MR. JOHN COKER’S NEW HOTEL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4592, 8 December 1875, Page 2

MR. JOHN COKER’S NEW HOTEL.

Of all the large hnHdings being erected in Wellington just now, none is more worthy of notice than the new hotel at the corner of Lamhton-quay and Johnston-street, which is just being completed to the order of Messrs. Cattel and Diamond, and into possession of which Mr. John Coker is about to enter. Situate at one of the busiest parts of the town, opposite thetheatreandnear the principal places of amusement, within an easy distance of the wharf, and close to the mercantile parts of the city and the Government offices, it must be looked upon as one of the most important hotels we have. It has been built with a desire to render it such, neither pains nor expense having been spared in making it commodious and comfortable inside, and its outward appearance elegant. The structure occupies an area of 62ft. x 55ft., the front elevation being 42ft. The order of architecture is Italian, and an idea of the appearance of the frontages may be gleaned from the fact that in the fatfade there are no less than thirty-one windows, all with ornamented heads, those on the lower storey having segment heads, and those on the upper storeys circular. The lower cornices are supported by rusticated and panelled pilasters, and the upper by candilivera blocks, and above these an entablature, ornamented with sunken panelling. There are two private entrances, both in Johnston-street, the bar entrance being from Lamhton-quay.

On the first floor-there is the bar -with circular counter and serving-places in passage, and also a snug little bar parlor at side. _ Then there are large commercial, dining, and sittingrooms, with kitchen, scullery, &c., all having a pitch of 12ft. In the second storey, there are more sittingrooms and bedrooms, so arranged' that a number of separate suites are found, and there is also a billiard room. The upper storey is devoted entirely to bedrooms, of -which there are fourteen, the storeys being connected by means of a geometrical staircase. The whole of _ the ulterior, doors, mantelpieces, &c., is httea up very beautifully with totara and re pine, highly polished and varnished, and each of the rooms presents a light and cheerful appearance. The latest improvements, such as hot and cold waterbaths, and hells m all peculiarandinconceivable places, are introduced; and make the house one of the most complete m the city-a credit to Hr. Trmgham, the architect, and the builder, Mr. Pndeaux, who has so faithfully carried out the designs. As for the future of the house, the name ok Mr. Johnny Coker, the most experienced of bomfaces and most genial of hosts, assures us that it wiU be all that can be desired-good liquor and good company will always be fonnd there. The hotel is now being furnished, and will be opened in a week or ten days.