THE NEW CRITERION HOTEL, PAEROA.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 98, 23 February 1897, Page 2

THE NEW CRITERION HOTEL, PAEROA.

Mr Bastinm's new Criterion Hotel, I'aeroa, which has bold frontages to Nortnanhy Boad and CassellVStreet, aud stands at the immediate junction of the two thoroughfares named, has just been completed by Air George Uartou, builder and contractor, to the order of Messrs Ehrcnfried Bros., of Auckland and the Thames The building both inside and out reflects the greatest credit on the architect (Mr Wade, Auckland), the builder, and the proprietors, as it is by far the finest and best-appointed hotel in the Ohinemuri district. The main entrance hall (l(i feet wide), is entered from Normanby Road through large double swing doors, having side and fan lights. From the hall a handsome staircase rises, five feet wide with 14'n. treads, aud (ijin. rise. This ttoircase, which was built on the premi-es by Mr A. McKinnon, is a masterpiece, the workmanship throughout being of the highest class. It has c continuous mahogany handrail, beautifully turned balusters, finished in bronze and gilt, cut stringers, and fretwork brackets. Owing to its gieat length and easy grade it can be a'cended without fatigue by invalids. On the right and left of the main entrance an; two comfortable parlours, and further on to the right is a passage (six feet wide) leading into the capacious dining-room, which is entered by swing glass doors. On the left of the diningroom passage is a handsomely fitted lavatory, having marble handbasins and lowel racks, etc. ; a portion of this room is also set apart as a luggage room for the temporary use of travellers. The dining-room is 30 x 29, being well lighted and supported in the centre by a handsome surpentine marble column, which has a fine effect. It contains two large tables, side tables, aud is well fnruuhed throughout. A beautiful oilcloth dado sets olf the lich wall paper, End cue of the latest tiled grates surmouuted .by a striking grey gr.mite mantlepitce with surpentine marble panels completes the' whole. On the south side is an entrance hall nine feet wide entered by double swing glass doors, which also connects with the main hall by a similar set of swing doors, on the left is the private parlour, and on the right are three entrances to the bar, which is 25 x 20, with a handsome polished counter, the outer portion being divided l>y penciled screens iuto three serving compartments. The bar is fitted with elaborate ehonisf d and gold-fluted bottle shelves and stained glass windows facing the main and side eutrance halls respectively. The bar also contains every up-to-date convenience for the quick dispatch of business. It has entrances from the front aud side streets through double swine glass doors. Turning to the 'eft of the side entrance hall is a side passage i» turn connecting with Castrells-street entrance. On the left of the passage is a commodious private parlour, and on the rijjht a large commercial and readingroom (30 x 20), where files of leading town and country journals, magazines, etc., tire kept. Another side entrance from Cassrellsstreetleadstothe servants' quarters, winch comprise five well-venti-lated aud comfortable bedrooms, 13 feet high. Crossing the Court yard the scullery is entered This is fitted with a self-feeding hot water cistern, a bricked in copper, double sink, draining boards, with hot and cold water laid on. It also contains an open fire-place for emergencies. Adjoining is the kitchen (15 x 14), which is fitted with a Model steel range eight feet b>Dg, which contains a highpressure boiler, plate warmer, two ovens, and a patent grilling apparatus. The kitchen also contains plate lacks, dresser, and other ncc ssary furniture. Leading out of the kitcheu is a convenientlynmingtd serviug-rrom connecting with the dining-r om ly a slide window. On the right of the back passage is a larder and a well-equipped s'ore-room. From the back passage is entered the Court yard between the two main wines. It has a cemented floor and a verandah on each tide, with water laid on and a force pump, which is used when required to supply two large cisterns on the ror.f with water from a well on the premises 40 feet deep. The cisterns in turn supply bathrooms, bar, kitchen, etc., and can be utilised for fire-heso upstairs. From the first floor landing (30 x 16) on the left is a passage six feet wide, having an ornamental curtained arch. On the right of the p3ssage is a complete suite of looms, five double bedrooms, and a private sitting-room. On the left are five single bedrooms divided by two passages, leading respectively to ladies' and gentle men's bath-rooms, lavatories, etc. The bath-rooms have hot and cold water laid on. Immediately on- the right baud side of the stair lauding is a handsomely-fur-nished drawing room (16 x 14). Amongst other things it contains a valuable piano and an automatic hand-painted china and gilt hanging lamp. One window of the drawing-room faces the ma n sticet, and two French casements lead to the balcony on the south end. Next to the drawing-room is a large doublebedded room. Turning to the right of the sta'i'jase landing is a passigc five feet wide, with ornamental curtained arch. On the left of this passage are two private sitting-rooms. In the west wing are 12 bedrooms (single and double) averaging 12 x 10. In the centre of the west wing passage on the right is an additional staircase. Every room in the house is 13 feet high, and in tha centre of the ceilings are fretwoi k ventilators. There are fireplaces in all the sittini'tooins, fitted with improved tiled grates, with handsomely decorated mantlepieees in grey granite, surpentine, black and gold, aud Egyptian marbles. The balcony on the south end is eight feet wide, with moulded handrails, fretwork brackets, and turned balusters, it commands a splendid view of the Ohinemuri River, the I'aeroa ISrideo and the Karangahake and Tc Aroha lioals. Over the staircase landing are double sashed coloured helmet giVs windows (quite a new thing), aud it ist he first introduced into the district. Underneath ihe bar is a waterproof cellar 25.\ 20. fitted up with necessary requisites for storage purposes, it is entered from the bar and also by double doors into side street. All the walls of the hotel, adjoining existing buildings, are of brick and there are iron shutters attixet to the windows, thus rendering the building entirely safe from outside fire. The whole of the painting and decorative work has been done by Mr John hdwards, ably assisted by Mr W. Towers, who have tlisplaytd a gieat deal of taste and skill in carrying out their contract. The Ciitcrion Hotel, it is needless to say, has Icon beautifully furnished throughout with a view to the comfort of patrons. Mr E. Basting is to be heartily congratulated < n obtaining possession of such a handsome and well-appointed hotel, and no <loubt he will receive a full share of the patronage of the travelling public. The hotel will be open ;o the public in a few days- __