USEFUL AUTUMN GOODS AT MESSRS SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 13, 26 March 1892, Page 308

USEFUL AUTUMN GOODS AT MESSRS SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.

On entering this fascinating shop one is at once struck by the immense and attractive assortment of drapery of all kinds. Amongst the new dress materials one is fairly bewildered—at least such was my experience when I went in search of novelties for my lady readers. The New Zealand tweeds, which in this make can only be obtained here, are most excellent in design, and wear extremely well. The price is exceedingly low, double width at 3s 9d in every variety of pattern and colour. This firm is noted for good colonial exhibits, which deserve patronage. Very pretty and attractive are the fancy stripes in all colours at IOJd. The broken checks are specially chic, and their price, ranging from Is Ojd to 4s 9d double width, places them within the reach of all. Still more wonderful is the Melton cloth, soft, strong, and most beautifully finished without the slightest trace of cheapness in its make, at 7Jd and 9Jd. It can be had either fancy or plain, and is really splendid. Another make of fancy striped material, equally suitable for an autumn dress, is 42 inches wide, and is sold at Is 3id and upwards. Some of these goods, especially the tweeds, would make useful and pretty suits for boys. The Melton cloth would be nice for autumn snits.

Talking of boys reminds me that I saw some flannelette of much firmer make than usual, yet soft and pleasant to the. touch, very suitable for shirts, night-shirts, and for ladies’ underclothing. It is only s£d the yard. The supply of blankets seems unlimited.

Turning to the glove counter, I was delighted with the new gauntlet glove, one kind of kid, lined, and finished with a beaver cuff, being almost irresistible for cold weather. The Florence kid, in black and tan, 4 buttons, at 6s, and Dent’s Pyrenee gloves in black and colours at 2s lid, are certain to give satisfaction, and can only be procured here at the price. Umbrellas made by the firm are strong and reliable as well as ornamental. Black cocks’ feather boas from Is lid to 5s 6d, and some very new and pretty ribbon in holly pattern and ombre in all colours, are sure to be soon disposed of. In underclothing every whim of fashion has been considered, and some charming results have been obtained, notably, the climatic combinations, 6s lid to 15s 6d. Cotton combinations prettily trimmed, ranged from 4s 6d to Ils 6d ; all other necessary garments edged with embroidery, torchon, or other lace, nightdresses, 2s 6d to 30s ; chemises, Is 6d to 19s 6d. The dressing-gowns are lovely, cashmere and flannel, daintily trimmed with self or lace, with and without yokes, from 10s 6d up to 50s. There are some very fascinating children’s hats and bonnets which cannot fail to attract mothers and aunts, and especially grandmothers, who will find these very useful for presents for the little ones. The most enchanting were in white and fawn lambswool, the white being particularly pretty. They have a nice large brim, thus affording some necessary protection from even the winter sun, are lined with washing silk, and will wash altogether. Nothing more sensible, pretty, and useful could be devised. They are very cheap too—4s 6d to 8s lid. Others in somewhat similar style are in plush with novel pinked cloth brims, all colours ; also some pretty bonnets for smaller children are displayed. Pelisses, tunics, etc., are here in profusion in cashmere, frieze, astrachan cloth, plush. Pinafores in endless variety, with Shetland hand-made hoods and bootees, form a unique display, to say nothing of the ulsters, hats, etc., for young folks of all ages. Talking of hats recalls those I noticed for ladies. The felt * four-in-hand ’ hat, from 2s lid to9s lid, with its square crown, its elegantly-arranged trimming of ribbon and wings, velvet or quills, is one of the features of the season. Quills, by-the-bye, will be much worn this winter. There is a complete range of caps sufficient to meet every requirements of out door life—riding, driving, yachting, cricket, etc., beginning at the modest price of Is in navy serge, tweed, etc. In fact, the millinery department is replete with varied and beautiful goods, and will well repay a visit. If this is impossible, it will be quite safe to specify what you want and send inside measure of hat. Patterns of dress goods can be obtained at any time, but it is well to apply early to ensure having something nice to wear when the colder weather sets in.

Rainy days may be expected soon, and a good ulster is a necessity. The Inverness and Russian styles are useful and becoming to the figure, and are remarkably cheap this year, varying from 9s lid to 455. Some at Ils 9d, a special make, are remarkably cheap and good. The windows are always worthy of inspection, displaying wonderful taste in the advantageous disposal of goods.