1881 H&NS; 11 May: We had pleasure in inspecting the new cottage built for Mr. John Prosser, landlord of the Hawera Hotel, who is about to retire into private life. It is a very snug dwelling. There is a front room 14 x 16 feet, a kitchen 16 x 16 feet, one bedroom 12 x 12 feet, and another 12 x lO feet. There is a passage running right through, 5 feet wide, with a verandah in front, and a nice garden at the rear. Mr. J. McGuire was the builder, and he appears to have done his work well, whilst the painting and papering have been executed in a very creditable manner by Mr. J. Tingey.

1881 TH: 14 May: TO ALL BUILDERS. Tenders will be received by the undersigned until noon on Wed, 25th instant, for the ERECTION of a HOTEL at OPUNAKE, for Mr J Prosser. Plans and specifications to be seen at my office. The lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted. W. PINCHES, Architect, Hawera

Mr. W. Pinches, architect, has favored us with an inspection of the designs for the new hotel to be built at Opunake, tenders for which are called for in our advertising columns. The building is to be L shaped, and will be 70 feet long on one side, and 68 feet on the other. The height of the building will be 26 feet, the lower story being 12 feet, and the upper 9 feet. On the lower floor there will be a billiard-room, 30 x 25 feet dining-room, 25 x 2O feet kitchen, 25 x l2 feet. The bar will be semi-circular in shape, and there will be a large hall, 10 feet wide whilst the width of all the passages will be 6 feet. There will be two sitting rooms up-stairs, eighteen single and two double bed-rooms, and a bath-room. In all the sitting-rooms and billiard-room fire-places will be provided, and every room will be well lighted. The parapet and cornices are after the Grecian style of architecture, and are a nice set-off to the building, which appears to have been well and carefully designed by Mr. Pinches, our local architect. There will be no lack of accommodation at Opunake when the hotel is built.

1881 TH; 1 Aug; There was a good attendance at Mr. Freeman Jackson's sale on Friday, in spite of the rough weather. Bidding was very slack, sellers holding back for higher prices than ruled at the hammer. Mr. W. M. Thomson negotiated the sale of 193 acres at Otakeho, from Mr. John Prosser to Mr. Adam Hunter, of Canterbury, at £1 13s. 6d. per acre, being a considerable advance on the price realised at auction.

 1881 Nov 1; Mr. John Prosser is shortly to apply for a license for his new hotel at Opunake. It will be the largest hotel this side of Wanganui.

1882  Return of the Freeholder: John Prosser; Hotelkeeper Waitara; Hawera county  Area 1 acre Value £115; Total value £500; John Prosser; Opunake; Area 50 acres Value £412; Total value £2410;  Janet Prosser;(SIC) 1 acre £15; Total value £15

