Plough Inn – 1848–1899

Situated at the eastern end of Main Street, the Plough Inn was the first hotel seen by travellers from Nelson. It stood where the entrance to W. E. Wilkes' timber yard is today. A small iron plough was mounted on top of the gable overlooking the roadway, proclaiming to all passersby the name bestowed upon it. A skittle alley with a wooden floor was situated behind the building; it was a popular pastime, and the cause of numerous complaints on occasions when games continued till after one o'clock in the mornings. In 1856 it was the venue for the meetings convened to form the first school committee for the Waimea area, when 131 persons were reported to have been present.

Mr William Cleaver was the first landlord, following his death. Mrs Cleaver carried on until 1867. John Ryan 1874, J. R. Dodson 1890, Otto Haase 1893. James Butler 1895, Vernon Mullens 1898. The inn was purchased by Mr Wilkes in 1899 and was used as an office and wallpaper room until demolished after having stood almost 100 years.

Plough Inn 1848