Glacier Hotel, Bealey.1880`s.

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DescriptionBarry Rudge collection, courtesy Pauline Schafer

Stagecoaches outside Bealey Hotel

This hotel is a large two-storied wooden building with an iron roof. It contains thirty-four rooms, comprising several private sitting rooms, a bagatelle room, about twenty-five well appointed bedrooms, and a bathroom, kitchen, etc. A first-class table is maintained, and the best of liquors are kept in stock. The hotel faces the West Coast road, and is the overnight stopping place for the passengers of the two coach journeys-the one from the West Coast and the other from Springfield; and consequently it is extensively patronised by the travelling public. It stands at an elevation of 2140 feet, and is noted throughout the colony as a health and holiday resort. The climate is vigorous, and the surrounding country is renowned for its scenic beauty. Hares, rabbits, and wild goats abound in the neighbourhood, and red deer are shortly to be introduced. Sportsmen and other visitors receive every kindness and attention at the hands of the proprietor of the Glacier Hotel.

Mr. John Henry Fletcher, Proprietor of the Glacier Hotel, was born in Sheffield, England, in 1867, and arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand, in 1898. He afterwards opened a general store in Rangiora, and carried on business there with great success until November, 1901, when he became proprietor of the Glacier Hotel.

John Rosanowski The Bealey was an important staging post where horses were changed - and people could stay over, when the river was in flood.
David Rodgers Fred Cochrane of the Bealey (from 1928) is still vividly remembered. He made a lot of money - rescuing cars, and hauling them across the Waimak (with the assistance of his horses). A flamboyant proprietor - both greatly admired and hated. Known as "Bandit of the Bealey". At the time of his "farewell" party, the hotel burned down. He would have been there later than when the above photo was taken.
Date of Photo1880'sMap^[1]

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Location (city or town)BealeyLandmark (Place)Glacier Hotel, Bealey.EventStagecoaches outside Bealey Hotel

Category Information

Category TagtransportMenuBy Topic | Leisure Time | Travel

From Facebook

Date Created23rd November 2022CommentsColleen Yee
Interesting story to go with the photo. What is a BAGATELLE room?
Pauline Schafer
I wondered that too.

Karen Perryman
is it a pool room or billiards room?

Denise Falloon
Bagatelle is derived from pool with objective of getting balls through wooden pegs on an indoor table, much like a pinball machine.

Denise Falloon
Has anyone noticed the lady holding the reins!

Christine Hogg
Denise Falloon the man is holding the reins with his left hand and appears to be letting the brake off with his right

Marcanui Taura
Christine Hogg yes, her hands are in her lap

Ted McCreath
Those stage coaches always looked top heavy with the people perched on top. Could not have been very comfortable.

Ian Miller
Ted McCreath Especially in some good West Coast rain

Jim Wilson
Wonderful piece of history! Thanks.

Mitch Mcgreal
Awesome xxx

Viv Hitchcock
https://thebealeyhotel.com/our-history/
Our History | The Bealey Hotel | Arthurs Pass Accomodation
THEBEALEYHOTEL.COM
Our History | The Bealey Hotel | Arthurs Pass Accomodation
Our History | The Bealey Hotel | Arthurs Pass Accomodation

Dorothy Wills
Great photo

Maree Lewis
All those people up top, even a baby, and not a safety belt to be seen! You'd imagine they could quite easily topple off if the coach hit a bump.

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