1882 H&NS; 3 Jan: HAWERA HOTEL, JOHN PROSSER, Proprietor.  Excellent Accommodation for Boarders. LIQUORS A1.

1882 Wang. Chronicle; 3 Jan; PROSSER'S EMPIRE HOTEL OPUNAKE. This really first-class hostelry, and one so much in advance of the present requirements of the Waimate Plains seaport, was opened on the first of the new year by Mr Samuel Prosser, for many years the owner and genial driver of the line of coaches running between Wellington and Pahautanui. The length of the building, which is after the Grecian style of architecture, is 68 feet ; breadth, 60 feet; height, 32 feet; the lower storey being 12 feet clear, and the upper 10 feet. As the visitor enters the double door in front, surmounted by two Corinthian columns, and views the nicely-arranged semi-circular bar, with its comfortable fire-place, he does not feel as if he is in a dull country township; for the time being the idea of town life, with its luxuries and pleasures, do not appear so far distant, not with-standing a long day's ride on the box of Cobb's coach. Going along the spacious passages, I was shown into the dining- room, which is fitted up with two long tables and comfortable arm-chairs, and capable of seating about sixty guests at one time. On the other side is the billiard room, 30x23 feet; but this is not quite fitted up. The landlord is, however, daily expecting the arrival of a first-class table. There are also three parlors downstairs, two of which have fireplaces, with register grates. The kitchen, 26x16 feet, stands at the rear of the dining-room, and has a double-colonial oven, capable of burning either coal or wood, as may be found most economical or convenient. Ascending the staircase, you come on a spacious landing, 10 x I6 feet, with passages 6 feet wide intersecting it. There are 23 rooms altogether upstairs, 18 of which are single and 3 double bedrooms. There, are two parlors, furnished in a very, luxuriant and comfortable style something entirely different to the general run of things found outside of large towns; and at the end of the passage there.is a large bathroom, which will be much appreciated by those who undergo long journeys along our dusty roads. There is a very fine lamp - the one that gained first prize at the Wanganui Exhibition in front of the building, and the house is fitted up with those modern convenience the electric bells. A large 26-stall stable is in course of erection, and will shortly be finished. Taken altogether, the Hotel may be reckoned amongst the first-class ones to be found, throughout the colony, and reflects great credit on all concerned, and it is to be hoped that Mr Prosser will have his outlay recouped to him ere many years shall have passed away. Opunake is now a small place, but if the land is opened up, it cannot fail to go ahead. It is one of the rising townships of the future, and buildings, such as I have attempted to give a deseription of, help very considerably, putting a town appearance on what was only one, short year ago, a flax-waste. The architect was Mr W; Pinches, of Hawera, and lately of Wanganui; and the builder, Mr W. Cruickshank, of Wanganui. Mr Revell, of New Plymouth, was entrusted with the furnishing; and Mr Leslie;' of Wanganui did the plumbing work. Visitors to Opunake will be able to judge for themselves as to the manner in which all these gentlemen have, performed iheir allotted duties. The public verdict will, I have no doubt, be a very favourable one.

1882 H&NS; 17 May: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLICAN'S  LICENSE. I, John Prosser, of Hawera, being the holder of a Publican's License in respect of a house and premises situate in Hawera, and known as the Hawera Hotel, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next Licensing Meeting, to be holden at Hawera, on the 9th day of June, 1882, apply for a certificate authorising the renewal of the said license. Dated the 17th day of May, 1882. JOHN PROSSER, LICENSING DISTRICT OF HAWERA.

1882 H&NS; 9 Jun: HAWERA LICENSING COMMITTEE. The renewal of John Prosser's license  for the Hawera Hotel, subject to addition of a staircase.

1882 Wang. Herald, 22 June: COBB'S HAWERA LINE of COACHES will leave Patea for Hawera every morning at 8.30, arriving at Hawera in time to catch the coach for Opunake Will leave Hawera for Patea every Day at 2 o'clock p.m., thus enabling passengers to get from Opunake to Patea in one day. Passengers can book at Owen McKittrick's Central Hotel, Patea and John Prosser's Hawera Hotel, Hawera. W. PROSSER & CO., Proprietors.

1882 TH; 22 Sept: HAWERA HOTEL, High Street, Hawera. EDWARD ROSKRUGE, having purchased from Mr. John Prosser the above well-known Hotel, begs to assure the public of Hawera and surrounding districts that no effort on his part will be spared to ensure a continuance of the support given to his predecessor. Renovations and considerable improvements are being made to the Hotel, and the Proprietor intends to do everything for the comfort of the travelling public, and to supply only the best of Liquors. A first-class Table kept. Excellent Billiard Table. Good Bath-room. Stabling. EDWARD ROSKRUGE

1883 TH; 28 May: We learn that Mr. John Prosser late of the Hawera Hotel has purchased from Mr. Tutty the lease of the Bridge Hotel, Waitara.

1883 TH; 11 June: 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.

The only insurance is £300 in the New Zealand office of the building, which is owned by BROOKING. Nothing was saved.

1883 H&NS; 30 Jul: FOR SALE: Freehold section 123, block 4, Ahipaipa road, Okaiawa, 70 acres. Also deferred payment section 48, block I6, 100 acres, adjoining the above.

