Trade Topics

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 751, 28 July 1904, Page 23

Trade Topics

Visitors to the Cathedral City will do well to look up the Carlton Hotel, situated at the corner of North Belt and Papanui Hoad. The Carlton, which is one of the oldest institutions of Christchurch, has recently been entirely rebuilt in brick and stone, and now offers accommodation of the most modern and luxurious kind. Mr Davy, the proprietor, has overlooked nothing in his determination to make patrons of the house thoroughly comfortable. The Carlton is close to the centre of business, at the same time pleasantly and healthily situated. Attached to the hotel is a commodious stable, with a groom in charge. * * * * The Clarendon Hotel, Waverly, under the capable management of the proprietress, Mrs Quin, is one of the most comfortable houses in that prosperous district. It has recently been renovated throughout and now offers all the advantages of an up-to-date hotel. « • « « The Masonic Hotel, at Waitara. maintains, under the care of the present licensee, Mr Smyth, the high reputation it has always held. Recently the building has undergone a complete and thorough overhauling, and at the present time there are few country houses that can compare with it. There has just passed the Norwegian Storthing a licensing law which is probably unique in Europe, if not in the world, and which would exactly suit the “Public-House Trusts.” It is based upon the Gothenburg system, is henceforward made applicable to all Norway, and enacts that henceforward individuals cannot hold licences, which will only be granted to limited companies. These will only be allowed to share a modest percentage of the profits, of which the major portion will be devoted to works of public utility. Manufacture and sale of low-class spirits are prohibited. The law only passed the Storthing by a narrow majority, and its practical enforcement will be difficult, if not impossible. * * ♦ * There has just passed away in Scotland a retired member of the Trade whose death is keenly regretted. For many years the late Mr Alexander McGregor, who commenced his business life in his uncle’s distillery, was one of the best-known hotel proprietors in the highlands. As far back as the seventies he became proprietor of the Invercauld Arms Hotel at Ballater and Braemar, which, owing to their proximity to the late Queen Victoria’s highland home at Balmoral, were patronised largely by the nobility ; in fact, few men in Scotland came into closer contact with members of Her Majesty’s Court. His pleasant and frank demeanour won him many friends, and his success in life must have exceeded his most ardent expectations. He leaves two married daughters and two sons, the eldest of whom is the popular proprietor of the Great Western Hotel at Oban. Mr McGregor had reached the advanced age of seventy-six.