CHRISTMAS!

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 10, 22 December 1911, Page 2

CHRISTMAS!

PREPARING FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON.

A VISIT TO THE SHOPS

A wise man, in a flash of inspiration, remarked that Christmas came hut once a year, and ever since Christmas stories by lesser geniuses have contained this brilliant idea, with the additional line referring to the “good cheer.” The cynic may say that it is indeed fortunate that Christmas it not a monthly, or even a halfyearly, occurrence if it brings in its train such weather as Stratford has lately been forced to grin and bear. Who cares what such a one thinks of the Festive Season? We are in for .a good, old-fashioned ; English Christmas.

imagine whilt Dickons would have thought of a Chtistnlas, Sans wind, sans rain, sans Yule logS\ SiliiS jJlinch howls— sans, everything;.' that for the■ !( fnn,’ i ': , tli<i JangTjtph ;the" good mas. ■ ~TiHio>’'th'd''weather, lH'ie’‘time,, may change, hut present indications show that We, for onee ; may have a truo Dickensoniau Christmas. The Christmas pudding, rich, brown, ami tasty, will laugh fruit salads and ices to scorn, and in the evening, when the wind and the rain howl outside, the family, now complete, may gather round the blazing rata logs and listen for the steps of the mysterious, heav-, ily-hooted stranger, and imagine what Gabriel Grubb thought of that Christmas, years and years ago, when, falling asleep over his grave-digging, ho learnt the lesson of charity and good will toward all men. For such a Christmas we may have to prepare, and now our whole thoughts are occupied with what we shall lay in store for the day of the ; year—what presents we shall make 1 our friends, what presents we shall : make ourselves, what little luxury, or what small necessity, which we have saved up for and to which we mean to treat ourselves. For months past business people in Stratford have been busily preparing for Christmas week, and now their shops themselves will suggest to you all that you can need. Perhaps in the following summary ,of their merchandise yon may see something which interests you; if so, this is not written in vain. STOCK AND STATION AGENTS. Suppose yon have by now got that “little farm” and are thinking about growing a few crops. You know that the success of the venture rests largely on the quality of the seeds. Have; you tried “Sterling Brand” seeds and manures? Mr Newton King declares that “Sterling” seeds, fair weather, and “Sterling” manures will ensure bumper crops,. Do you milk by hand ? Perhaps it has!never occurred to you that a llidd Milking machine will save you time and money, and remove the shir from the dairying industry that it is white slavery. You saw what the Lister shearing machine could do at the recent show, and do not need to have its excellent advantages explained to you. Also you know that a big reputation, like Homo, was not built in a day. Don’t you think it would pay youtto’ deal with a firm who have their reputation at stake and your interests at heart?, Kompthorno and Prosser’s celebrated Westfield manures are of proven reliability. If you want to hear more about them Messrs Lamason and Melville will give you low quotations for any quantity of K.P. Special Turnip Manure, K.P. Bonedust, K.P. “A” Superphosphate, and will at the same time give you a few of the opinions that up-to-date farmers' hold of Sutton’s seeds, which are specially imported from London, and are universally recognised as magnificent cropproducers. If you are not quite satisfied with your farm and would like to exchange, or even sell out for another class of land, yon might do worse than consult the New Zealand L. and M.A. Co. At all events you will lose nothing by the visit, if you stop and have a look at the farm implements. “Favourite” drills, disc harrows,' Reid and Gray ploughs, and chain and spike harrows will all appeal to you if you are any judge of good machinery. For your seeds yon will find Ninety Day or Hickory King maize an excellent crop-producer. All your needs as a progressive farmer can he supplied at Messrs Young, Hobbs and Co. Every variety of seed, including some splendid assortments of grass seed, can bo obtained at moderate prices. Ask a few of your farming friends what they think of the Yellow Globe mangel. There are very few farmers who do not know that this mangel is one of the most satisfactory varieties grown in Taranaki. Mount Lyell superphosphate is being sold by this firm in large quantities—-a fact which bears ample testimony to its merits. GROCERS. There is an air of comfort and prosperity about all the grocers’ shops in town, and in their Christmas holiday garb they look singularly attractive. Three firms which stand out above the others in this line are Messrs J. Masters and Son, E. A. Alger (The Federal Store), and the Central Coop. Stores. The former has a very nicely-dress-ed window and is making a speciality in crockery ware, some very handsome dinner sets and tea sets being displayed. Mr E. A. Alger lias made special preparations for that plum pudding about which everybody is talking. He advises everyone to investigate for themselves the advantages of buying currants and sultanas specially cleaned, thus making the task of cooking Christmas dainties a much lighter one. The Co-op. Stores stock almost everything, from a haystack to a needle. Their garden tools are worth looking at, and no one who buys their groceries at this institution* will he disappointed. DRAPERS. Numerous compliments have been passed on the enterprise of the local drapers in displaying goods that for quality and excellence would be hard to beat in Taranaki. Christmas presents are to be found among them in abundance. . At Robinson’s a cafp ! sale is in progress, and a discount ranging up to 85 per cent is offered. Some extra special goods received ex lonic and Turakina are being offered with their ordinary stock. Mr R. I). Lowers is showing a delightful assortment of fancy goods, newly arrived for the 'Christmas season. Gloves, hosiery, sunshades, purses, bags, lace ties, scarves, and handkerchiefs—all are of the best quality and are subject to a special discount of L’s in the ,£, which Mr Lowers is giving as a slight Christmas box to Ills customers. At White’s corner an unrivalled assortment of general drapery, which was purchased by Mr White at a very low price, owing to it being a disputed shipment arriving late owing to strikes, is shown. Bargains here should he numerous. Spence’s is known as the place where '