1883 H&NS; 17 Sept:  John and his family are living at High Street and his hotel gone. He is still liable for the contract undertaken for it's lease. He made the decision to rebuild the Bridge Hotel rather than lose the license and accepted a tender from Mr Brown to rebuild in Sept for £1,140 - a costly exercise building two hotels in 3 years! April 1884, auctioneers Nulan, Tunics and Co. announce "An important unreserved sale of valuable properties of John Prosser in Waitara, Opunake, and Hawera as he was leaving the district. They comprise some of the safest investments on the coast". To remain solvent,  all John's assets - his land and even the new Opunake Empire Hotel, were put up for sale but that found no buyer and continued to operate. PROSSER'S EMPIRE HOTEL, Opunake. This Hotel is one of the finest on the coast, being fitted and furnished with every convenience, and affords superior accommodation to settlers, travellers, and private families. An excellent Billiard Table. Attached to the above is a first-class Stable, with 20 stalls, loose boxes, &c, under the management of Mr. Thomas Prosser. Buggies, saddle horses, &c, on hire. Also, a large paddock, well fenced and watered. No responsibility. SAMUEL PROSSER, Proprietor. May arrived and the Bridge Hotel was opened and the licence was transferred to John Prosser from William Tutty. 1884 H&NS; 10 May 1884: At Messrs Nolan, Tonks and Co.'s sales to-day, on account of Mr. John Prosser, the sales were cottage and section in Regent- street, Hawera, at present in occupation of Mr. T. Hutchison, for £250 to Mr. T. Hutchison; section 23, Okaiawa - corner section opposite Okaiawa Hotel, to Mr. Leask, at £36. Mr Thos. Lloyd's farm, sections 21, 22, and part of 28, of block 5, Waimate Survey District, containing 131 acres, tbe whole being fenced and subdivided, and situated within half a mile of Otakeho, fell to Mr. T. V. Owen, a new arrival in the district, at £9 18s. per acre.

1884; 17 Jun: 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. Mr. Nicolls, wife of the licensee, 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 tho 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 fire, and she ran at once and gave the alarm. Constable Day and Mr. Nicolls 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 the 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 respectably 5 years, and 3 years, and an infant 12 months old.

1884 H&NS; 4 Aug: WANTED TO BORROW, three hundred pounds, on good freehold security, for two years. JOHN PROSSER, Post Office, Hawera

1884 H&NS; Opunake Dec 5: Between half- past two and three this morning Prosser's stables were found to be on fire, and in about two hours were burned to the ground. The groom who was sleeping on the premises fortunately was soon awakened, and succeeded in removing tbe coach horses and harness in safety, and part of the stock of the livery stable was removed. One single buggy and a number of other articles were destroyed. The principal sufferers are Mr. Ross, who had his tools, about £20 worth, totally destroyed, the groom, who escaped only with his shirt, and Mr. Prosser. The building is stated to be insured in the National for £250, which is considerably below the cost. Mr. John Prosser will, notwithstanding, be a considerable looser. The origin of the fire is unknown, but when seen it appeared to be issuing from some straw in the building. Unfortunately the building was not insured but, strangely enough, it was only yesterday morning that Mr. Prosser interviewed Mr. Wanklyn, agent in this district for the National Company, about insurance. They could not, however, agree as to the amount for which the building was to be insured, and no transaction took place.

All this expansion, the scale undertaken plus coordinating new coach linkages across the countryside and sections at Opunake required fencing had John teetering on the brink of backruptcy. The Empire Hotel had not sold and threat of loss from fire was ever present  

1885 Evening Post 28 May: Fire at Opunake.,  A private telegram received in town today records the total destruction by fire this morning of Prosser's Hotel, Opunake. The insurances are as follows : On the building —National Company, £500 ; New Zealand Company, £500; Equitable, £250; United, £250. On stock and furniture - Victoria Company £600. No particulars are yet to hand as to how the fire originated.

1885 H&NS; 2 Jun:  The recent destruction of Prosser's Hotel is still fresh in the public mind, and no doubt will be for some time yet. The short time which elapsed before the house was completely destroyed was generally remarked, so that there was little time to save very much furniture. It would be unfair to particularise the services rendered by any individual, as all worked willingly to the best of their ability. Several of the lodgers and others living in the house lost various articles of clothing; and Mr. Rowlands, watchmaker, who occupied a small shop at the end of the building, where the fire originated, lost a good many watches and the tools of his trade, which were uninsured. Mr. Des Forges, haircutter, also uninsured, lost the whole of his stock-in-trade. Both Messrs. John and S. Prosser are losers by the fire, it is stated to a considerable extent, and a good deal of sympathy is felt for them. Mr. Prosser intends to erect another house on the site, business being carried on temporarily in premises lately occupied by Mr. Fowler as a butcher's shop.

