THE GRAND HOTEL.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 3, Issue 151, 23 October 1895, Page 2

THE GRAND HOTEL.

One of the strongest proofs of the confidence held by men of quickness of perception and business shrewdness in the future of Kotorua is afforded by the immense pile of buildings which Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co., and Messrs Hancock and Co., have conjointly erected at the corner of Fenton and Hinemoa streets. The Grand Hotel—the name is an entirely appropriate one—is in full view of visitors to Rotorua as they arrive at the Railway station, and the massive structure with its imposing facade cannot fail to surprise and impress those whose first trip it is to the Hot Lakes District. The appearance of the building is most imposing and the architect, Mr John Currie, has successfully grappled with the many difficulties which present themselves in the treatment of an edifice composed entirely of wood. The result is a symmetrical pile pleasing to the eye and internally arranged so as to suit the comfort and convenience of those who may bo its inmates. The drainage and sanitation of the building, which are the most important points to lie considered in choosijig a temporary residence, have been carefully attended to, and means of egress from the building in case of an alarm of tire are to be mot with on every hand. The system of ventilation is perfect to a degree, every apartment in the house being connected by means of iron tubes with Boyle's patent ventilators in the roof.

The building covers an area of 130 feet square, having frontages of that length to Fenton and Hineinoa streets. It stands some distance back from the street alignment and the vacant strip of ground, railed off ljy a neat-looking wooden fence is being planted with shrubs and flowering plants. There are two main entrances to the hotel, on Hinemoa and Fenton streets respectively, each sheltered by a handsome portico supported by Tuscan columns. A balcony, similarly supported, with projecting bays overthe entrances, sweeps round'tlio whole frontage. The swing doors, which lead to the interior, arc polished eedar and highly ornamental; the cornice being supported by Corinthian columns with exquisitely carved caps. The panels and sides lights are of plate glass, as also the transom lights. Fronting both main entrances are staircases leading to the upper floor. These are remarkably well-finished pieces of workmanship, the carved cedar newels which form the terminal points of each rail are from an original design of the architect, and, as much labor has been bestowed upon them, they present a most effective appearance. A continuous handrail of fine polished cedar and a neat balustrade add to the attractiveness. The stairways are lighted by handsome, circular-topped, triple windows, embossed with Japanese figuring in the centre panes, and with flower pattern margins of ruby glass. To the right of the entrance hall is tin; office and manager's room and at the extremity of the corridor, to the right and left of which there are alternate bedrooms and sitting rooms, the bar is situated. This is a spacious apartment, 21ft x 19ft, and finished in the most elaborate maimer. The polished cedar topped counter is circular in shape and the front is divided into panels by moulded pilasters and carved brackets. The bar cheffonier is a highly ornate piece of furniture of carved kauri and rimu with columns supporting an ornamental pediment. An inner porch, finished in the same effective style, and furnished with polished cedar swing doors is erected insidethe street entrance and, excluding all draughts, adds to the comfort of the room. Bar parlors are contiguous to the bar and each is provided with serving doors. Underneath is ample cellerage accommodation conveniently fitted up—dry and cool. Passing into the billiard room we find a large well lighted apartment, -(> x 19 feet, having windows on each side and ' raised platform at the end for spectators. The main ground floor corridor which extends from the bar to the dm'xg room, a length of nearly 200 ft, is Bft wide, the walls having a dado of figured rimu and kauri in alternate boards surmounted by a delicately tinted paper. The bar, billiard room, dining hall, &c., are also finished in the same style. At the angle of the corridor and about 100 ft from the bar is the reading room, a cheerfully lighted apai-tinent ;50 x 18ft, with door of embossed glass and bearing the name of the hotel in the centro of an appropriate design. Continuing along the passage for another 100 feet and passing by the Hinemoa Street entrance, and numerous single and double bedrooms, the smoking room is entered, a cheerful apartment 20 x 15ft, and capable of being converted into a most pleasant lounge. At the end of the corridor is situated the great dining hall which presents a most imposing appearance. This room is 50 x 19ft and well-lighted by seven large windows. The style of decoration is neat and unobtrusive, the walls being panelled as before mentioned with rimu and kauri, forming a dado, and the ceiling is of panelled and polished kauri. The room is capable of comfortably accommodating 80 people. Opening off the main dining hall is an auxiliary dining room, finished in the same style and able to scat 20 persons. Ascending to the upper floor alcoves wi th handsome arched entrances are found facing the landing of each stairway. These open on to the balcony and from the Hinemoa Street front a

good view of the Whakarewarewa geysers, the Jlovo-horo Gorge anft the outlying couutiy is obtained. On the upper r arc situated the two drawing rooms .'iO ,\ ! 15ft and 25 x 19ft respectively. These rooms are beautifully finished, more than ordinary care having been bestowed upon i| the imitation marble mantels, the choice I of paper and the ornamentation generally. The grates ai'c of neat designs in tiles and S the floors are stained an 1 varnished; that j .1 of the larger room being specially pre- | pared for dancing. From each of these f: i rooms casements give access to the balcony. On the upper floor most of the , bedroom accommodation is provide!. These rooms are in every particular in thorough keeping with the rest oi' the establishment. Suites of apartments with communication doors have also been provided. Altogether there are 52 single and | double bedrooms in the house. Each wing is 1 i provided with a housemaid's sink'. Lathroom, lavatory, &c., and also outside five | C3C tpe st lirwavs.

Descending to the ground floor by iiiSfciis of the servants' staircase w<t\ re.. :: <!ie kitchen and servants' quarters. A pantry or carving rjom is" situated between the kitchen and the dining room with two doors of communication so as to obviate any risk of collision between zealouw attendants. In the kitcheiris one of Broady and Co.'s mammoth cooking ranges with large grill attached, and nls.j provision for a continuous supply of boiling water. A scullery adjoins the kitchen and this and the other apartments have :i sufficiency of cupboards, racks,- sinks, shelving, &c, while outside the kitchen door is the meatsafe, ice room and dairy, all of which are kept becomingly cool 1 >y means of louvre windows. Innumerab! other apartments are utilised as stoiv rooms, linen closets, trunk rooms and sn on, all substantially finished. The outhouses which are, however, still under construction, consist of wash-house, laundry, fuel house, &e. The contract for the whole work, wnicli covers a sum not far short of £<>,ooo, was in the hands of Mr R. 11. McCallum,- of Devonport, and he may be congratulated on the efficient manner in which he h is carried out an undertaking extending over seven months. Associated with him was Mr E. Williams, painter and decorator, whose handiwork is indicative of artistic taste and unremitting personal attention. Mr Swales, also of Auckland, contracted for the plumbing work and the electric bell and speaking tube apparatus which connects the various apartments throughout the building with the manager's office. The highest praise is due to Mr Currie, architect, who has bestowed ou Itotorua a hotel which for comfort and elegance can take its place amongst the best in New Zealand. The furnishing of the house is now being completed under the personal supervision of the manager, Mr W. A. Boulton, and in the course of a week or two the premises will be ready for the reception of guests. The total outlay on the whole building, furniture and appointments exceeds £15,000.