 Looking south west over the Waitara River and the Waitara Bridge leading to McLean Street showing the Club Hotel (centre left), The Waitara Hotel (centre right), the Masonic Hotel (upper left), West Quay (left to right centre diagonal) with boats moored alongside. Bridge Hotel, Waitara Sep 1872: A general
license was granted to William Brooking for the Bridge Hotel in the
Waitara township.
Jan 1874: THE WAITARA SPORTS. Every description of vehicle and every kind of animal looking like a horse was pressed into service on Thursday last, and from early morning till long past noon the road between New Plymouth and Waitara was hidden from sight by clouds of dust raised by those holiday seekers who were bound to the sports. The usual quiet little town of Raleigh was all astir from day break on that auspicious occasion, for the natives from all parts of the Waitara district had assembled to participate in the New Year's sports. The old sport of tilting at the ring which has been lately introduced was quite a novelty for them, and they have been practising at it since the posts were erected. Mr. Gyve had a swing boat on the ground, which seemed to be largely patronised both by Europeans and natives. Aunt Sally was there, but she was neglected, her flowing garments ceasing to attract that attention which is usual on such occasions. The town was gaily decorated with bunting and through the strong breeze blowing during the day showed off to advantage. Raleigh within the last year or eighteen months has considerably improved in appearance, new buildings hare been erected, and altogether the place appears to be moving ahead. The sports commenced at eight o'clock in the morning in front of the Bridge Hotel, where tilting the ring on horseback, climbing the greasy pole, and other amusements were provided. At eleven the published programme was begun, and continued without intermission till late in the evening. There were several booths erected, some for the sale of spirituous liquor and one by the Good Templars for the disposal of non-intoxicating beverages. All were well patronised, but yet no signs of intoxication visible amongst those assembled. Mr. Lawrence's shop was thronged throughout the day, which must have tried the resources of the establishment, for as fast as one party was served, others were making demands for refreshment. Everything supplied was excellent, and perhaps it was from that cause he had such a demand for his wares. During the afternoon several took a walk as far as the bridge and in doing so patronised Mr. Brookings's hotel where every attention was shown to the visitors. The house is a commodious one, and fitted up most comfortably for visitors who may wish to stop at Waitara for any length of time. Mr. T. Leedom's Waitara Hotel was well patronised during the day, being near the spot where the sports were going on. Quoits match, vaulting with pole, flat races and Siamese race, swimming and canoe race, boat races with 2 and four oars etc. Owing to the tide being out, the river did not show off to advantage, and the aquatic sports had to be postponed till late in the day. April 1874: BRIDGE HOTEL WAITARA: Mr. Brooking, of the Bridge Hotel intends making considerable alterations and improvements to the present building and, from the drawings and plans not only will the hotel be one of the most commodious in the Province, but will, when finished, be an ornament to the township of Waitara. The architect for this new building is. Mr. Knott. The Bridge Hotel will have a frontage to the road of eighty feet, with a depth of thirty-six feet. The present building has a forty feet frontage, and runs back twenty-seven feet to this Mr. Knott proposes to place two wings, each twenty feet by thirty-four feet. Between these two wings a balcony will be run, supported by four columns. The height of the building from the foundation to the top of the parapet, will be twenty-eight feet. The private entrance to the hotel will be from the side facing the sea, and under the balcony, visitors will find a hall eight feet wide, at the end of which will be the staircase leading to the bedrooms in the upper portion of the hotel. On either side of this hall will be four rooms, averaging thirteen feet by fourteen. The entrance to the public bar will be from the side wing facing the bridge and will be twenty-five feet by twenty off which there will be a room twenty feet by nine. In the wing facing the west side on the ground floor, there will be two rooms, about seventeen by twenty feet whilst over them, for meetings, public dinners, &tc., will be a room thirty-four by twenty.feet. The upper portion of the wing facing the bridge will be used as a billiard-room, and in which Mr. Brooking, when he has erected tho building intends to place one of.the best billiard tables he can procure. The arrangements are so made that entrance can be obtained to the billiard room by stairs which will run by the side of the building at the back of the bar, also from the private portion of the hotel. The upper portion of the centre will be fitted up as bedrooms, either for private families or for single gentlemen stopping there. The rooms will be lofty and commodious with the advantage of having an extensive view over the country adjacent. The architectural ornamentation as shown on the drawing is such that if carried out strictly will give a handsome substantial look to the hotel. Mr. Knott has shown considerable taste in the execution of the design, and when the additions are made, few will recognise the old edifice. Mr. William Brooking, by making these alterations anticipates a large extension of business when the railway is finished and we are under the impression that he will