“AULD LANG SYNE”

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 6

“AULD LANG SYNE”

Old City Hotel Closes Its Doors Built some 65 years ago, the City Hotel, at the corner of Majoribanks Street and Kent Terrace, closed its doors to the public finally at 6 p.m. on Saturday. There were- many patrons of the old hotel present at the time. The last drink was "on the house,” when the health of the lessee (Mr. Ralph Stewart I was drunk, and speeches were made reflecting credit on the conduct of the hotel, and wishing him success in the one which is to take its place. Finally all present joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne,” which was followed by salvoes of cheers. It was now after 6 p.m., and hearing the noise, a constable, appeared on the scene, but, on being told the circumstances, lie merely advised Mr. Stewart to get rid of his guests at once, and all ended in orderly ~ood humour.

The City Hotel, wliijch is to be succeeded by a three-story structure in reinforced concrete, was built by the late Mr. Joint Plimtner and is still owned by his grandchildren or their heirs. Probably this house was the oldest licensed premises in Wellington other than the Thistle Inn, in Mulgrave Street. One of the earliest lessees (if not the earliest) was Mrs. Murphy, who made a handsome competence there and retired to end her days in Clyde Quay. Other lessees were the Tabors, the Cowans and the late Mr. Thomas Dwan. Mr. Stewart took over the licenseFafter Mr. Dwan (who ran the place with managers). Demolition of the premises will begin on Wednesday morning.