THE HAMILTON HOTEL.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 406, 4 March 1899, Page 2

THE HAMILTON HOTEL.

Yestebday afternoon a Waikato Argus representative had the pleasure of being shown over the new Hamilton Hotel, which is rapidly approaching completion. As far as the accommodation for the public is concerned we might safely say that the house is now open, and even during the last few days several travellers have made it their haven of rest. The structure is a most imposing one, containing about 50 rooms, having a frontage of 81 feet, and extending back in two wings a distance of 68 feet. The foundation is entirely of brick, and the work is of the most substantial nature. The ground floor contains.ihree sittingrooms 15 x 14, dining room 20 x 31, billiard-room 31 x 19, kitchen, servants' dining-room, storeroom, scullery, etc., lavatory, three or four bedrooms, aud the bar. On chis floor also will be found the Hamilton Club-room, which will be furnished in a most elaborate fashion, although comfort will be the first consideration. The bar, which is a handsome circular one, is situated at the northern end of the building, just opposite where the one in the old hostelry used to be. Behind this again is the spacious billiard-room, which will not be ready for use for another week or so. The dining-room is situated almost on the same spot as formerly. It is a splendid airy, welllighted room, capable of seating about 50 persons. Upstairs there is a spacious drawing-room 18 x 14 feet, and two mote large sitting-rooms aud twenty-two bedrooms. The latter are all nicely fitted up with spring mattrasses, etc., a departure which will be keenly appreciated by the travelling public At the eud of each wing is to be foand an inviting bathroom and lavatory, fitted with the circulating hot water system and all modern appliances. A spacious balcony extends round three sides of the house, while another overlooks the garden, with fire escapes at either end, which will be found most useful in the case of an outbreak of fire, for which Hamilton is now justly famed. The corridors are fine and broad and the rooms nice and lofty, having 12 feot clear on the ground floor and 11 feet upstairs. Where the old stable used to be two excellent samplerooms,' each 16 x 25 feet, have . been erected for the use of commercial travellers, and adjoining this is a commodious stable 72 by 2-1 feet, containing 10 stalls, two loose boxes, feed-room, etc. Behind this again is a 2-storey building containing the proprietor's private stable 16 x 60 aud outrooms, and the basement comprises laundry, washhouse, etc. The house has been fitted throughout with handsome tylecl grates and marble mantelpieces, whilo electric bells, speaking tubes, etc., have not been overlooked, and it is re plete with all modern conveniences and thoroughly up-to-date. Very handsome gasaliers have been chosen, and incandescent lights will be used. The wall papers have been carefully chosen, and linoleum has been laid right through the building. The contract price was £3,600, and the work certainly reflects the greatest credit on the architect (Mr Currie), Messrs J. Jones and Son (the builders), and Mr A. Murphy (foreman). The gas fitting, electric bells, and hot water supply is the work of Mr D. Miller, of Auckland, while the painting was done by Mr Bennett of that city. The hotel will be opened this evening, when Mr W. Bright, the genial proprietor will be pleased to meet old friends and new ones alike.