OPENING OF THE WATERTON HOTEL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 4, 4 October 1879, Page 3

OPENING OF THE WATERTON HOTEL.

By the invitation of Mr. F. Doherty, the proprietor of this hotel, a large number of hia friends in Ashburton and surrounding districts attended the opening of this now house, which took place on Wednesday evening. Vehicles of all sorts and descriptions were brought into requisition, and daring the day it was almost impossible to obtain a conveyance of any sort, consequently a good many of Mr. Doherty s well-wishers were unable to avail themselves of their • invitations. At the hotel itself every preparation was made for the welcome and convenience of the guests, who numbered altogether about 200, the whole of whom were amply provided with refreshment in the shape of a good, sub. stantial, and well-laid-out supper, which did credit to Host Doherty and his sereveryone had done ample justice to the good things provided, Mr. Ivess, in a very appropriate speech, proposed the health of Mr. Doherty, and in doing so referred to his pluck and perseverance in building and opening a house such as the Waterton Hotel, in the face of the late financial depression, and hoped that Mr. Doherty’s venture would not only prove a successful one for himself but a source of great convenience to the travelling public and residents of the district. Inference was also made to the well-known career of Mr. Doherty as a public servant and a business man. Although Mr. Doherty, like many others, had lately had reason to feel the heavy commercial depression which had existed throughout the colony,

the speaker 0-xprenaod a hope that Mr. Doherty’s friends (and they were many) would at all convenient times rally round him and accord him that support in his new venture which his past career entitled him to.

The toast was received with much enthusiasm.

Mr. Doherty, in reply to the toast, said he felt himself bound to say that he was exceedingly proud and gratified to see so many old faces present; and that fact induced him to hope his new vocation would be a successful one. So far as it lay in his power he would on every occasion endeavour to meet the requirements of the district, and also to use his best endeavours to please everyone who patronised his house. Mr. Doherty concluded by thanking the ladies and gentlemen for their attendance, especially those from a distance, who, lie believed, had at great personal inconvenience, accepted his invitation.

A good band was in attendance, and dancing and merriment was kept up till an eai’ly hour in the morning, all appearing to enjoy themselves thoroughly.