MR R. KIRKW00D'S NEW HOTEL, CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1429, 30 August 1881, Page 2

MR R. KIRKWOODS NEW HOTEL, CAMBRIDGE.

The large amount of patronage which the public are always wont to bestow on the old Duke of Cambridge Hotel being continually on the increase, the proprietor became couvinced of the necessity of increased accommodation, and to supply this want Mr Kirkwood entered upon the building of an auxilliary establishment on the other side of the street. The new building, which has a frontage of 40 feet by 48 feet deep, is placed about 16 fpet back from the road. An 1 extensive and elaborate verandah and balcony gives an imposing appearance to the frontage. The floor of the verandah measures <fx 40, the supports consisting of 10 ornamental wooden columns. The hall which runs down the middle of the building measures 6 x 42, the paper on the walls being marble in blook, and varnished. An ornamental semi-arch, relieved by fancy trusses, decorates the ceiling. The first door on the left opens into a spacious dining-room 15 feet broad, and extending the entire length of the building. This apartment is provided with folding doors, by which it can be divided into two different rooms ; is lighted by three windows, one in front and two at the side, and can be warmed by two fire-places. The wall paper is light and durable. An elegant cabinet of mottled kauri also adorns the room. The first apartment on the hand side of the hall is a comfortable sitting room 15 x 12 lighted by a large front window, and fitted with an elaborately finished fireplace. It is papered with a brilliant pattern of light blue flowered in gold. An elegant and costly suite of furniture is provided for this apartment. On the same side of the hall there aro also two spacious bedrooms well lighted and ventilated, and fitted up in a most comfortable manner. At the foot of the passage a roomy pantry is 6itaated The stairs rise from the foot of the hall and are constructed on the best and newest principle. An elegant stained glass window at the turn in the staircase decorates the lower end of the pass.age. From the top of the stairs a passage 35x6 leads to the balcony, the walls being papered as those of the lower hall. On the right of this passago are four large bedrooms and a sitting-room, the first room from the stairs being provided with a fireplace. Two of the rooms are provided with two beds ; and the bedroom at the end is connected with the sittingroom The sitting-room is weH carpeted, beautifully papered and is provided with an elegant suite of furniture. On the left hand side of the passage there are also four bedrooms and a sitting-room and like the room on the opposite side of the passage well carpeted, and papered, and connected with the adjoining bedroom. The suite of furniture is of a co&tly and handsome character. Of the other three bedrooms on this side of the passage, two are double and one single, each being well furnished. At the top of the staircase, to the left, is the bath-room, a comfortable and wellfinished apartment. The bath is marble finished, and the bather has at his command a tank of about 1000 gallons, the contents of which are introduced on the shower principle. The floor is lined with zinc, and covered with wooden grating. The drainage is carried off through a lead pipe to a sink of considerable depth, situate about 30 feet from the building. A French casement window opens from the end of the passage on to the spacious balcony, the dimensions of which are 38 x 9. The loof of the balcony is constructed of galvanised curved iron, with projecting lecives. and is supported by ten ornamental columns, with fancy brackets. The balustrade round the front is of very handsome construction, the balusters being turned and wellfinished. The front of the building is rusticated weather boarded. The window frames and doors in front are all grained in oak ; the balcony supports and balustrade are painted white, the building itself being painted a drab colour. The roof is shingled with the beat Kauri shingles ami is edged with a substantial irpg* apoutiDg A large cylindrical tank, made^ to hold 4000 gallons, constructed of brick ' and concrete, has been made in the ground at the back of the house, into which the roof drainage will be conveyed ; and which will be provided with a force pump to send the water up Into the tank, situated over the bathroom. The kitchen is not as yet erected, but will be under way immediately. Mr H. Carter is the builder, and the work here described fully exemplifies the quality of his workmanship ; and Mahoney and Son of Auckland, the architects. The cost of the entire building and fittings is estimated at considerably over £1000.