COMING OF SPRING

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4490, 15 October 1941, Page 4

COMING OF SPRING

EVIDENCE IN THE SHOPS OF TE AWAMUTU. GARDENS, SPORTS, CLOTHES. Even war restrictions cannot prevent the “lift” that comes in business with spring. It is not, of course, as noticeable or as definite as in prewar years but it is there, and will continue as long as people continue to use spring as the season for r newing. In Te Awamutu, gardens have again aroused the interest and enthusiasm of their owners and the results are being shown in increased business among florists and seedsmen, with calls on their stocks of young plants and seeds to plant now. Tools and other garden equipment are giving hardware merchants better sales as well. Spring has as yet had little influence on stocks of fruit and vegetables but cabbages and cauliflowers are increasing in supply. As more spring vegetables • come to hand grocers will feel the effect by less demand on their stock of tinned vegetables, which have been faithful stand-bys all through the winter. The most definite sign of spring is shown in the clothing business, with men and women replenishing their wardrobes with clothing lighter both in weight and colour as the weather grows warmer. No great change appears to have taken place in fashions since last spring which may be the result of war restrictions or a stalling in tastes. Men’s fashions are conservative as ever and women’s styles show again a trend for soft pastel shades, or, in contrast, rich mixtures of colour. Hats, similarly, are mainly pastel felts but one or two very modern straws are being purchased by women with a little more daring their fashion tastes. Chemists too are bringing forth their stocks of tonics and health restorers which are also in heavier deImand with spring. Health, too, needs rejuvenating and, as outdoor sports play their part in this, dealers in sports requisites are being called on for tennis racquets and balls, cricket gear and equipment for camping. Even as early as this there have been a few inquiries in the town for swimming suits and bathing caps.