COACHING DAYS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 300, 18 December 1931, Page 13

COACHING DAYS.

A Landmark on the Route to Akaroa. OLD HOTEL REPLACED. Thousands of travellers bound for Akaroa or other parts of Banks Peninsula have paused at the summit of the big hill between Little River and Barry’s Bay and admired a view that is one of the finest in the world. From here can be seen a great basin of hills thirty or more miles in circumference and 2000 feet high, with bays and valleys radiating down to protect the fine stretch of placid waters of Akaroa Harbour. The greenness of the slopes and ridges and the serenity of the landlocked harbour have always drawn a tribute. For over sixty years, beginning long before the road was built, there stood here the old Hill Top Hotel, which was destroyed by fire on April 7 last. It had stood there while the timberclad hills were shorn of their crop of big totaras and pines, when native birds abounded everywhere, and from its high eminence it had overlooked the changes effected by pioneer settlers, clearing their sections, building their houses and making their roads. With the march of time came the riders, who used the bush tracks, and then the coaching days, when it was an important stopping place on the two days* trip between Christchurch and Akaroa. In 1911 the brave old coaching days received their death knell when Pilkington’s first motor-car service between Akaroa and Little River was instituted. At a height of 1700 feet and on the summit of the big hill, it has always been a welcome stoppingplace for refreshment, though in these da}'S of fast motor-car transit that obtains to a lesser degree. The leisurely tourist, however, never fails to stop and admire the view. The New Hotel.

When it was destroyed, the owners of the hotel decided that to keep abreast of the times it must be replaced by a modern building with appointments which would still continue to attract the roadside tourist. This has been carried into effect. The new hotel is fireproof, being built of steelite and plastered throughout. The architect, Mr G. Haines, has chosen a Spanish design and the bell-shaped arches which surmount the main entrance and verandahs and the lightcoloured plaster work, give it a handsome appearance in its commanding setting. Inside, the building is equipped with taste and comfort. Rimu panelling is used throughout, and is most effective in the main entrance hall. The tea room and dining-room open on to the verandah on the east side, which commands the harbour view. The upstairs portion is used entirely for sleeping quarters, with bathroom, electric light, and the whole most conveniently arranged. The furniture is fumed oak. Downstairs there are, besides the dining-room, tea room, kitchen and bar and bar parlour, further bedrooms, a most -comfortably furnished lounge and sun porch. The Opening Ceremony.

Mr J. O. Coop, chairman of the Wairewa County Council, and one of the oldest residents in the district, performed the opening ceremony. Before breaking the bottle of champagne on the steps and opening the new building with the key presented by the builder, Mr Wembleborn, he said that it gave him great pleasure to join with all present in the ceremony of opening the new hotel. He congratulated Mr H. .]. Bell on his pluck in putting up such a building in these hard times. The Ilill Top was one of the best-known Peninsula hotels. He remembered fifty-eight years ago visiting it with one Jack Breeze, before the road was put through. There had been a shooting competition, one of the telegraph poles opposite being used, but towards the end of the day he was afraid some of the competitors could not see the score boards, let alone where the pellets hit. There were many wild spirits in the district in those days. Mr J. D. Garwood, of Akaroa, had built the first hotel and Mr Haines was the first licensee. It was a coincidence that the first licensee and the architect of the new building should bear the same name. Licensees following Mr Haines were; Messrs Brooks, R. Paton, W. Newton, W. Coombs, H. J. Bell, J. Vial, J. Bisman and G. M’K. Petty. He hoped Mr Petty, the present licensee, would be in charge of the hotel a long time and make it a success. (Applause.) A Mr Blake, who built the telegraph line to Akaroa, drove the first vehicle to Little River over the new road. He remembered Mr Rolleston coming to Little River at the time. The first coach driver was Bill Kercher. The coaches used to change horses after leaving Christchurch, first near Mr Dick Morten’s and later at Wascoe’s at Birdling’s Flat. Other drivers on the coaches he remembered were Joe M’Farlane, Sam Lee, Joe Barwick, Beilby Barker, Harry Marsh, Harry Webster, Ned Ensdin, Joe Johnston and many others.

In declaring the hotel opened, Mr Coop said he hoped it would never be closed. Tourist business in New Zealand was growing all the time, and this hotel with its fine appointments should attract many visitors. He concluded by congratulating the architect, Mr G. Haines, and Mr Wembleborn, of Messrs Silvester and Co., the builders, upon the way in which the job had been carried out. (Applause.) He felt it an honour to take part in the ceremony of opening the new hotel, which was replacing such a well-known landmark of the district.

Messrs H. J. Bell, proprietor, G. Haines, architect, and Wembleborn, builder, also spoke. The hotel was declared open, those present cheering. Mr and Mrs Petty then invited those present to a dinner in the new diningroom.