ROYAL MAIL HOTEL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5085, 7 February 1927, Page 2

ROYAL MAIL HOTEL.

FINE BUILDING LN PAEROA.

PREMISES OPENED TO-DAY.

If restoration of licenses in Ohinemuri has done nothing else it has been the cause of improving old houses and t;he erection of new ones throughout the electorate. The latest ho',el to be completed is the Royal Mail, Paeroa, owned and occupied by Mrs C. V. Crosby. Standing as if does in the heart of Paeroa —it has a frontage to Belmont Road and also to Wharf Street —this handsome structure commands attention. The building, which is. two storeys high, is of pier and beam construction in reinforced concrete and brick screen cavity walls. The design, outwardly, is unique, having been adapted from a large hotel in England. The whole of the exterior is finished in Atlas cement, which gives the building a glistening white effect. A concrete fire-escape with iron and steel railing surrounds the structure. A feature is the steel-framed windows, which are arched and interspersed with square tops, resulting in an unusually handsome appearance. THE GROUND FLOOR. The main entrance, over which hangs a verandah, has four d°uble swing doijrs, each having bevelled plate-glass faced with sidelights in diamond-shaped leadligh’te, and opens into a spacious lounge. Leading from the lounge on .the right is a large, airy commercial room with two. large windows and a fireplace. Straight ahead is the office and 'piephone cabinet, leading from which, through double .swing doors, is, the 36ft by 20'ft dining-room. This room is finished with Oregon panelling, which makes a pleasing contras/ Jo the. white plaster walls. The ceiling is of white fibrous plaster, with heavy mouldings and cornices. This, class of ceiling applies to all the rooms on ’th® ground floor. The kitchen is the last word in modern appointments and labour-sav-ing conveniences. A commodious pantry and cupboards and meat safe are conveniently arranged. ’ The staff’s, quarters contain a dining-room, bedrooms, bathroom, and all appointments to make for their comfort and welfare.

Cansiderable attention has been given to the bar, which has four entrances and 66 lineal feet of counter space. Oregon panelling, stained a rich brown, below the whi?e plaster walls gives a pleasing effect. A fireplace is provided in both the private and public portions of the bar. A feature is the overhanging bottle rack with leadlight panels. 'Hat and cold water is laid on, and extra sanitary aluminium sinks are provided. An unusual feature is the jarrah floors of the ground floor. This timber takes a high polish of a deep rich colour, and is more sanitary and of better appearance than floor coverings. RESIDENTIAL PORTION. Entrance 'io the upstarts, portion is gained by traversing a handsome staircase of wide steps and easy grade. To the right of the landing is the gentlemen’s bathroom, and also a separate showUr room and conveniences, with tiled floors and white Enamelled walls. Next .to this block is the smoking and card room. On the left is a ladies’ spacious sitting-room, handsomely furnished, and with a fireplace cif unusual design constructed in Oamaru stone;. Leading onward, on the left are. five large double bed-, rooms overlooking the main street and domain. iOn the Wharf Street wing are a further 12 bedrooms for guests, and at .the end of the passage, which is divided by three, handsome grills, are the ladies’ bathroom and conveniences and maids’ sloproom and sink. Set-in basins and hot and cold water are provided in many of the bedrooms, and the furnishings and wallpapers are o'f the best procurable. Everything is spanking new, and is in harmony with the style -and shape of the rooms.

The whole building is fire-resisting throughout, and as an added precaution a modern fire-alarm system has been installed. The building contains 45 rooms, and in every part of the an effort has been made to provide. far the comfort and convenience of the guests. The furniture is handsome and comfortable, and must, appeal to all who visit the hotel which, it will be agreed, is something even better than “a home away from home.”

Mrs Crosby extends a hearty invitation to her many old friends, and new ones can rest assured of a warm welcome. The telephone, number is 27, Paeroa. x Mr G. L. Burmester, A.N.Z.1.A., -was the architect, and the building, which took seven months to construct, was erected by Messrs Robinson and Beagley, of Hamilton.

The whole of the joinery has been manufactured by Messrs. Le Manquais Lamb, and Company, Paeroa., and reflects great credit on the skill and capabilities of the local firm.