not be disappointed, for with the train running, Waitara will cease to be a day's journey from town as it is now, and consequently, will receive more visitors, than is at present the case. 1876: NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY. Jan 2nd kept as a general holiday by almost all sections of the community with the exception of those engaged in the election, and a few others, the whole of the people by one accord seemed to have decided on making Waitara the rendezvous. The railway authorities having announced that excursion trains would run, the streets in town from a very early hour in the morning were alive with people, all apparently making their way to the station to go by the first train. The scene there was such as has never been witnessed before in Taranaki. In the eager desire to get tickets, a rush was made to the guard's carriage, where, they were being issued, and the crush became dreadful whilst the carriages were besieged and filled long before the time announced for the starting of the train. Three luggage trucks were brought into requisition, and these were quickly packed with men, women, and children, all bent on holiday making. The 8.30 a.m. train started punctually, but had to leave, behind a large number of persons for whom no room could be made. Long before the train had returned from the Waitara, a large crowd of persons gathered near the railway station, and the scene that had occurred a few hours earlier was again repeated. Although the officials tried their best to oblige everybody, the resources at their command could not meet the requirements of the occasion. This train was delayed nearly an hour, and did not start before 11.30 a.m. and even then, through getting stuck up at the Carrington Road owing to the steep grade, it had to return to the railway station and make a fresh start. The two engines were attached to the train, but even with their united power, after a second start, it was with difficulty they rounded the curve, after passing the overbridge across the Carrington Road. The third train from town left at 1.30 p.m.. and although not crowded like the previous two, had a large number of passengers in it. We learn that 1,000 persons travelled by the rail on Monday, which at the rate of 2s. 3d. the amount charged would yield £112 10s., which will add to the receipts for January very considerably. When we state that every
conveyance and horse obtainable in town were made use of and also that a
large number of the settlers from all the out districts made for
Waitara, it may readily be imagined that the township was very
lively, for there could not have been less than between two and three
thousand persons there during the day. The sports were held near
Brookings's Bridge Hotel, and it was here accordingly that the mass of
people congregated which, as the trains came in loaded with their living
freight, kept adding to its numbers. The scene at the railway station was
such as has never before been witnessed at the Waitara. The natives, as
usual, were largely represented, but being considerably out-numbered by
the Europeans, they were scarcely distinguishable in the crowd. Except to
those really interested, there were scarcely any means of seeing the
sports, and as Waitara will be a resort yearly for the holiday folks,
we should think it would be as well if some attempt was made to erect a
stand from which the entertainments could be witnessed. On Monday the
races were run but it was impossible to describe accurately the different
incidents of the events as they transpired, owing to tho want of some
prominent position from which to see what was going on.
A lively and pleasant
view was seen from the high ground on the north bank of the winding river,
which was dotted over with rowing boats, whilst the lively little tug was
to be seen popping about, up and down the river with excursion parties.
The Merlin and the Murray could be seen out at sea. Mr Brooking did a roaring
trade at his hotel and not withstanding the rush, seemed prepared to
meet the emergency with ease, he had a cold collation laid in the rooms
upstairs, which was well patronised by a large number of visitors. Mr,
Brooking had a, booth on the ground, as also had Mr. Coldwell, the new
landlord of the Waitara Hotel, and seemingly they neither had reason for
complaint as to the amount of business done during the day.
The swing boat, pigeon pool,
Aunt Sally, and other games were in full swing. The keepers of two or
three lolly-pop and refreshment stalls did a good trade. Town«end's band
went out in the second train, and played on the Waitara racecourse
during the day. One of the greatest
attractions of the day was the steamer Waitara which steamed up and
down the river crowded with passengers. Tho schooner Merlin also sailed
from New Plymouth for the Waitara with a number of persons on board who
were invited by the Messrs Humphries. She was tendered by the tug, who
conveyed the passengers to the railway wharf. The first train that
returned to town was at 4.13 p.m., and although it took a very large
number of persons back with it, yet the crowd near the sports seemed in no
way diminished. At 6 p.m. another train ran, but that was not
sufficient to bring the people back from Waitara, and an extra train was
sent through at 6 o'clock, which returned filled at about 11 o'clock.
There cannot be a doubt but
that the resources of the railway department in New Plymouth wore severely
tried by the large number of people travelling by the trains on Monday,
and the officials did their utmost to meet the requirements of the
excursionists It speaks well for them that such a large number conveyed to
the Waitara and brought back again without an accident.
