Opunake Hotel.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 50, 21 December 1894, Page 2

Opunake Hotel.

Mr T. Knowles, the popular host of the above hotel, has just had very extensive alterations and additions made to his hotel to meet the demands of his largely increased trade since acquiring tbe house. The house now is quite a credit to the township, and will offer accommodation second to none on the West Coast. Mr and Mrs Knowles have made a host of friends since assuming possession of the building, and spare no effort in catering for the public to afford them every comfort and convenience. The hotel, which has a remarkably handsome appearance, has a total frontage of 76 feet to the main street, by a depth of 88 feet. On the ground floor there is a capacious and handsomely-furnished bar, in which only the best brands of wines, ales, and spirits are dispensed. Behind the bar is a splendid billiard room, 30 feet by 18 feet, fitted with one of Bennett and Son’s tables, with patent cushions and all otljer accessories for the comfort and convenience of visitors. The room is well lighted by day, and has a verypowerful Rochester lamp for evening use. The dining-room, which has been enlarged, will now seat about 40 comfortably, and is being refitted throughout. There are also two private sitting rooms on this floor, and a good sitting room off the bar. There is a very commodious kitchen communicating with the dining room by means of a sliding door. The kitchen is fitted with a capacious range, by Luke and Sons. The public entrance is into a hall 8 feet wide, with halls 5 feet wide leading from it to the dining rooms, sitting rooms, and billiard room. There is also a private entrance from the street to the dining room for the convenience of ladies and others. The staircase is at the end of the main hall, and lands in a roomy hall on the second story, with two passage ways leading to each extremity of the establishment, into which the bedrooms open. On this flat there are 14 bedrooms, all roomy and well lighted, and two sitting rooms (with bedrooms opening into them) for the convenience of families or private parties. There is also a very comfortable bathroom conveniently placed at the end of the corridor, supplied with water from two tanks placed on this level. At the end of the corridor access is given to the fire escape. Under the bar is a large cellar, well stocked with the best brands of ales, &c. There is also a fine stable erected 55ft long by 30ft wide in which are 2 loose boxes and 8 stalls, besides a harness room aud stableman’s room. Everything is arranged so as to give the greatest room and convenience. The contract for the alterations and additions was placed in Mr A. O’Brien’s hands (under thesupervision of Mr W. Pettigrew) and tbe work has been carried out faithfully and reflects every credit on his wellknown ability as a builder. Messrs Gilbert and Davison have done the painting and decorating in a thoroughly artistic and workmanlike manner, giving the utmost satisfaction to the proprietor. The total cost of alterations, additions and furnishing amounts to about £1,200, and Mr Knowles having undertaken them shows that he has the utmost confidence in the progress and prosperity of the township.