THE PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 905, 2 April 1908, Page 6

THE PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL.

A HANDSOME NEW STRUCTURE. The name of the Prince of Wales Hotel, has, under successive proprietors, been associated with the history of Master-ton for over thirty years, having undergone alterations and additions from time to time. Some few months ago it was decided to replace the old structure, and the commodious and well-finished building which has just been completed in its stead is an ornament to the town and a tribute to the enterprise of the proprietor. Reinforced concrete has entered largely into the construction of the new hotel, ail the inner walls being of this material. This makes the building practically fireproof, the floors being the only portion in which wood has been used. The ceilings are of steel. The whole of the ground floor is devoted to rooms required for the conduct of the business, such as public and private bars, parlours, commercial, dining - , and writing rooms, and each has been fitted out in a style that leaves nothing to be desired. An inspection of the interior of the building shows that a thoroughly modern and convenient house has been erected. Passing through the main entrance from Queen Street, the visitor enters a spacious vestibule, facing which a iittle to the left is the enquiry office. The spacious circular bars, commercial, writing, and dining rooms are conveniently situated. An innovation which will be appreciated is a serving room separating the kitchen from the dining room, having the advantageous effect of removing the heat and odours of the cooking department from the dining room. The kitchen ia provided with capacious ranges, a high pressure boiler, hot and cold water is laid on to the sinks, and cunboards and all other necessaries provided, as well as a scullery for the washing and cleansing of utensils.

The staircase leading to the second floor is a particularly handsome one. There are forty-two bedrooms on the second floor, and the manner in which each and every one has been fitted up is all that could oe desired. There are no dark corners, the maximum of light to al! parts having been adopted. Immediately facing Queen Street on this floor, and having a fine view of the business portion of the town, are drawing and sitting rooms and a bridal chamber. These rooms are superbly finished, and have tiled grates and hearths and handsome mantles A special building at the rear of the hotel i 3 devoted solely to the accommodation of servants of the household. These rooms are splendidly furnished, and the comfort of the staff has been studied in every detail. The problem of dissatisfied servants should not trouble the proprietor of the Prince of Wales Hotel. A thorough system of gas lighting has been installed throughout the building, and the fittings are both ornamental and serviceable Electric bells from all parts of the house connect with the office.

The building was designed by Messrs Varnham and Rose, and is a substantial tribute to their recognised ability as architects, the design of the building being most effective. The responsibility of installing the sanitary and lighting system, as well as the hot and cold water service, was entrusted to Messrs Pickering Bros., and their work has elicited favourable comment. The painting and decorating and signwriting was carried out by Mr W. H. Cole, and has been executed in a manner characteristic of ail work done by this capable tradesman. Messrs Coradine and Whittaker were the contractors for the erection of the building, and the proprietor, architects, and all concerned are thoroughly satisfied with the manner in which the contract has been carried out.

The plastering was undertaken by Mr A. Halighey.

The furnishing of the house was plated in the hands of Messrs G. Hyde and Co., and visitors thereto will have ample proof of the firstclass style in which the furnishing has been completed. Mr and Mrs Barclay, who are particularly popular with travellers and the public generally, are now in possession of a house second to none in the Wellington Provincial District, and their ability in conducting first-class hotels will doubtless be evidenced in making the new Prince of Wales one of the most popular resorts of travellers and the general public in this district. The house will be open for the reception of guest 3 next week.