgetful. You can see mo every day until Christmas at tho “Economic.” Yours faithfully, SANTA CLADS. •

THE HOUSE OF VEXTCH AND ALLAN Is where tho crowd congregates. And why ? Because they always get what they want and want what they see. Whether it be one oi the hundred and one pretty accessories for womenfolk, or a present for the bairns, they are. quite certain to bo suited. There are. ostrich ruffles and other neck adornments which so emhaucc a pretty face, but a SPECIAL NOTE must be made of the Maltese silk lace scarves, jabot and exquisite collars; ibis lace is so fashionable just now, loo! Hero, also, are bags of beautiful soft leather 'in all the newest, modes, and purses of all sizes costing the merest trilie 1 Such a display of handkerchiefs, tho most useful of ail Christmas gifts. These dainty trifles are in linen, muslin, and lace, with embroideries in all tho nearest designs, including the pretty flies. Some of the handkerchiefs are arranged in “gift boxes” tied with coloured ribbons, and are in both men’s and ladies’ sizes. Other suit-, able gifts —pictures of many popular subjects—seascapes., animals, and figures —are exhibited on the stairway. At all seasons of the year pictures are acceptable; so, also, are photo frames, and on a table of ODDS AND ENDS there are frames of antimony in ex tromely handsome designs of dragons .ntertwined, and other antimony goods include jewel and cigarette boxes, trays, rose howls, inkstands, and candleaticks, at just one-half the price one would expect. There are Japanese trays of copper, in three sizes, which made one long to possess them, nnd equally ornamental fern and palm bowls of tho same metal. Less expensive gifts were ash trays in brass, cop per, and antimony, from Is upwards. Pretty inkstands and letter-racks,»and the new terracotta ware is shown in various shaped vases. EVERY WOMAN KNOWS the fascination of perfume, and so Is drawn towards this attractive corner to view the soaps, scents of all kinds so daintily “put up,” and many etceteras so necessary to the woman of to-day—rosemary . hair shampoos and preparations for the sunburnt surfer. Before going to the seaside' be sure and get a supply of these things from VEITOH AND ALLAN’S, where the cost is really under purchase price. Near by are the quaint musical “Chinese chimes,” hung at an open window or on the verandah. The gentle “clinking” chime has a charm “all its own.” They cost tho merest trifle and aro pretty to look at. Do you like Rembrandt china?, If so, present some to your friends—i a cup and saucer, fruit dish, vase or bowl—it is in such rich shades of colouring. SMOKERS would say “Thank you very much” for one of tho novelty sets combining a tray which holds cigarette or cigar holder, match stand and ash tray, and tho tobacco jars arc legion 1 Some are of very 'uncommon design. MAY I SUGGEST other dainty gifts for those who must economise? The pincushions of deli-, cate shades and sensible size, hairpin holders and hatpin ’ .ditto 1 Soctvt sachets and such pretty, glove and veil oases, inexpensively made from Japanese crepe paper, ribbon-bound and delicately scented, conjuring visions of the Far East. Writing blotters and pads, work baskets, and bogs (these bags are very cute, fitted with every necessary item and so compact). There are theatre bags, with fringes of gold and others of floral brocade, and such jolly-looking “Pierx-ot” and “Jap” wall ornaments and pinouehions combined. There are “lucky brooches” from lOjd, just the things for bonbons—children do love a bit .of “real jewellery”—and here, too, are tho tables of BOOKS! BOOKS 1 BOOKS! Stories of adventure, thrilling and exciting; stories of fairies, charming and alluring; farmyard tales of chickens or cows; and stories of historical, deeds of daring, tool Picture books and schoolboy yarns —and all tho popular Annuals so well beloved by girls and boys, “Chums” and “The Boys’ Own,” and many other familiar friends. To the lover of reading there is nothing like a gOod book. But FATHER CHRISTMAS is really tho greatest attraction of all! Ho is there every day to meet all the children of Wellington, and in tho festive-looking, gay, bright, and altogether delightful “Toylaud” he is kept very busy distributing his toys. Here are just a few of the wonderful things he has brought with him:—i Rooking, horses and motor cars, golliwogs and popguns, dolls and horses, spades and buckets for the seaside, games, and Japanese umbrellas to keep the sun off “baby.” Such lovely dolls with real hair and beautiful curls, and arms and legs that move, and eyes that open and shut. There are cricket bats and balls, toy pianos and drums, squeakers, trumpets, and another noisv toy, the concertina! Sets of laundry utensils and grocers’ shops, such as delight the soul of any child, and in tho animal world there are dogs and cats and such beautiful teddy bears! What about footballs—, or battledore and shuttlecocks—toy trains that run on rails, and bricks and ninepins, q’uoits and kites, and humming-tops and tricycles and water-, cans and tools. There is the house that Father Christmas built, where every little girl and boy can have a dip in the bran tub, and nearby a stand js gay with lucky stockings and glittering balls of red, silver, and gold, and a hundred and one little oddments to hang on a Christmas tree, sweets, and dolls, and little babes from gay Japan. They are all here at VEITCH and ALLAN’S. •

