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Government Gift to Major Ropata.

The quarter-acre section on which the Coronation Hotel stands now, was given to the noted Ngati-Porou loyal chief, Major Ropata. The Government added to its generosity by erecting for him a four-roomed cottage with a verandah, the house being brought up in frames from Wellington and fitted together, the building facing Lowe Street. Major Ropata's garden is now covered by Tattersall and Bayly's tobacconist's shop. Subsequently Major Ropata sold the place to Mr. Alex. Blair, who owned the Coronation Hotel adjoining, and later the whole property was sold for about £600.