The Grand Hotel.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8193, 21 May 1906, Page 8

The Grand Hotel.

Laying the Foundation Stone. Despite the drizzling rain which fell on Saturday afternoon, a large number of representative citizens of Palmerston North responded to Mr Martin Creaven's invitation to see him "well and truly lay " the foundation stone of the building, to be known in future as the Grand Hotel, The first step in the ceremony was the presentation to Mr Creaven of a silver trowel with greenstone handle. This was carried out by Mr Maddison, the architect of the building. Mr Creaven returned thanks in a very happy speech. In a reference to the building itself, he said it would always serve to remind his hearers of " old Creaven " when his day was over. He then proceeded to adjust the stone, this operation being carried out in the orthodox fashion. An adjournment was then made to the interior of the building where a number of toasts were duly honoured. The first proposed was that of " Mr Creaven," this duty falling to Mr Maddison. He said he felt it an honour to propose the health of their host upon such an auspicious occasion as the present. He then proceeded to refer in very complimentary terms to the enterprise which had resolved upon the erection of such a big building. Such a man as Mr Creaven, he said, would always come to the front. Palmerston should be proud to possess a citizen of such foresight. The health of " Martin Creaven " was then drunk, amid cheers and the enthusiastic singing of " For he's a jolly good fellow." Cheers for Mrs Creaven were also given. Mr Mellsop then proposed the toast of the " Palmerston Borough Council," coupling with it the names of Councillors Loughnan and Armstrong. In responding, the two councillors referred to the fact that the present was the first occasion of the kind that the Borough Council had been so honored. They considered that the tribute showed that it was recogn sed that the Council had done something for the advancement of the town. Mr Creaven, in erecting such a fine building, was going to fill one of Palmerston's long-felt wants. It was good to think that the Square would soon have such a noble ornament. They hoped Mr Creaven's enterprise would meet with all success. The health of " the builders" was proposed by Mr A. E. Bennett, who said that Trevor and Sons had undoubtedly given the trade in Palmerston a tremendous fillip. This toast was also drunk with musical honors and cheers. In briefly responding, Mr Trevor, jun., mentioned that his firm had already put up buildings valued at £90,000.

The trowel used was of greenstone and silver, manufactured by J. Wishart and Co., and was engraved with a design representing the Harp of Erin, embellished with shamrocks, and was presented by Mr J. C. Maddison. F.R.I B.A , on behalf of himself, Messrs Trevor and Sons and Messrs Mellsop, Eliott and Co.

The building, which stands on the site of the old Provincial Hotel, at the corner of the Square opposite to the Borough Council offices, is to be of brick and four stories in height. A description of it has already appeared in these columns. The bricklayers have finished the lower portion and are now starting on the second storey. A view of the building, as it will appear when finished, was exhibited on Saturday, and elicited general expressions of approval.