THE NEW CRITERION Hotel.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 139, 15 November 1887, Page 2

THE NEW CRITERION Hotel.

During these times of depression it is gratifying to ho able to notice a change in th" m not.'uy of alf i irs. Aou-mai visitor to Blenheim nothing th" numb- r of carpenters a..d joiners at work, building the new shops' in the Square would imagine that Blenheim 'was one of the most, go-ahead places at, present in New Zealand. Several new arrivals have made | such observations; now, however, some- | thing far much substantial is shortly to be j erected on the opposite side of the street, as Mr J. Sinclair has determiu- d to rebuild in brick on the site occupied by’ the late Criterion Hotel, tho buiidiug lately destroyed by the b-g fire. The new Criterion Hotel will be a very handsome and commodious building, and will be erected on much about the same site as the last one. The structure will be of brick, t.wo storeys high, having a frontage to Alfred-street and Market-street North. The main entrance is to bo from Marketstreet, and will be gained by three stepi on the top one being two large folding doors. The main hall is GOft x Bft. On the right hand, immediately on entering, will bo the commercial room, 39ft x 17ft. Following up the passage, on the lefthand side will be found tho spirit room, manager’s office, private bar and other apartments. The dining-room, which is to he on the same floor, will be a splendid room loft x 22, and is to be well lit with bracket lamps round the sides and two handsome gaseliers from tho ceiling. The billiard-room has been arranged so as to be specially’ lighted by a large skylight, tho room being 31ft x 20ft. The kitchens and tho necessary accommodation connected with the culinary department is placed behind tho dining room, while here also is a back staircase to be used chiefly’ by tho servants. Goiug up a right-of-way from Markot street will be found two comfortably appointed private bars, also a bottle and jug department, while tho principle entrance to the public bar will be gained from Market-street. The water closets, lavatories, &o. are all arranged in the right-of-way. The upstairs is gained by two flights of steps of easy’ grade, each flight having 1G steps. On top of tho stairs is a large landing. The passages are formed in a triangular shape and run along the three sides of the building. The arrangement of the hotel is admirably’ suited for private families. There are a number of nice large sitting rooms with double bedrooms adjoining. There is also a large drawing room facing Market and Alfred streets, measuring 22ft x 17. All the bedrooms are large, airy and well lighted. The architect Mr Chatfield, of Wellington, has paid special attention to the ventilation throughout the entire building, while all the passages are roomy and well lit. There will he a handsome balcony of iron columns running round a portion of the house facing both streets, which will he gained by’ French windows from tho drawing room. For completeness and comfort the design appears perfect, and when the new Criterion is built it will be a credit to Blenheim as well as being one of the best appointed hotels in tho Colony.