HANDSOME AND MODERN

Evening Star, Issue 23324, 21 July 1939, Page 3

HANDSOME AND MODERN

NEW LAW COURTS HOTEL , OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY Distinct in its architectural style and ornate in its interior motif, the new Law Courts Hotel in Stuart street was officially opened last night. Over 80 guests were present at a dinner tendered by the architect (Mr H. M‘Dowell Smith) to the licensee (Mr Alex. Stewart), Mrs Stewart, and their son, and the opportunity was taken to congratulate Mr Stewart on his ownership of such a handsome building. During the evening a presentation was made to the licensee of a miniature of the hotel on behalf of the contractors and sub-contractors, and Mrs Stewart was presented by the contractors with a handbag. The chairman was Mr H. M'Dowell Smith.' the architect for the building. The. function was opened by the Chairman calling on Mr Roderick Cameron to express in song the attributes of Mr and Mrs Stewart. To the tune of | Do Ye Ken John Peel ’ this lively item was a popular success. / “It is 45 years since Mrs 1 Stewart and I came to reside in Stuart street,' •nd two years ago we both agreed it was high time this street was remodelled,” said Mr Stewart, replying to the toast. “ Before it was reconstructed we both had happy recollections of our old home, but as is the case of all who live in a house for many years, we had a desire to have it remodelled.” Mr Stewart amused his guests with the remark that one motive that caused him to have the Law Courts Hotel rebuilt was the advice given by the Prime Minister to the people to spend their money freely. And so, after consultation with Mr M'Dowell Smith, the campaign of action was planned. This modern structure was the result of Mr Smith’s work. He had built a hotel that fitted in ex-, actly_ with the speaker’s ideas of what a building of this description should be like. Mr Stewart paid a' tribute to the assistance accorded him at all times by Mr M'Dowell Smith. “ If an architect draws up plans and has not the craftsmen to carry them into effect, what good is his profession P” asked Mr Stewart, briefly proposing the toast of “ The Architect.” “ I thank not only the architect, but also his associates for their valued services.l” ■ The architect thanked Mr Stewart for his eulogistic references. The craftsman’s art was symbolised in this structure, said Mr Harvey Stewart, proposing “ Builders, Sub-contrac-tors, Tradesmen, and Furnishers,” in thanking all who had taken a part, in erecting the hotel. The contractors, he said, had been loyal and faithful workmen; and he specially praised the supervision that had been exercised by Mr J. Clark, the foreman. The sub-con-tractors, too, had completed their work faithfully. To the furnisher, Mr T. A’ight, Mr Stewart expressed the delight of the proprietor at the artistic interior decorating scheme. The, labours of all who had helped to raise this construction and their faithful duty, had made the architect’s task easier. This was a structure that was an ornament to the city, and a valuable additibn to its architecture. Mr R. Mitchell, the contractor, said it was a real pleasure for his firm to be connected with the erection of the building., With a construction of this size there were naturally' unexpected problems, but they had vanished as soon as Mr M‘Dowell Smith was acquainted with them. The sentimental reasons that had stayed the hand of the licensee for a period before he decided to have a new building erected were mentioned by Mr W l . Garrett, who also replied to the toast. First, there was the splendid reputation of the old building among the Citizens of the city, and because of this reason it was only to be expected that Mr Stewart hesitated before he “ made the plunge.” He wanted the best and was prepared to pay for it, and the.cqnfidence that was placed in them by Mr Stewart was fully appreciated by the workmen, who each gave of his best. All tried to make it an edifice worthy of the city, of the Dominion, and of the proprietors. It was a building that would still be structurally sound in another 100 years. Mr Stewart was respected by citizens generally, and they all hoped that his happy reign would continue.