1885 H&NS; 7 July 1885: EMPIRE HOTEL, Opunake. The above Hotel having been destroyed by fire, Tenders will be received for the Lease of the Site, for a term of forty-two years, as a going concern. Lessee must erect hotel  of the value of £800 within a reasonable period. Tenders close on 10th July. John Prosser, Opunake. (No buyers...)

1884 Evening Post: 5 Sep:  The fire was at the stables situated at the rear of the Bank Hotel, Manners-street, and rented by Mr J. Prosser, coach proprietor. The stableman, Charles Bolton, states that at 8.50 p.m. he locked up the stables, and left them perfectly secure, and as no other person had access to the premises, he is unable to account for the origin of the fire. Two horses that were in the stables were rescued uninjured, and the fire was promptly extinguished before any great amount of damage had been done. There was no insurance on the stables. In both instances the Fire Brigade promptly turned out, and the Salvage Corps, under the command of Capt. Shannon and Lieut. Steele, Evans, and Howard, attended.

1884 H&NS; 12 Sep: John was now faced with financial  ruin. A meeting of the creditors in the estate of John Prosser was held in Mr. Caplen's office, Mr. Major being in the chair. Present a fairly representative attendance of creditors. A statement was made by Mr. Caplen (who appeared for Mr. Prosser) from which it appeared that the debtor had paid very nearly everybody, and for tbe small balance of accounts remaining, he asked the meeting to give him terms, a dividend being guaranteed. Eventually, after considerable discussion, the general feeling of the meeting being agreeable, it was decided that the offer of Mr. Prosser be accepted.

1885 H&NS; 15 Sept: Opunake Licensing Bench  The Quarterly meeting of the Licensing Bench was held in the CourtHouse , Opunake, at noon on 9th inst. Present - Messrs. Burnett (chairman), Wagstaff, Breach, and Cross.
 The application ot Samuel Prosser for the removal of his license from tbe Empire Hotel to section 11 and 12, block 87, was heard. Mr. Caplen appeared for Saml. Prosser; Mr. Cuff  for, Mr. Barton for Walter W Middleton. The following objections were read

1. That you, the said Samuel Prosser, are now liable to forfeit your said license, as you have permitted your brother, John Prosser, to conduct the business over 14 days without consent of the committee.

2. That John Prosser was an unlicensed person.

3. That you are liable to forfeit your said, license on the ground that the same was granted at the last annual meeting of the Opunake Licensing Committee upon' condition that a suitable building should be erected upon the site ot the late Empire Hotel, to which your said license related with the least possible delay, and yet you have taken no steps whatever towards the erection of such building, and have, been guilty of unnecessary delay in the matter.

4. That you have no beneficial interest in the premises, in respect to which the license was granted.

5. That the license was void,  Constable Hawke  being directly interested in the premises of which the license was granted.

6. That Constable James Gentles is directly interested in the premises to which you wish to remove.

7. That you are for the reasons aforesaid an unlicensed person.

8. That you have not duly notified your said intended application by advertisement as required by law.

The question whether advertising was required was argued by counsel at length. The committee ruled that advertising was not required, the chairman stating that this was on account of his having told the applicant that, advertising was not required.
John Prosser was called, and acknowledged receipt of notice of removal of license.

Samuel Prosser, being sworn, stated that all notices required had been given. The reason which rendered the removal necessary was on account of John Prosser not having the means to rebuild. Both he and his brother were interested in his business. (By advice of Mr. Caplen, S. Prosser declined to answer questions put during cross-examination.]

In reply to Mr. Cuff, the committee were of opinion that it was unnecessary, to call witnesses to prove that John Prosser, was carrying on the business as immaterial.

On the application of Mr Cluff to have the minutes of the last meeting of the committee produced to prove ownership, the committee were of opinion that the minutes could not be produced to prove ownership by James Gentle's on statement of another person
The committee having returned into court after considering their decision, the chairman stated that the committee were unanimous in granting the removal, of the license from the Empire Hotel* to the Club Hotel, being satisfied that it was through no fault on the part of Samuel Prosser that the Empire Hotel had not been re-erected, as was contemplated on the occasion of the annual meeting of 10th June

Mr. Caplen applied for costs, which were refused, on the ground that the objections were not malicious or vexatious.

