MARCH OF PROGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1915, Page 6

MARCH OF PROGRESS.

A MODERN DRAPERY HOUSE.

MOREY AND SON'S NEW SHOP,

In the gradual process by which the old is giving way to Jio m-w the aspect of Devon Street is becoming changed, and almost (---cry 'month sees shops transforms! s,r.i "new promises erected. A splei'did csam-Io o; "this enterprise by the lui-::m:ss po,v.;!e of the town is four;! in JUvjru. Morey and Son, the well-known linn ot' drapers, who have envied one of the nin;t Jinpo*i."g lunine-s houses in tov.'ii, and ii-;vu i": •.!■•• a viit the building in a way v-liieb .':■..-; Hie >-!n.p io rnnk v>iUi city f.-hr,ps.

_i;.e firm has h:..;i in its new premises f->T a week or t,,0 now. but when they Seek ]'o.-: e;-:on a good deal remained to be done, to. complete the internal .i:i-!.;',SRienls. The finishing touches arc now being added to the premises, which are well worth inspecting. The front elevation provides an attractive design embracing solidity of stn\: : urc and tasteful architecture." The two large windows, one on either side of the entrance (which is now being tiled) have been specially designed to enable effective displays to be made, and in the centre is an "island" window. The fronts are composed of cedar, and with the inside nickel fittings are very attractive. The suspension verandah has an embossed steel ceiling similar to those inside the building itself. The upper portion of the building in is three bays, with fluted pilasters and finished"ith Corinthian capitals on top. The centre bay, which is the largest of the three, has bene designed as much as possible with a view to advertising the business. The building, which was designed by Mr. J. T. Mannix, and which has been erected by Messrs. Shaw and Payne, is 128 ft. in length and 30ft. wide.

Inside, the premises are spacious and airy, and the lighting effects enable the goods to be shown to the best advantage. Each department is kept separate. On the left hand immediately upon entering the premises is the haberdashery, hoisery, embroidery and lace department. This counter has very attractive stands; etc., for the display of these goods, of which a large stock is carried. Next one comes to the dress department, and included in this are the trimmings, lining-;, velveteens, silks, etc., in fact everything pertaining to this department will be found here. On the right is the Manchester department, which, of course, includes the damasks, quilts, sheetings, curtains, towels, all of which are arranged in a most convenient manner for serving customers. Next is the cotton piece goods, such as prints, muslins, voiles, piques, crepes, etc. These four departments occupy the front portion of the premises. Passing on beyond the staircase, on one side is the cashier's office and on the other is bei-:g fitted up an office for the principal, f-n the left of the showroom is the children's department, in which are to be seen hats, bonnets, underwear, bibs in almost endless variety, novelties in the way of handkerchiefs, smart lil<>-.:5.-cn, belts, ribbons, flowers, feather.-;, r.nd neckwv/tr. Opposite is the c< r.:,et and ladies' underclothing departr.".,"!:'-. The ladies' littii-j,;;H;,n }.r;.-.id>-s a great eonveiii.uie. J ui'; : " ■:?.:-. iie:'e try on a blouse or toi;i:; ;■.:.} i.e :i>;>liitely as private as th::i,g": .-.\ :i:eir own house. This ia be In; fitted m> with large mirror, table, curtains, and chairs. Sanitary comeni.. :..".>.; at;: connected with this rcir,. ;•";.• ;,■.;• ;,.* ;! le hhop fittings are cc::e.-:e...-.1, Mr. ilorey has spared no exj.r ••••. i'reh counter is ttovided with !i : ..;!;el f.; tings, each btaiidard carrying soek'-is for about nine arms suitable for displaying the paril.-ular class of goods of tint department. Then again there are innumerable nickel stands, model;, coat and dress stands, all of the nev.'e. : t pud best designs. In the show-room. ■■'■>:•. two beautiful glass counters with ;/;.'■; tops, front and ends, and mirrored Imc l .-. These, when dressed, make a beauiil'el show and there are three large g'.a-s ee ;e? standing seven feet high and about five feet wide. A great coir.ei.ioneo to customers is the writing-table which has been fitted up underneath the staircase. This is for the benefit of clients, and writing necessaries will be provided. The telephone is also found here. Mr Morey has covered the floor space with a very handsome inlaid linoleum, which adds greatly to the attractiveness of the premises.