WAIMAJE SHOPS BUSY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 3

WAIMAJE SHOPS BUSY

Volume Of Christmas Trade Business Better Than In 1943 Late-night shopping hours last evening catered for Christmas Eve purchasers, and throughout the day business was brisk in all Waimate retail establishments. Last minute buying of gifts and provisions, however, was less marked than is usual at this time. Possibly because of known shortages in many lines, Christmas shopping commenced earlier this season, and while many shops have been busy for a week and more, some retailers were selling Christmas goods as far back as November. Generally the volume of seasonal trade has been on a par with that of last Christmas, and in a number of instances the turnover, with a busy morning yet to come, was in excess of the 1943 figures. In spite of shortages of supplies of some commodities, and a complete lack of a number of seasonal lines, Waimate shops presented many attractive window displays, and a wide choice was presented for shoppers. Special lighting and festoons of coloured lights across the main street provided a marked contrast with Yuletide seasons of the black-out period. The skirl of the pipes enlivened the busy scene last evening, when the Waimate Highland Pipe Band paraded Queen Street. Buying Surveyed A general survey of some of the main avenues of Christmas buying made by a representative of “The Timaru Herald,” may be sumarised thus: — Drapery stores—Generally an increase on last year’s business. Men’s mercery—Greatly increased sales during the week owing to earlier shopping. Fancy goods—Business more than equal to that of last Christmas.

Footwear —Christmas buying began in November, and final results probably will be greater than last year's return. Grocery and provision trade—Steady buying throughout. Fruit and confectionery—Keen demand, with likelihood of selling all available supplies. Scout Camp A camp for Waimate Boy Scouts will be held at Hayes’s Bush commencing on December 27, and concluding on January 2. Details of camp arrangements were given by Group Scoutmaster K. Denholm at a meeting of the Scout Committee. Approximately 18 boys will be in camp under G.S.M. K. Denholm, who will have the assistance of Scouter O Baxter. Scouter Baxter will give instruction in pioneering work. Good progress is being maintained in the Scout Troops, and the Cub Pack has closed with 36 members, the full quota. At least six Cubs will be promoted to the Scout Troop in the near future, and the vacancies created will soon be filled. The camp will be thrown open to visitors on December 31. The Scoutmaster will be grateful for any donations of fruit, jam. and vegetables for the Scouts during the period they are in camp. Tennis Ikawai has defaulted to Waimate A team in a match set down for to-day in the sixth round of the Waihao SubAssociation’s tennis competition. Waimate B team to play Waihao Downs at Waimate: R. E. Kirk, P. Hynes, G. Cochrane, K. Edwards, Mrs J. Cornwell, Misses E. McCone, P. Keane, M. Herriott. Presentation Made There was a large attendance at a choral service in St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Members of the choir entertained soloists and other helpers at supper, when the presentation of a clock was made to the choirmaster, Mr C. E. Manchester, in appreciation of his services. The Rev. H. Benny, Mrs M. E. Hayman, and Messrs E. C. Horsley and J. I. Hayman paid tribute to Mr Manchester’s work. The presentation was made by Miss G. Kennard. Mr Manchester thanked the choir and the soloists, Miss J. Buchanan and Mr D. Mclnnes, together with all others who had helped to swell the number of the choir for the occasion. He made special mention of the work as organist of Mrs M. E. Hayman. Mr R. Young and Miss J. Buchanan spoke on behalf of the visitors.