2 Jan 1878: WAITARA RACES
AND SPORTS. Favoured by a lovely day and superior arrangements to those of
any former year, this pleasant little country meeting, which took place
yesterday, had the success it merited. The racecourse was about a
mile from the township, and the public are indebted in a great measure to
Mr. S. Joll, jun., for the pleasant day they spent, he having held the
sports on his property. The ground is very level, and made an excellent
course. There was no grandstand, but those on rising ground got a very
good view of the racing as it proceeded. On the ground were three
refreshment booths Mr. Leedon's, of the Bridge Hotel; Mr. Tutty's of
the Waitara Hotel and Mr. Lawrence's, where eatables and temperance drinks
could be obtained. All did an excellent trade during the day. From nine
o'clock, when the first train arrived, till after noon there might have
been seen a stream of pedestrians and horsemen passing over the Waitara
Bridge although many availed themselves of the punt to make a short cut by
crossing the river at a different point. The town of Waitara looked
quite gay; the flagstaff was covered with bunting, and the several vessels
in the stream were decorated in the same manner. There were also
conveyances awaiting the arrival of the train to convey passengers to tho
course, and these were fairly patronised. The attendance yesterday at the
sports was larger than on any previous year, or even at any gathering held
in Taranaki it being computed that no less than two thousand
persons were present. The police were in attendance, and Sergeant
Coffey with Constable Roach were in readiness should their services be
required We think they will admit that they have seldom been at a more
orderly meeting than the one they attended yesterday. There were a large
number of ladies and gentleman on horseback, besides vehicles of every
description, from the light American buggy to the four-wheeled express
grouped on either side of the winning-post, and during the interval
between the races their occupants were to be seen enjoying a quiet picnic
on the grass. The programme provided by the Committee was an excellent
one, and the various races were well contested, the favourites, however,
in each event in the horse races and athletics coming to the front.
20 Jun 1878: Masonic
Hotel at the corner of
Devon and Govern-streets, New Plymouth the price being £1,730; Mr.
W. Brooking, late of the Bridge Hotel, Waitara, will shortly take it
over. 26 Jun 1878: THE ATTRACTION
AT WAITARA. Not withstanding the fearfully inclement weather we have
had during the past few days, it has in no way daunted persons from
visiting Waitara. Since Friday last an extra train has run from town
during the morning and the carriages of it as well as the regular one at
noon have been well filled with passengers. Although it was understood
yesterday that if the weather was wet the native meeting would be
held in Mr. Pennington's store, and that therefore there would not be room
for any European visitors to be present to witness it, still that did not
deter a large number of persons visiting Waitara, although there's very
little to see, and considerable personal discomfort to be experienced. It
rained well nigh all yesterday, consequently the roads about
Waitara were in an almost impassable condition. After leaving the
train the people seemed to make for Messrs. Pennington and Baker's store,
where a verandah protected them from the rain; but the principal stand was
in front of the Bridge Hotel where, in little knots, men were to be seen
apparently in earnest conversation whilst inside tho building the rooms
were crowded, and the landlord evidently was doing an excellent
business 5 Sept 1878: Mr Leedom -
Licence transfer to Mr Tutty who had been at the Waitara
hotel 4 Jul 1881: New buildings
are in course of erection here. First, on the west side, and adjoining the
Bridge Hotel, Mr. Holmes has commenced a large and commodious family
hotel, a need which has been much felt by the travelling public. When
completed it will have quite an imposing appearance. On the east side, Mr. Thomas
Bayly has been cutting up part of his suburban land into quarter acre
sections, several of which have been disposed of at £100 each, and
buildings are now being put up on them. Considering this property was sold
some ten years ago at £3 per acre, it speaks well for the place, and
certainly shows that Waitara property is rapidly enhancing in value. The
Brewery has been disposed of to a Southern firm, and will shortly be
re-opened. The new wharf is being completed, the railway authorities have
commenced the extension of the line, which must prove of very great
service to the shipping provided the authorities exercise common judgment
in the adjustment of their tariff, as the present rate of charges is so
exorbitant as to drive the southern trade to other ports. Under existing
charges, the carters are enabled to cart goods at a lower charge. The
total number of stock shipped from Waitara for the 12 months ending 30th
June is as follows Cattle 2,640 Sheep 13,108 Horses 291 Pigs 1,403. During
the present week 230 head of cattle have been shipped, and a large number
of cattle and horses are waiting for shipment emphasising the growing
importance of this port as the outlet for the Hawera District. Mr. Bond,
the contractor for repairs to the Waitara Bridge, lost no time after his
tender being accepted in commencing the work, a staff of men arriving the
following day and he intends pushing on the work to complete
within the contract time. 1882: Return of the Freeholder -
John Prosser; Hotelkeeper Waitara; Hawera county Area 1 acre Value £115; Total value £500; 28 May 1883 Mr. John
Prosser, late of the Hawera Hotel, has purchased from Mr. Tutty the lease
of the Bridge Hotel, Waitara 11 Jun 1883 A telegram
received from Mr. Prosser, who was staying at the Waitara Bridge
Hotel last evening, we learn that he escaped from the building, but lost
his clothes, and had not time even to save his boots.
