Christmas Shows.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3835, 24 December 1901, Page 3

Christmas Shows.

GERALD INE. Christmas comes but once.a year, and then comes the shopkeeper's harvest, provided there is plenty of cash about and the weather is propitious. This season, unfortunately, the weather has so far has been more British than Colonial, and the heaviest downpours of rain seem to have been reserved, for Saturdays and saledays—the busiest days of the week. Storekeepers, however, are not grumbling, but are hopefully lookiDg for fine weather ' on Christnian Eve, when the bulk of the harvest is reaped. According to our usual custom, we have made a tour of the town, and find that with improvements to buildings and increased stocks in most of th» business places, Geraldine is fast becoming an up to date business centre, j and people in the country or town have ; now no reason to take their trade out of the district. Most of the stocks are well j selected, and the prices appear to be very , reasonable. Many of the business places tonight will be decorated with evergreens and Chinese lanterns. Messrs Morrison Bros, in their new shop have all the facilities for making a brilliant display on Christmas Eve. The long frontage of plate glass windows lends j itself to a good sbow, and the firm have made the best of their opportunities. The , increased accommodation has also called for an increase of stocks all round, and the show, therefore, would do credit to a city shop. The millinery and drapery show windows are very prettily dressed, and there is a splendid show of new season's goods in the shop. The grocery shop is also very neatly arranged, and the windows are decorated with holly and several mottoes bearings the season's compliments to the enstomers. The new hardware shop is artistically got up as a sitting room with fancy furniture, bamboo goods, ornaments, etc., When lighted up this show has a very pleasing effect, la the millinery show room there is a great dißplay of toys to delight"the hearts of th 3 young. Messrs Dawson Bros, who set themselves out to do a high class drapery trade, have an elegant display of finery for the ladies, and choice goods for the gentlemen. Being almost exclusively drapers, they are able to pay special attention to the selection of their goods, and some very fine things are to be seen in the way of pretty blouse material, dainty laces, and fashioaable millinerv. Both departments are well filled with goods to suit the most fastidious buyer, and a special stand of nicknacks for Christmas presents has been laid out. One of the show windows has a particularly fine display of lace goods, and another is devoted to Aplique work, drapery, and Manchester goods. The third window is filled with gents' ties, etc. In the unfortunate absence of Mr J. W Pye from his business at the festive season, Mr J. Pye, jun., and the staff are to be complimented on the way iu which they have "kept the flag flying," the display this year being in no way behind any previously seen at Commerce House. Mr Pye has six show windows on his frontage, and these are all most tastefully set out With the latest fashionable goods. The toy and fancy goods window and the ladies' ahow window are particularly well dressed, * and there is a grand range of seasonable material in the tailoring department, where the windows are also neatly arranged. The interior of Mr Pye's extensive premises, as usual, is filled to overflowing with an endless variety of goods, and it would take up too much space to even hint at all the nice things to be seen suitable for Christmas presents. Suffice it to say that the millinery showroom looks uncommonly gay with so many delicate things for the ladies. The verandah is decorated with evergreens and a large motto "A Merry Christmas," worked in laurel leaves on a white background is erected over the front entrance. . , , t Mr T Sherratt's store is a model or neatness, and Lis big scock is shown off to great advantage in his well appointed shop. The shelves are all well lined with seasonable goods for Christmas cheer, and considerable taste has been shown in arranging the stock effectively, In tbe

centre of the floor is a large stand laden with toys and fancy goods for Christinas boxes, and other stands on the counters are also covered with fancy glassware, etc. The- show windows are very neatly arranged, and the hardware shop is also well stocked. Mr Sherratt has recently had the front of his shop repainted, and as he intends to decorate it with evergreens, Chinese lanterns, and chains of coloured papers it should make a good show tonight. Mr B. E. Tasker has an excellent display of prime beef, and no fewer than eight fat lambs, which makes a fine,show of meat. Mr Gr. Worner has also a good show of meat of excellent quality. Mr Q. Bryant shows confectionery— Xtnas cakes, and all sorts of sweets for the. young. Messrs W. A. Sherratt & Co. show a large stock of ironmongery and general hardware, which is well displayed behind plateglass windows. Mr A Fyfe, who has added to his premises the shop lately occupied by Mr T. Sherratt, has now an extensive frontage, and is able to make a good display of his exceptionally large stock of general household and office furniture and furnishings. With the aid of machinery Mr Fyfe has been able to turn out a lot of locally made furniture, and he has also a large stock of imported articles. Mr J. Boughton shows general outfitting

