The character of Thames, will next week continue to be changed forever. The gold town renown for the number of hotels, that were distributed from Tararu, through Grahamstown to Shortland and onto Parawai. Yet another is to close it's doors - leaving only the Junction and Imperial Hotels. The
Salutation Hotel on the corner of Mary & Mackay Streets will cease trading in the near future. The hotel had been operating on the present site since at least 1870, when Alex MILL was the publican.
On the back of this photo mounted on a piece of card is written:
D L LAMB, Doug Lamb [written in pencil]102 Richmond Street, Thames
Then in a different script: Johnstone family owned
Hotel 1912-1926, Grand-daughter Jill
Pritchard Goldie used to sketch on Hotel steps.
The Lamb connection is to Lamb Bros, Timber Merchants at the corner of Mary and Queen Streets, Thames. The company involved with the rebuilding of the hotel.
On
4th August 1937, (Photo states 3rd) the hotel caught fire and one man lost his life. He was Mr ALBERT FISHER, a miner. Later in December that year, it was announced that there were plans for a modern Hotel.