FIRE AT WAITARA. TUTTY'S
HOTEL BURNT DOWN. EVERYTHING LOST. Shortly after 1 o'clock this
morning an alarm of fire was given by Mr. Prosser, who was staying at the
Bridge Hotel, Waitara, and in half-an-hour the whole of the building and
its contents were consumed Mr. Connell, who was boarding at the hotel, had
to jump from his bedroom window. A number of people were immediately upon
the spot, and every exertion was used to prevent the Waitara Hotel, on the
opposite corner, being consumed also, the wind being south-east, earring
the flames in that direction. Great credit is due to the crew of the s.s.
Hauraki for their prompt assistance in saving the latter building. Mr.
Tutty, the late proprietor, and his family had removed from the hotel on
Saturday, and was to have handed over the premises to Mr. Prosser to-day,
Mr. Prosser having leased the same from Mr. Brooking, sen., at a rental of
£250 per annum. The premises were only insured for £300, which will
consequently be a serious loss to Mr. Brooking, and great sympathy is felt
for him. Mr. George Box, who has been Manager for Mr. Tutty for several
years, is also a heavy loser, he having accumulated a large number of
Maori curiosities for the purpose of taking home to the old country.
23 Aug 1883 Mr. Newton King held a sale of several properties there yesterday, the first being the stock-in-trade of the bankruptcy estate of Mr. A. Mackie, and which realised larger prices than were anticipated after which, leases of the sections upon which the Bridge Hotel formerly stood were put up three of them were bought by Mr. Prosser for the sum of £136. 25 Oct 1883 The contractors for Mr. J. Prosser's new hotel at Waitara are making great progress with the building. The whole of the frame work is now up, and gives a good idea of how roomy and substantial the house will be when completed. 24 Dec 1883 Mr. John Prosser's new hotel was opened at Waitara on Monday last. The local journal says Mr. Prosser has made a big venture in erecting this substantial hotel; his previous experience and knowledge of hotel management have hitherto, been attended with success to himself we wish him no other, and are in hopes ere long of seeing the well-known favourite Prosser's coaches plying daily between the Bridge hotel, the Cliffs, and Mokau." Dec 1883 Licence transfer from W Tutty to John Prosser to the Bridge Hotel
Mr Nichols starts June to possibly learn the trade from John Prosser which is why daughter Jane was in hotel - John's hotel advertises till end of July 17 Jun 1884: FIRE AT WAITARA. Last evening, at 8 o'clock, a fire broke out in the Bridge Hotel, McLean Street. The fire originated in the children's bedroom. The wife of the licensee, Mr. Samuel W Nichols, states that she put the children to bed at 7 p.m., leaving a candle burning on the washhand stand. A little boy, about 3 years old, got out of bed and commenced playing with the candle, and set the bed-clothes on fire. A young girl named Jane Prosser who happened to pass the bedroom door had her attention attracted by a peculiar noise in the bedroom, and on looking saw the bed-clothes on fire and the little boy on the floor with a pinafore in his hand trying to put the fire out. The pinafore had also caught lire, and she ran at once and gave the alarm. Constable Day and Mr. Nichols heard her cries, and rushed up stairs and extinguished the flames. They found that the sheets, counterpane, and bed -tick were ignited, and some of tho children's clothes were also on fire. Had the fire not been so soon discovered the building would certainly have been destroyed, and the children in all probability burnt to death. The ages of the children were respectively 5 years, and 3 years, and an infant 12 months old. 31 Jul 1884: John Prosser transfers Bridge Hotel Licence to Mr Nicols 4 Dec 1895: Mr S. Nichol Licence of Bridge Hotel, Waitara transferred to Mr S R Fairweather
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