CHANGE IN HOTEL OWNERSHIP

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4762, 3 October 1946, Page 2

CHANGE IN HOTEL OWNERSHIP

Mcßride’s Hotel, better known as ‘ ‘ Harp of Erin ’ ’ in earlier days, has undergone another change in ownership. The change-over took place on Tuesday last, the new host and hostess being Mr and Mrs Eric D. McNeill, of Invercargill. It is interesting to note that Mcßride’s Hotel came into being in the mid 'sixties. The original owner was Mr Neil McEwan, who was succeeded by Mr John Mcßride, one of several well-known Mcßrides, who were among early settlers in the district. Mr Mcßride married Mias Jane Crawford and this partnership was broken by the sudden death of Mr McBride in June, 1876. Mrs Mcßride, a very popular hostess, carried on the hotel until 1906 when the lease passed into the hands of Mrs E. Eoberts and Mr Leon Curtis. The former died in 1908, leaving Mr Curtis in possession. In 1913 Mr Curtis married Miss B. Kcay. This partnership existed until Mr Curtis’ death in 1932, and from then on Mrs Curtis conducted the hotel until the change-over on Tuesday.

It is opportune to say that Mcßride’s Hotel has won the good opinions of the travelling public over a groat number of years. Mrs Curtis, the recent hostess who has now gone into retirement, possessed the necessary qualifications and rendered a service which has earned for her the high esteem of every class in the local community ns well as visitors. Prior to handing over to Mr and Mrs McNeill Mrs Curtis was met by her staff and a number of prominent business people who expressed their best wishes for a happy retired life. The best of luck was also extended to the new proprietors.