thrifty buyers moot. Their large and commodious store rooms are packed with laces, dress goods, and some excellent lines of men's clothing. Their Xmas bonus, too, is worth considering. At Herbert’s Up-to-Date three special lines are being featured. Stockings, costumes, and underclothing. In this issue the firm is advertising the prices of those goods, and an inspection would easily convince that they are of exceptional value. Mrs McCallum makes a dainty little display of children’s frocks and other items of interest to ladies. MEN’S OUTFITTERS. A very attractive window display is made by the New Zealand Clothing Factory, a firm whose reputation for bovs’ and men’s clothing has long been established. They are showing boys’ and Norfolk suits in tweeds from 12s to 275, and in worsteds from 21s to -15 s. They are smartly cut and are unsurpassed for wear. A shop where men can rely on obtaining all their immediate requisites m the” Figment Clothing Co. .Never before has this firm been showing such a varied and splendid line of men’s clothing. Messrs Mullen and Marshall (The Kasb) make speciality of such items as pyjamas, shirts, ties, caps and hats. A visit would probably result in prolit to both parties. Suits for the holidays are to be got at the Melbourne, where some very stylish garments are ou view, the prices ranging from one to three pounds. LOOK AT YOUR FEET. With the class of weather that lias lately inundated Stratford the most important item of clothing to all of us has been undoubtedly boots. At Lewis’ Cash Boot Arcade boots for all feet are in readiness: it matters not whether they are for the stockyard or the pavements, as the size of the stock will admit of boots of infinite variety. Messrs It. Hannah and Co. are making big reductions in their stock in view of the Christmas season, and in summer shoes are exhibiting some special values. Mr E. G. Foster has as his motto Quality, first, last and every time. For the awkward foot—that is awkward to fit—boots and shoes can be made to measure, and a.ll repairs are carried out promptly and well. THAT HAMPER. At this stage a call at Dan Malone’s j would be advisable. When ordering the 21s 6d hamper please note that J. Rooney, R. Handley, J. A. Thompson,. Q. Slight and Co., and the Stratford) carrying Co. are at your service in delivering it to its destination. At the same time these gentlemen can assist you in solving the firewood and coal problem. Just" ask one of them if you doubt it. TAILORS. Have you forgotten that summer and the Stratford .Racing Club’s meeting are near at band ? ' j). Butcbart, the Show tailor, will take the order for that suit you require, but it would be better to see aim at once about it, or you may be among the “also startads.” A similar pressure of business is being felt by the Cash Tailoring Company, and their new Season’s suitings (ire. certainly proving a great attraction to men who like to dress well. , STATIONERY AN 0 FANCY „ ill COCOS. : . j fi . i { I . ■ , , \ . 1 » , After all, the shops that give the strept the air of Christmas are the mes which show the toys, Christmas amis, and the varied assortment of .rifles that every Christmas stocking nust contain. T > ride s! csi place must be given to Mr J. E. ■■ James’s display, which is cor-. Laialy a, very creditable one. Mr fames holds with ns that it would io invidious to particularise in such .v largo, assortment of goods. Person-; ,J iu«q>eetioic isb the only thing. Mr PI. J. Hopkins has some Teddy Pears to which ho draws attention, fake the “kiddies” into the shop;, so that ■■they, can .give Santa Claus an adding of what they will be requiring this Christmas. Mr Hopkins has v. wonderful range of books, art china, silverware, and Cathergnods, specially .mported for the Christmas season. While "fit G. AY. Mills seeing about your stationery requisites why not! inquire about the wide range of pianos for which Mr Mills is the local agent?; You can bo sure of a good instrument it a fair juice. Air Mills is showing a wonderful lot of toys and pretty tilings for presents. Another shop looking at its best is hat of Mr H. Masters. A lino to .vhich we may draw attention is that of the story book annuals which make inch line Christmas presents for the ioys and girls. The shop is ojjcii till ’) o’clock so that you can leave Bernard's Pictures at the interval, make roar purchases, and get back in time or the first film of the second half that is, if you have not been'tempted, to stay there. Still, you’d better - not niss that picture as it’s sure to be' i good one. Talking about pictures, it is just the word that convoys an impression of what T. McKeown’s window looks like. Ho claims that he is showing it the present time the largest and )est-selected stock of Christmas goods in Stratford. It is in your power to prove or disprove that statement, and Mr McKoown is not frightened of the result of your investigations. SADDLERS. If you’ve been thinking about a :ow set of harness, perhaps Air H. Wilson could put you ou the right track towards obtaining that end. At all events you want a neat travelling bag for the holidays, and a small handbag for the Christmas picnics. Have a look at H. Wilson and Sun’s window and satisfy yourself that there is nothing there you want—if you can. 1 Mr Aagaard has moved from the old premises near Victoria Bridge, and is now prepared to welcome now and old friends at bis new shop next Hannah’s boot shop. He guarantees satisfaction. FRUITERER AND CATERER. Save time and trouble and worry and let Mrs Brown cater for your Christmas party. You can bo assured of everything being up to the mark. Efficient service is the motto at this well-known establishment. You know where the shop is. BUTCHERS. Everything you may require in small goods can Ih> bad at the Broadway Cash Meat Bazaar, where Mr W. Lee, of the linn of H. and W. Lee, lias this department under bis personal control. Yon knew the simp under the management of Air C. B. AValsh, and you will find it under the now management in the hands of men who know their business. A trial will coni'in co yon. PAINTERS AND PAPERH ANGERS. Two firms who have the highest reputation in these matters are Bellringer Bros, and A. Bockitt and Heberts. The hitter firm are solely engaged in tliis line of business, while Bellringer Bros., of course, are noted for their general ironmongery business. At both you find the standard