GEORGE WINDER FOB ELECTROPLATE. They have a carefully selected stock that embraces almost everything in the electroplate line. Winder’s corner has been made famous by low prices and straight dealing. Their goods stand investigation, their prices comparison, and they make every effort to give each purchaser the fullest sat 115faction. This applies equally well to the hardware and the furnishing departments. Everything is good, and no goods that are not honest are allowed to go out. If you get it at Winder’s you can rely upon it giving the best of wear. The firm wishes all its friends a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. •

G. AND T. YOUNG. (Copy of i.otter.) Dear Tom.—At Lost I have found tht very thing you asked for —Messrs G. and T. YOUNG have just the latest clock for a man setting olf on hia travels, and 1 know you’ll be delighted with it. The one I'm sending you is a line timekeeper, and is cunningly fitted into a leather case, w hich collapses fiat as tbo proverbial pancake when you pack it. As for the other presents, old chap, there are so many splendid things to choose from I'll only suggest. What do you say to a handbag of beautiful leather, lined with silk, and fitted up with all the cunning little pockets women love? There are dozens here, the latest oblong shape, 100. 1 would recommend the one ot puma calf at 27s 6d; it is wonderful value, but there aro less expensive ones. Some of tho NEW RINGS are such pretty designs, square-cut gems, rubies, aquamarines, sapphires, or emeralds, surrounded with diamonds, tho whole being sot in plantinum. Also, you might think about the DOROTHY' BAGS of silver chain. They are just the thing for a Christmas present. WOULD Y'OUR SISTER LIKE a sot of t-uaimd buttons with hatpins en suitor Those look particularly girlish, and aro in ail shades; also enamel buckles and broodies, from a shilling or two up. For your dad, I might suggest a calendar. Some are combined with inkstands also, or what about greenstone ? There aro paper-weights, pons, and paper-knives, and little “kiwis” or “ tikis,” Hope the suggestions aro what you want, and you cun absolutely rely on G. anj T. YOUNG, LAMBTON QUAY, to send you the best quality. It is the only kind they stock ! Yours, JIM. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS are much sought for just now. At this most satisfactory jeweller’s you can find many splendid odds and ends, silver studs for Is 6d each, pen-wipers, matchboxes, and vanity cases, silver cases and prayer-books complete, smelling salts, and inkstands with enamelled lids. A novelty was the BEDSIDE STAND, combining match-holder, candle-stick, and watch rest, and it was quite inexpensive, too! Country women would welcome one of tho new crumb-brushes and tray combined (after the carpetsweeper plan); they arc made of copper. There is surprisingly pood value m the CRYSTAL AND SILVER ARTICLES —tho Jwir tidies and puff boxes from 9s up; tbo silver and enamel shoe horns and button-hooks were quaint; and tho necklaces and buttons of greenstone were charming. Silver frames in all sizes make « great array, and a splendid gift for any girl would be one of tho dainty pearl sot lace pins or a simply-designed brooch. THE WRISTLET WATCHES have struck a new note this season, and have beautifully-coloured enamel covers. Tho leather cases, too, are ot splendid workmanship. These aro delightful Christmas gifts. GODMOTHERS AND GODFATHERS should -visit Messrs G. and. T.. Young*® just to seo tho “ baby sets ” of knives and forks and spoons from 9s up, according to set. The. silver rattles, mugs, and brushes! Just tho things for christening gifts, and quite unique I

PATRICK’S FOE PRESENTS. If you desire to make a present oj something good in tho nature of feminine apparel, - you should' £6 to Pat-f rick’s, at the corner of Ingesrtre and Cuba streets, where you’ll got it) cheaper and better than anywhere else., . Messrs Patrick and Co. ngvo ai largo stock of ladies’ goods suitable for Christmas presents, and you canalways depend upon getting quality, prompt attention, and civility. They regard it necessary to please and give satisfaction to every customer that comes into their shop. •