THE ALBION CLUB.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 245, 26 September 1884, Page 3

THE ALBION CLUB.

It is as pleasing as it is surprising to note the rapid progress being made by some of the coastal towns in the Auckland Province, while in other places towns of a greater age appear to stand still. There are few of these places where a greater degree of progress is visible than in Gisborne. The improvement being made in this district is noticeable in many ways, but perhaps in none more than the excellent accommodation provided for the travelling public. The chief of the establishments which supply this public want is the Albion Club Hotel, the property of Mr. 8. M. Wilson. Some time ago we described the accommodation it afforded to the public, but this has now been found insufficient, and tenders have been invited for very extensive additions. The plans have been prepared by Mr. W. P. Finneran, architect. The 47 feet of space between the hotel and Mr. Nasmith’s buildings will be filled up by a large billiardroom (20 x 30 feet) on the one side, a shop with back room and office on the other side, and a carriage-way, leading into Tattersall’s stables, in the centre. On the upper storey will be a large commercial-room, 25 x 14 feet, and a private drawing-room, 21 x 14 feet, both facing the balcony, with five large bedrooms. The balcony will be continued up to the end of the extension. The present dining-room and billiard-room will then be knocked into one dining-room, 35 x 19 feet. The bar will be materially altered, having folding doors communicating with the billiard and dining-room, and a new counter. The upper rooms in Mr. Nasmith’s buildings are now in the possession of Mr. Wilson, and have been converted into ten bed-rooms. A writing-room and card-room will be added to the club for the convenience of members. The building, when completed, will have a frontage of 170 feet, and will, for comfort, convenience, and general appearance, compare favourably with the very best hotels ii; the Colony. It is Mr. Wilson’s intention to connect the whole of the rooms by electric bells, and all of them will be lighted with gas. Hot and cold water baths will also be erected the use of boarders. Mr. John Somervell is the contractor for the alterations, and it is expected that the improvements will be completed before the good weather has fairly set in.—Exchange.