of workmanship very high indeed, and anything coming under the domain of the painter or the paperhanger will be done for you quickly and well. HAIRDRESSER Ah D TOBACCONIST. Everybody knows S. Fahey’s saloon. As a barber he is out on his own, and as a tobacconist his stock would take some beating. No Christinas present is more acceptable than a good razor, and one of Fahey’s specially imported blades will make your friend a friend for life. Mr Fahey has some strops, also, that are worth while looking at. Mr C. F. James’ new sanitary saloon, finely fitted with American oak, and under most capable attendance, is also a place not to be overlooked. PHOTOGRAPHER. Why not send your friends a photograph of yourself? it’s a proposition worth looking into. Still it must be a. good one—“a thing of beauty and a joy for ever.”—McAllister’s studio is the address you asked for. ENGINEERS. For repairs to your lawn mower, and all machinery that is at all out of o-oar Mr. B. Harknoss is at your service. If >t is past'repair you can consult Mr. Harkness as to its renewal, and if ho can’t personally supply you, you will have the advantage of" expert advice in the matter. Ask him about the Hornsby reaping machine. ,11 Messrs Smart Bros, have long been noted for reliable repairs. Besides tins they have a big stock of cycles and parts, together with general engineering lines. They are plumbers and tinsmiths of ( the highest order. PHONOGRAPHS. Perhaps it has never occurred to you that yon can bring!to your very home the voices of the world s most famous singers, the (hands that have played before kings and. emperors, the artists that have made the whole world hmdi Ask Mr Price, to put a few records through a machine for you, and you will not ; doubt . our word. While hearing Caruso, n apd Medba, take a look at some, of the bicycles and then don’t say you,’ rp, , not familiar with the lastest and hept. in cycle tl<lciL ‘ FARM machinery. Messrs McMillan and Fredric have earned the reputation of being the farmers’ friend. A lew of theii specialities which we may mention are Anti-Mammitis, the only reliable cure to- contagions mammitis, M olsefey Sheep-shearing Machines, Cream Separators, Zealandia Ranges, and the McLeod Water Heater. Here again there is nothing like a visit. You must see these things for yourself. They will stand inspection. THE NURSERY. This heading would seem apropos of a special line in dolls and toys, but as a matter of fact we arc referring to another kind of nursery—one which is just as l hidispeiisible to any respectable township. it is a nursery of trees, and l very fine trees at that. Nothing improves the look of your house and grounds so much as a good hedge and a few good trees. Mr R. McK. Morisioh'can supply all the best varieties '•of* trees—-trees that will grow. ironmongers. At the recent show the big ironimougery firms of Stnrtfo'ril showed tile fanner's - what they cmild do; Mr R.‘ B. I AndofSPn,' for instance; Wad the Reid Milking Machine on view, and the orders for that machine which have since been received seem xo show that the farmers pro not so danse to the merits of a good tiling as the ” cheapjacks who does'-no ' business would have us believe. This linn has also a big assortment of garden spades and forks, rakes, and ii'ocs, lawn mowers, and grass clippers. If you are interested in tfie matter YvJvtffeit will undoubtedly' repay you. 1 '" *>f Nothing is) more beautiful than the Popper ware which is now in great vogue, and at the Taranaki Hardware Co.’s premises in Broadway some of the finest ware in. antique designs is displayed. You might have to think iong'before you could arrive at a bot-u-f present to send away to your friends. Make hay while the sun shines is a good motto, but Messrs Bellringer Bros would