AN UP-TO-DATE INN.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 70, 23 March 1907, Page 2

AN UP-TO-DATE INN.

-CLARENCE BRIDGE STOPPING-

PLACE

The traveller between Kaikoura and Seddon need no longer push on past the Clarence Bridge in the twilight, for there has been erected, to replace the accommodation house that did service since the early days during Mr Mr J. Johnston's landlordship, <* ttandsome, commodious and well-appointed building that would do credit to a large town. The new house, which ■will be opened to the public in the course of a few days, is situated about two chains to the left of the old one, which will be pulled down and removed. Instead of the coach from the Kaikoura side having to break back at a sharp angle, as is the present custom, provision is to be made for a looproad that will sweep past the new house, and very much add to" the attractiveness of the general scheme of appearance.

The new accommodation house has been substantially built or wood and concrete; and should see the present century out so far as endurance is concerned. It is a building with a high stud, well reared from the ground, and its superficial width is 84ft., while at one side it runs back 50ft. A verandah 49ft. 3in. long, the floor of which is of concrete' separates the two- projecting flanks of the building, and these are 17ft. wide, and mullion-windowed. The main entrance admits to a 6ft hall, and on the left hand is the dining-room, a capacious apartment 18ft. 6in. by 15ft., with a tall stud. On the right of the hall is a room. lift. 6in. by Bft. sin.; and on the right of that again is the i public sitting room, measuring 14ft. I 6in. by lift. 6in. Behind the public ! dining-room is seen a spacious kitchen, ) with pantry, range and every conveni- : ©nee, the dimensions being 17ft. 6in. Jby 13ft. over all. Private living

rooms, passages, and about ten large bedrooms make up the twenty apartments in the house; and at the rear is another verandah,' facing the sea. There is also a pantry, 14ft. by 10ft., on the top of which are to rest two water-tanks with capacities of 400 gal. and 1200 gals. " Situated some little distance from the house is the dairy, on top of which is a third tank, holding 2000 gals. The water supply of the Clarence accommodation-house is well known for its purity. It- is got •from a rock in the hillside a good distance from the house and towards the sea, and thence led in pipes to the house. The total cost of the new nouse will not be far short of £2000.

Mr S. P. Askin, the enterprising proprietor, has unlimited confidence in the future of the East Coast and the growth of the overland traffic, and expects to be recouped in the course of some years for his large expenditure. Certainly, the number of caller's during the present season has proved the old house .by far too small, and, now that travellers can rely upon the best of accommodation, there should be no lack of custom at the Clarence Bridge.

The erection of the new house was carried out by Mr Lawrence, of Flaxbourne, under the personal supervision of Mr Askin; and Mr Anderson did the concrete and brick-work. The work of all reflect the greatest credit upon each.