HOTEL ACCOMMODATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 636, 25 November 1865, Page 4

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION.

It is not more than abont fire months since we were called upon to chronicle the opening of some thirty or forty new establishments in this { city for the purpose of supplying the public with increased hotel accommodation. The majority of these establishments, how. ever, were small, and although duly christened by their respective proprietors as " Hotels," had but little in common with hotels proper if except the fact that they were prepared to dispense wines, beers, and spirits to thirsty souls ad libitum. Among the exceptions to tliis prevailing rule might be instanced the new hotel styled " The Army and JSfavy," situate in Upper Queen, street, the spirited proprietor of which (Benia. min C. Hayles) finding his business rapidly in. creasing, and the accommodation at his disposal quite unequal to the requirements of the public has determined on making very important and extensive additions and improvements to hia premise!! by building over the entire area of tho allotment included in his lease. These altera, tions will be commenced immediately, and Trill be built; from plans and designs furnished by Messrs. Cameron and Burrows, architects, of Shortland-strect, and comprise the erection of private sitting and bed rooms en suite, 20 additional bed rooms, bath rooms (either for hot, cold, or shower baths), closets, &c., all of which are to be well supplied with water from capacious cistcrns kept constantly filled and erected on the top of the building to be available

in case of fire. A large and spacious billiard room will also be added on the ground floor, with a sniolcing room adjoining, and what is now the billiard room,)bcing found too narrow for the purpose, will then be converted into a dining room.

By these extensive alterations, the building will be enlarged to double its original dimensions ; presenting a frontage to Tipper Queenstreet of some 3-1 feet, and to Queen-street of about 4G feet. It is intended to extend this latter front with the balcony in precisely the same style as the present building. The open triangular space immediately facing the principal front, and which forms the junction of Upper Queen and Grey-streets, is we are informed shortly to be levelled and enclosed by an iron pallisading, within which it is proposed to appoint a stand for cabs and other public conveyances plying for hire—-such, an arrangement will preclude the possibility of building out the extensive view which, can now he obtained from the balcony and upper stories; of the sea, the North Shore, Flagstaft, North Head, Kangitoto, &c, and the waters of the "Waitclnata.

The proprietor, Mr. Hayles, lias lately admitted into the business as partner a Mr. Melton, and the hotel will in future be conducted under their joint superintendence. We sincerely trust when these costly improvements are effected, which it is expected will be done in about six weeks or two months from this, that these gentlemen will meet with that liberal support which their energy and enterprise so justly merit.