Millers

I grew up in Christchurch - apart from the first few years.
I had a great Mum with the biggest and warmest heart you could imagine. We led a pretty humble existence in those days - Mum and Dad, and my brother and sister. But we managed somehow - largely thanks to Mum's wisdom and perseverance - much of it unappreciated at the time unfortunately.
Each week, Mum used to take me on the tram or the bus into town. Invariably we would go to Millers in Tuam St, where I would tentatively play on the escalator (I recently learned it was the first escalator in NZ - 1930s). Mum would buy material to make clothes for herself or us kids - and she would look longingly at the hats, gloves, and bags, etc that she could not afford. On rare occasions Mum would take me up to the cafeteria (no cafes then!) for a bun and a cup of tea - no doubt depriving herself of some needed item to do so. I thought it was a great event!
I also recall the vacuum pipes - the staff member serving you would put your money together with the sales docket into a wee 'rocket' which was put into the vacuum pipe - and whoosh, off it went (the 'ether' of the 1950s!! - no plastic cards then - totally cash). You would then twiddle your thumbs for 5 minutes, then lo and behold, back it came with your receipt and change. Not a bad system in hindsight!!
Unfortunately Millers succumbed to the 'Made in China' times. The building became the headquarters for the Christchurch City Council for many years. Eventually they too moved on, moving into new premises in the central City, leaving the building and its history lonely and unloved.
But then after a few months of emptiness came 22 February 2011 - earthquake day.
Now, in May 2014, the building is being demolished. The physical structure will soon be gone and yet another car park will appear, along with the hundreds of other vacant sites - but the memories will still be there. Bless you Mum.