impress upon everybody die importance of making hay with good tools. At the present time they - are featuring a ! splnedid lot of razor-edged scythes, with well-shaped handles, eminently suited for use in this district. You might also take a note of the sharpening hones which are of remarkable quality. JEWELLERY. Perhaps the daintiest of presents can be- found among the trinkets in the glittering windows of our local jewellers. At the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths’ Co. A big removal sale is in progress, and a 15 per cent, discount is being offered. The stock is quite up-to-date, and an inspection is invited by the management. Mr John Petrie is showing watches, clocks, jewellery, silverware, and electroplate of every conceivable description. When calling on him, why not get him to look :it your watch, and remedy those little eccentricities it has lately developed. At Mr J. F. Watson’s you can rely on an article of ,sterling quality and reasonable price. Air Watson has a reputation to sustain, and bis aim is to satisfy you completely. CONFECTIONERY AND TEA ROOMS. If you are not getting married, and don’t want that wedding cake which Mesdamcs Kerr and Mcßain would have been pleased to make for you, w!iy not give them an order for Santa Clans stockings, chocolates, and general confectionery. You know the tea rooms already, or if yon don’t, you have only yourself to blame. The quality of Mr \V. Elder’s bread and cakes is well-known. You .can rely on anything, you may buy at this shop being of the finest quality. TRANSPORT. Treat yourself to a motor trip to Whangamomona in Marr’s up-to-date motor. At these stables yon will also find “The Favourite” drag, and yon may rely on all the drivers employed by Mr A. C. Marr being careful and capable. a ( Mr F. Gooch, the, proprietor of the Kmp're Livery and Bait Stables, lias been forced to increase Iris permanent stock, and lie now has imported several new vehicles. Wedding and pic-nicks are among his specialities. Mr G. Osborn has lately taken over the Commercial Stables. He guarantees efficient service, at a reasonable charge. Stratford now possesses an np-to-dato motor garage. Mr A. A. Davison recently arrived from Palmerston North to show Stratford Jioim such a, business should be conducted. Not only are all kinds of repairs undertaken, but Mr Davison will keep highclass cars for hire, so that in tin's respect, Stratford will no longer be behind the times. FURNITURE, ETC. | There are three firms at Stratford

upon which you can rely when purchasing furniture, or giving your orders for cabinet work. .Messrs J. Leydon, H. Priestley, and W. and E. Brocklebank. it’s not a Hobson’s choice, but visit them all and find things for yourself. Investigation pays. MUSIC WAREHOUSE, Mr K. Dixon has imported a large now stock of general music. His shop is one of the most up-to-date in town, and will be certain to please you. CHEMISTS. Wo do not put the chemists last because their services are likely to be required after Christmas. That would bo “a dismal thing to do,” as the Oysters remarked. Still, Mr Edwards’ toning up tonic will help you if the excitement of Christmas has left yon in bad sorts. Other people in the Dominion are not getting Stratford weather, so why not lot your friends know that. To restore your complexion to a healthy colour and to make it clear and fresh, no better remedy can be found than Edwards’ Peroxide Cream. Ask Mr Edwards about them. At Stohr’s pharmacy, a very up-to-date stock is displayed. Mr. E. B. Stohr, the genial proprietor, who is always ready to give Ids kindly advice, not only dispenses the drugs that heal, but also the tlungs that please in the way of special dainty presents. Their drugs are pure. A visit to both of these shops will repay you.