ELTHAM.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7539, 14 August 1902, Page 2

ELTHAM.

THE CORONATION HOTEL.

(from our resident agent.)

The Coronation Hotel, which is just receiving the finishing touch at the hands of the contractor, is one of the handsomest, and most commodious in the Taranaki district, and is proof of the confidence the proprietor (Mr James Hawkins) has in this progressive town. The building has a frontage to Bridge street of 57ft, and to York street of 80ft, and is handsome and imposing. The balcony fronts both streets, extending a distance of 140 ft, making a verandah 10ft wide. The balcony is supported by handsome cast-iron columns, bannisters, and fretwork. From Bridge Btreet the hotel is entered by a pair of double doors, which open into a vestibule. The hall is entered from the vestibule by a set of swing doors with side-lights filled with fancy murinese glass, and is Bft wide, the York street entrance being similar. Both balls lead on to a continuous staircase, having large and handsome neivels, and being lighted by handsome cathedra glass in lead lights. At the front corner of the building are

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a pair of swing doors leading into the bar vestibule, fancy glass screen swing doors leading thence to the bar. This ia octagonal in Bhape, and is fitted with circular counter, and very handsome circular liquor stand, decorated with fancy glasses. The bar is one of the handsomest and most convenient on tho coast. * Looped around the bar are three parlours, each 12ft x 18ft, and very bright and cheery. Passing through the Bridge Rtreet hall, on the left is the commercial room, the dimensions of which are 26ft x 18ft. The room is beautifully papered, and has every convenience for travellers. The furnishing of the room is admirable, there being a suite of furniture in buffalo kid leather, large central table, and two large writing-clesks. Continuing down the hall-way, the dinning-room ia reached. This is 33ft x 25ft, and holds six tables, capable of accommodating 60 people. The room is fitted with a handsome dado, heavy cornices, massive mantelpieces, and a fine sideboard. Opening off the main hall into a side passage are the lavatories, and off this is the kitchen (18ft x 18ft), fitted with one of Soott Bros.' ranges, one of the largest in the district. Adjoining is the pantry (Bf t x 6ft , scullery (16ft x 10ft), storeroom i9ftx7ft), and cook's room (10ft xSft). Upstairs are 21 bedrooms, all lofty, spacious, and airy. They are all handsomely papered and well furnished. Opening on to the Bridge street balcony are a parlour and a sitting room, each 17ft x 17ft, nicejy furnished and decorated. The bridal chamber opens on to the York street balcony, and is a handsomely finished apartment, containing a beautiful suite of furniture. There are two bathrooms, the baths being fitted with cast iron Boman enamelled bars and nickel-plated taps for hot and cold water. There are two lavatories, linen presses, and boxroom. The upper hall is a continuous passage 113f b long by sft wide. It is handsomely panelled in polished rimu, and the ceiling is broken by two arches. There is excellent provision for escape in case of fire, special attention having been devoted to this important matter. The architect for the building was Mr James Sanderson, of New Plymouth, who has certainly designed a handsome building, the internal arrangements of which would be hard to excel in point of convenience. Mr Steele, of New Plymouth, the contractor, has carried out the work in excellent style, to the satisfaction of both architect and proprietor. The supervision of the work was in the hands of Mr A. Beynell, who has carried out his duty faithfully and with skill. It is worthy of mention that within six weeks after the signing of the contract the hotel was ready for occupation. The painting and decorating was doDe by Mr James Nash, of New Plymouth, who has excelled in the production of artistic colors, the whole work being admirably executed. Mr F. Griffiths, of New Plymouth, did the plumbing work, Mr Mander, of the same town, the brickwork, the timber was supplied by the Union Timber Company, and the ioinery was done by Messrs Twigg and Co., of Hawera. The staircase was built by Mr W. Hogg, who did the difficult work admirably. The whole of the furnishing was supplied by Messrs Smith and Caughey, of Auckland, whose manager (Mr Joe Graham) selected everything, and upholstering work was done by Mr C. Burke, of the Bame firm. The cost of the building was £3500, which gives an idea of its size and finish. It would do credit to any city or town in New Zealand, and the enterprise of Mr Hawkins in erecting such a building should be rewarded, as it assuredly will be, by a large amount of public support. It may be mentioned that the establishment of the hotel (including land and purchase of the Normanby Hotel) reached the large sum of £8000.