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which traded from the South. On Mr. Bruce’s first trip here, Captain Smith, late of the Wairarapa, was on board, and a Maori woman. The vessel, when lying inside the heads in calm weather, with all sails set, was suddenly capsized in a squall. The Maori woman, who was down below at the time, was drowned, but the rest succeeded in getting in a boat belonging to the vessel; and Bruce was so struck with the appearance of the place that he determined on settling here, and started the hotel which now bears his name,

Paddy Wood, another “old identity,” kept an hotel where Mr. Garwood’s store now stands. These two publicans were continually quarrelling, but this was nearly entirely owing to Wood’s fault, who was very rough and disputatious. Bruce was a most affable man, and many a tale is told of his kindness and generosity.

Where the private part of Bruce’s Hotel now stands, there was originally a store, built by Messrs. Ellis and Turner. These two men, like the publicans, could not agree, so after a lengthy series of quarrels they determined to separate, and divide the property. Here, however, a difficulty arose with regard to who should have the building. At last they hit upon the most original plan of dividing it, and cut it fair down the centre with a cross-cut saw, each party boarding up his own end.

Another store stood where the iron gate near Mr. Garwood’s shop is at present situated. This was built by a man named Duvauchelle, and was afterwards used as a lock-up, and at the end of its career in that capacity became a hospital. It now forms the older portion of Mrs. Watkins’ store.

The late Dr. Watkins’ dwelling-house was then situated on the beach, and was also near Garwood and Co.’s store. It was moved in pieces up to its present position.