"Kids on 4'', a new department of A.S. Cooper and Sons Ltd. devoted to children's wear.

Last Thursday afternoon Mr. Edmund Cooper, chairman of the board and surviving son of the late Mr. A.S. Cooper, welcomed the founder's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to a ceremony marking the opening of the floor, which represents an expansion of the store's former children's wear department.

Standing on the stairway of the Reid Street entrance, Mr. Cooper cut the ribbon to officially open the floor. A "Kids on 4'' button was then presented to him by great-grandchild Ashley Miller.

Mr. Cooper, known as "Big Papa'' to some of the grandchildren, gave each one a sixpence as a memento of the special occasion.

Managing director, Mr. Peter Cooper and his son, children's buyer Mr. Somers Cooper, together bridging the generation gap, were also presented with "Kids on 4'' buttons by Cooper Stevenson.

After the ceremony the Cooper clan, along with children and parents waiting to shop, climbed the stairs to the new department where they were greeted by children's television character "Barney'', and his playmate "Baby Bop''.

Balloons, contests, a lucky dip and a grand prize draw which offered food, fun and furnishings for a complete kids' party for up to 20 children were part of the opening festivities for the public.

Every child was given a balloon, and the sound of a whistle gave the signal for a super G-Scale model train to start running around a track which has been installed in the store. Similar trains will soon be available for purchase in the store.

Mr. A.S. Cooper could probably not have envisioned such splendour when, in July, 1897, he acquired the stock and trading rights of the Bermuda Furnishing and Supply Company which became A.S. Cooper and Sons, Ltd. in 1936.

All five of his sons, Gilbert, Arthur, Charles, Edmund and Forster entered the business, "Mr. Edmund'', chairman of the board, being the surviving son. It is hoped, said a company spokesman "that some of the little children who received sixpences at the opening of the floor will someday embrace the principles and practises established by A.S. Cooper and continue the strong tradition of quality, value and innovation that makes the firm a leader in retailing in Bermuda.'' OH BABY! -- Mothers of newborns will have a wide selection of clothing and toys on the "Kids on 4'' floor at A.S. Cooper's.

FOR THE VERY YOUNG -- An array of colourful outfits and toys are available for infants on the new children's floor.

COOPER CLAN -- Four generations of the Cooper family gathered to celebrate the opening of the new "Kids on 4'' floor at A.S. Cooper and Sons. Surviving son of Mr. A.S. Cooper and chairman of the board, Mr. Edmund Cooper cut the ribbon to officially open the department. Pictured back row (from left) are Mr. Peter Cooper, Alexander Cooper, Sarah Cooper, Mr. Philip Cooper, Mrs. Tina Cooper Stevenson and Mr. Somers Cooper. Front row (from left) are Ashley Miller, Cooper Stevenson, William Cooper, Peter Miller and Mr. Edmund Cooper.