There is some uncertainty about the location of this business- but we do know something about  'S.Mattar'. Kete records show an 'S. Mattar' trading on Main Street as a draper in 1930 (in 1932 identified as the 'Kosy Cash Drapery'). 1937 saw him selling golfing supplies on Foxton's Main Street. In 1945 an 'S. Matter' was trading as a hairdresser alongside tobacconist 'L. Matter' on Foxton's Main Street (near the intersection with Whyte Street). 

By 1950 'L. Matter' was carrying on business as a hairdresser and tobacconist alone. In the  MANAWATU TIMES, VOLUME LVI, ISSUE 5588, 28 FEBRUARY 1931, PAGE 2  an 'S. Mattar' was part of a team who retained a bowling title. Did 'S. Mattar' have a shop of his own? Or was he part of a broader family business? 

This is one of multiple slides from this business searchable on Kete. This one advertises Gillette razors. The 'Blue Blade' razor was introduced in the early 1930s- however this slide looks to be a lot later than this. The date is only a vague estimation on this one!

This local Levin business appears to have a long history. There is a record of it existing as early as the 1940s, run by a Mrs. Weir. In 1981 the business was still there (but there is no record of who owned it by that stage).

This cinema advertising slide would have been screened during intermission- but only for a few seconds to avoid the projector's heat cracking the glass! In the era before television, going to the cinema was a frequent past time and if you paid extra to be seated upstairs in the 'dress circle' you generally dressed in nice clothes. What better audience to advertise cold waving, colour shampoos, hair tinting, razor cutting and facials! 

Imagine this ad stretching over a cinema screen- now that would be impact....

Horowhenua locals will be familiar with the sound of RNZAF aircraft thundering overhead thanks to the Ohakia airbase in nearby Manawatu. Ossie Tong, a barber and businessman from Bulls, knew an opportunity when we saw one and offered special 'parade ground haircuts' at his barbershop!

His other advertising was brilliant as well- this cinema advertising slide would have caught lots of attention.

Complete with a trendy hairstyle, a bevy of admirers and some sophisticated, soothing colour tones this slide encouraged the fashion conscious to get a haircut at Cooper Salon. The poses of the admirers in the background mimic many LP album covers of the period. 

Like most slides from it's era it was hand coloured- getting high quality colour prints was difficult in 1960s New Zealand! The upper right corner is cracked, probably due to being left in the projector for too long. The carbon-arc machines of the time ran at around 6000 degrees Celsius so each slide was only shown for a few seconds before being removed. This meant that most cinema advertising slides had bold designs like this one. 

No other online records of this business have been found at the time of uploading. Due to the low cost of cinema slides and their targeted audience (a local business only advertised in their town's cinemas) many small firms used 'the flicks' to promote themselves. 

Penciled on back - Miss Julie Wilson employee of Gilroy Hairstylists winner of the intermediate day style under 4 years section of hairdressing competitions at Wanganui. Thurs. Aug. 7, 1969.

Stamped on back with black ink - Horowhenua Historical Society. Acc. No. 137 Date.

Miss Wilson, a winner in hairdressing competitions, 1969 1 B&W photo print

Miss Julie Wilson, employee of Gilroy Hairstylists, winner of the intermediate day style (under 4 years section) during hairdressing competitions at Whanganui.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Celebration for Hair Guru and ' tough teacher.