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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Commercial and Family Hotel
Commercial and Family Hotel (W. H. Wells and J. P. Hentze, proprietors), Main Street, Ohingaiti. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hostelry, which is patronised by most of the commercial men visiting the township, has twenty-one bedrooms, five parlours, and a large dining-hall which will seat fifty people. Good stables are attached to the house, and there is also a very comfortable hall, provided with stage and accessories, suitable for theatrical performances. The proprietors have had considerable experience in catering and hotel-management, and the requirements of travellers are carefully studied by them. Both partners were formerly in business in Marton, where Mr. Hentze established the page 1295 Broadway Bakery, which was subsequently carried on by Mr. Wells. The latter, who hails from Brighton, Sussex, arrived in Wellington, per ship “Howrah,” in 1874. He had partly learned his business with his father before leaving, and completed his term in the Colony. For some time he was employed by the late Mr. G. Laing, of Wellington, taking the place vacated by the late Mr. G. Towersey, when the latter left to enter into business on his own account. After this, for some ten years Mr. Wells was foreman baker in Sydney and other parts of New South Wales. He is a “master mason,” a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and also a member of the Royal Foresters of Australia.