1886 TH; 6 Apr: LAND BOARD. The Taranaki Land Board met on Monday. It was decided to pay £64 compensation to John Prosser who forfeited Sect. 48, block 19 Kaupokonui and £64 claimed for improvements - son Benjamin was born on Oanui Farm, Opunake.

1887 Egmont electoral Roll; John Prosser Freehold; Residence Wellington; Occupation Settler; Otakeho, 72 acres

1887 H&NS; 13 May 1887: NOLAN, TONKS & CO., Auctioneers. TUESDAY, 17th MAY. At 10 o'clock. "NOLAN, TONKS AND CO. have been instructed by Mr John Prosser  who is leaving the district, having disposed of his farm, to sell by public auction, on the premises, Kino Road, near Opunake, his herd of "CHOICE DAIRY COWS, consisting of "30 cows in milk and to calve; 4 heifers, in calf; 13 calves and weaners; Thorough-brace waggon; Horses and harness; Household furniture, Piano, &c. Luncheon provided.

 

1888 - Ev Post, 28 Jan: The new Panama Hotel, situated at the corner of Ingestre and Taranaki streets, is in every respect a marked improvement upon the building which formerly occupied the same site, besides being an important addition to the accommodation provided for the travelling public. The new structure is a two-story wooden building, finished off in plain but substantial style. On the ground floor there are, in addition to the bar— which is divided into six entirely separate compartments, ensuring strict privacy if desired - a commodious and well-lighted diningroom, measuring 30ft by 18ft, besides the parlour, commercial room, and a well-appointed kitchen. The bedrooms on tho upper floor, ten in number, are airy and comfortable apartments, and there is also a sitting-room, besides two bath-rooms, to whioh both hot and cold water are laid on, and other conveniences. Every bedroom is provided with a rope fire-escape, and rope ladders have been placed at each end of the passages. Mr. John Coombe was contractor for the erection of the building, and the internal fittings were carried out by Mr. J. S. Philpott. The licensee (Mr John Prosser) has long been a caterer for the Wellington public, having kept the old Crown and Anchor Hotel as long as 20 years ago, on the site now occupied by the Star Hotel, Lambton-quay, and having ever since been connected with caravanserais in different parts of the provincial district.

1888 H&NS; 6 Feb: PROSSER'S PANAMA HOTEL, WELLINGTON. This old established house having been entirely re-built and re-furnished throughout now offers superior accommodation for Boarders and Travellers. Private suite for families. Hot and cold and shower baths. Wines and Spirits of the best brands. This being a free house, and having made arrangements for special brews of beer, customers can rely on getting the best glass of beer in the town. Cobb's busses pass the door every ten minutes. Good stabling. JOHN PROSSER (Late of Hawera Hotel), Proprietor.

        Panama Hotel on the Corner of Taranaki St circa 1875. Adjoining the hotel is the Billiard Saloon.                                  Four men stand outside the hotel and a street light is visible

1888 H&NS; 6 Feb: NEWS AND NOTES: Intending visitors to Wellington, who enquire for a good house to stay at, will find an answer to their enquiries in an advertisement in another column, which notifies that Mr. John Prosser, who was for some years a resident of this district, has taken the Panama Hotel. Mr. Prosser has one of the oldest established houses in Wellington in the Panama, but though the connection is old, the building is in keeping with modern Wellington, for it has recently been re-erected, and is certainly one of the finest hotels in the city. John was famed for his geniality when he ran the Hawera Hotel and, no doubt, West Coast people will find him a good host in the new hotel.

 

1888 E Post; 7 May: APPLICATION FOR A PUBLICAN'S LICENSE. I, John Prosser, of Wellington, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next Licensing Meeting to be holden at Wellington, on the 6th day of June, 1888, apply for a certificate authorising the issue of a Publican's License for a house situate corner of Taranaki and Ingestre streets, called the Panama Hotel, containing 20 rooms, exclusive of those required for the use of the family -  the owner of the panama is  Hon. J. Martin. April 88 brother James has sold out from the Club Hotel at Martin and returns to Wellington and takes over the Panama from John - in Jul 89 James takes over the Branch Hotel .

 

1890 TH: 21 Jan: HAWERA. Mr John Prosser, formerly well-known along the coast as the host of the Hawera Hotel, after an absence of seven years, has returned and taken the Railway Hotel at Hawera