On 26 June 1924 the sixteen-room Waitotara Hotel was destroyed in a blaze that began about 10.00 pm. Fortunately, a strong northerly wind saved the township itself from any damage.
Work began on a replacement hotel (above) in October 1924, designed by Whanganui architect, Thomas James, who called for tenders in late August 19244. The hotel was expected to be finished by March 1925 and while construction was taking place the lessee of the hotel, Joseph Mills, was granted permission to carry on business in temporary premises.
An advertisement in the Hawera Star on 6 February 1925 invited tenders for a three year lease on the new hotel, and described it as "...a new brick building, containing kitchen, scullery, storeroom, dining, commercial and two sitting rooms, public and private bar, six single bedrooms (each with two beds), three double bedrooms, sitting room, bathroom, etc. and three staff rooms outside."
The hotel was almost totally destroyed by a fierce blaze that began around 6.00 pm on Thursday 17 April 2025. All patrons and staff were able to evacuate the building safely. Owner, Chris Swetman, is unsure whether the hotel will be rebuilt.
Prior to the fire, the hotel served as a dairy, post office, and was the town's only pub.
Related items:
Heart of a riverside town for sale (Taranaki Daily News 30 October 2021)
Future of hotel uncertain (Taranaki Daily News 23 April 2025)
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