gosds. Mr J. Riordan at his store shows confectionery and general stores, and at his refreshment rooms at the upper end of the town shows sweets and frait of all kinds. Mr P. D. Herdman shows household furniture, etc. Mr H. Pye shows fruit, confectionery, etc , and h:is a fine display of choice sweets for the Christmas stocking. Messrs TVilloughby Bros, who have recently taken overMr McCaskey's business, show a nice collection of photos, framed pictures, enlargements, etc. Mr AV. Baxter, chemist, shows a lot of .

new goods in the way of fancy perfumen and toilet soaps. Mr E. Logan has a well stocked shop o groceries, crockery ware, etc., which he ii showing to advantage. Mr J. Mcllroy, whose show windows wen fitted on Saturday, with plat 9 glass Messrs C. Bates & Coy. has a fine display ol jewellery, plate, and fancy goods. Mr W. Thomas shows prize books Christmas cards, Christmas annuals, and a ' large selection of Christmas literature. | Mr G. Bethune shows a big stock oi saddlery and leather goods. Mr M. Olds has a choice lot of new tweeds, serges nnd other material for making up seasonable suits. Mr W. T. Turner shows tobacconist's goods, fancy goods, fireworks, etc. Mr H. Turner has a good display of boots and shoes, having recently purchased Messrs Dawson Bros' stock. Mr H. Brain shows a neat window of tobacconist's goods and fancy articles suitable for presents; The Canterbury Farmers' Cooperative stores are well stocked w.lli goods for Christmas cheer. Mrs Davis has a grand show of Christmas stockings, choice sweets, and luscious fruits. Messrs C. Bates & Co. exhibit some nice framed pictures, artist's copies, pretty framings, artist's materials, etc. Mr J. Bennington, who has opened a branch shop in Taylor's buildings, has a well selected stock of boots and shoes. Mr L. Pickles, in the same block of buildings, has a thoroughly up-to-date bicycle shop, and makes a splendid show of machines by good makers, and a large variety of lamps, bells, outfits, etc. TEMUKA. There have been several changes in Temuka since this time last year, and all iu the direction of improvement. If any person should have noted the condition of the town last year and not have had a chance of seeing it 'again until today ho could not fail to be struck with tho increase in substantial business premises and the general air of prosperity which prevados the place. It is not thronged as a rule, but there are signs of steady progress, »s evinced by the various displays made by tradesmen in view of what is called the Festive Season Glancing at the Main Street generally, one is struck with the very handsome display made by the principal tradesmen, and notably by the drapers. Mr W. C Koulston has a splendid stock of general clothing suitable for summer wear, as well as many specialities in ladies' millinery. For the Xmas season he has stocked a number of pretty articles suitable for presents. These include vases, chimney ornaments, glove and handkerchief boxes, albums (in great variety), ladies' workbaskets, photo frames, etc. Some choice biscuit barrels should command attention, and ladies will appreciate his selection of sunshades, lace ties, and fichus. Messrs Oddie & Co. (Mr S. B. Wightman, manager) have as choice a eollection of Xmas cards as one can wish to select from, but the principal attraction in the establishment should be the assortment of books for prizes or gifts. There are also some pretty pbotos.Chineselanterns.pocket almanacs, and diaries, and some pretty lines in nptepaper, crepe paper, etc. Mr Jas. Harrison's establishment has been touched up for the occasion. He has the usual assortment of Christmas goods, and the leading lines in groeries, ohinaware, and cordials. He makes a speciality of " Garden Tea," which is particularly good, and introduces a" raisin seeder," which is a handy instrument in any household. Mr J. W. Miles, of the Stone Store, has a very prettily decorated window, containing on the one hand useful, and on the other ornamental articles. Inside there is the usual stock of clothing from the Wellington and Kaiapoi Mills, but a feature is made of trimmed millinery. Of goods for Christmas gifts the choice is unlimited, ranging from dolls, and mechanical tops to picture frames, parlour games, fire screens (hand painted), picnic baskets, inkstands, and handbaskets. The whole makes a nice display. Mr J A. McCaskill has a splendid stock of Christmas and New Tear cake, his regular stock of choice confectionery and a lot of capital toys. His shop is a most attractive one, ono of the features being the display of Christmas and New Year Cards. Mr J. Sim's special display of jewellery is always most attractive. Novelties'this year are pendant chains, muff chains, and some new rings. He has a capital assortment of goods for trophies or presents, including some pretty ladies' watches, biscuit barrels, barometers, stop watches, etc. As usual Mr J. Brown has a first rate display of goods at " The Beehive." On the drapery side he has a nice show of ladies' dress materials, etc., suitable for the present season, also a good range of clothing for the sterner sex. In the grocery and general department he has a capital stock, Christmas fruits, etc., being largely in evidence. A nice display of Christmas and New Tear cards is also made. Mr D. Taylor has unvariably a really choice lot of chinaware, lamps, cutlery, etc., suitable for presents. He makes a speciality of picnic goods in the shape of tinned meats, jams, jellies, etc. Messrs Bates & Co. show some charming engravings, oil paintings (several by local artists), specimens of framed work, and some specially attractive lines in chimney ornaments iu various kinds of ware. Mr H. T. Clinch's refreshment room has been specially prepared for the season, and he has a grand stock of fruits, confectionery, Christmas cakes, etc. Cosy suppers on holiday nights can be arranged, and Mrs, Clinch guarantees her cream puffs aud home made delicacies.

