Collinson and Cunninghame were one of the foremost department stores in Palmerston North. They were well-known for their annual Christmas Cave attraction, which occupied 3000 square feet in the basement of the shop. This particular display, entitled "Christmas Land", was especially imported from London and had over forty different moving figures.
Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 15, 15 December 1937
WHAT’S CHRISTMAS WITHOUT A VISIT TO Collinson & Cunninghame’s MAGIC CAVE Every visitor pays 9d for a Gift from Santa Claus —and then without extra charge you see the wonders of the Cave—nine big attractions, including “Christmas Land” showing the frolics of the animal children at Santa’s Home at the South Pole. And there’s a free ride on the Merry-go-Round for the Kiddies, too!
Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 10, 10 December 1945
Any good at telling fairy stories? You can make a visit to the Magic Cave much more interesting for a youngster by using your imagination. What stories can you tell about Donald Duck's band, the animal children in the Christmas Land showpiece, the hall of enchanted mirrors, the fairy waterfall, and the dollies dancing at the Jubilee Ball. Bring the smaller children to see Father Christmas early, before the school-age children are about.
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