BUILDING OF HOTEL

Chronicle (Levin), 13 July 1949, Page 4

BUILDING OF HOTEL

Sir, — I noticed in a recent issue of "The Chronicle" an inquiry as to when the Levin Hotel was built. It was erected in 1891 from timber cut at Bartholomew's Mil1, then situated at what became khown as The Avenue. Mr. G. Roe was first licensee, followed by Messrs Garland, Buckeridge and Sidey, though I am uncertain of the exact order of the last three. Years after Mr. Roe was licpnsee of the Weraroa Hotel. ■ I think the Levin Hotel was built by two brothers, Messrs L. and J. wriiamson, and recollect that 'during construction- a storm late1 one afternoon blew off part of 'the roof and carried it across into the bush where the post oifice now stands. For years it had a signboard over the balcony roof featuring the lake and a canoe, quite a work of art executed by Mr. R. Tennant. The opening day was hectic. The free beer dispensed aroused the fighting instincts of the Muaupokos and several of them tried conclusions with Ornamental Bill (6ft lin,.and 14 stone) an'd "Cockney George" (5ft 8ins.) nuggety, tough and wiry ex-man-o-warsman. Mr. W. Ryder employed the latter years afterwards. Another, "O-d Larry," finished jn the lake. The policeman from Otaki, Mr. O'Rourke, was also present and prevented any serious casualties. Shortly afterwards Levin received its first constable, a Mr. O'Connor, who resided about 12 chains north of the hotel' on the same side of the road. Later the house was occupie'd for years by Mr. and Mrs. J. Retter. Yours etc., "WAS THERE." Levin, July 8.