| Messrs Buxton k Co. have not indulged ! in any decorative display, but have a choice collection of crock fry ware, a select lot of cutlery, and all household requisites. They have a full stock of new dried fruits, etc., and their customers are well looked after. Mr E. Brown has a well selected stock of materials for outdoor and indoor games, such as cricket, tennis, croquet, etc., all at moderate prices, and also a large variety of goods suitable for presents. Mrs J. Beri is prepared with useful lines of furniture, and every requisite for the fitting up of a home. Her showrooms are well worth a visit from those in search of presents. Mr Bates makes a special display of boots and shoes for summer wear. Mr T. Edwards has a good stock of seasonable drapery and some rather neat lines in tennis shirts, etc. Mr Marshall and Mr J. H. Anderson show Christmas cakes and sundry sw etj meats. Mr J. Lee, Temuka, and Mr S. B. Norton, Arowhenua, make tempting displays of beef, lamb, hams, etc. Mr &. Hancox submits for approval a

very comprehensive line of boots and shoe for ordinary ware, and makes a speoia display this season of tennis, cricket am dancing shoes. His general stock in men': and -voinen's boots is thoroughly up to date Mr J Hardey has a good assortment of season's fruits, and some pretty anc useful crockeryware. Messrs Collier & Co have a lot of useful goods on view in furnishing lines. Mr J. Niles shows a lot of fancy goods and framed pictures. Messrs A. E Smith & Co. have crockery ware and groceries on view. Messrs Jessep & Co. make a first class display of bicycles and accessories, and their well lighted shop looks very bright and nice, and cyclists should find something in it to tempt them. Mr Wiggs has also a good show of bicycles, etc. Mr J. Blyth has a large and well selected stock of builders' and general ironmongery, etc. Mr A. Russell and Mrs Cunnard, in Arowhenua, are well able to supply the wants of their customers, their stocks being well assorted. Mr Macguire's photograper establishment looks very nice, his display of artistic work being first class. Nearly all the tradespeople have bright ened up their stocks, but decorative displays are not likely to be indulged in.