At the foot of the Lake a handsome new hotel has just been completed by Mr Theodore Russell. Our informant describes it as one of the largest and moist commodious establishments of the kind to be found out of Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 23/11/1869.
WANAKA HOTEL, PEMBROKE.
The above hotel, which is delightfully situated on the margin of the Wanaka Lake, offers to the tourist and pleasure-seeker advantages rarely to be met with.
The scenery in the neighbourhood is exceedingly picturesque; and on an Island in the Lake there is excellent rabbit-shooting.
An excellent Four-stalled STABLE, and a PADDOCK, for horses.
THEODORE RUSSELL, Proprietor. -Cromwell Argus, 27/6/1871.
A fatal accident of a very painful nature occurred at Alberton, Lake Wanaka, Otago, when a little boy, aged six years, son of Mr Theodore Russell, publican there, was instantaneouslv killed by the wheel of a waggon passing over him. It seems that while a bullock waggon in charge of J. Ewing was standing in front of Mr Russell's door, the little fellow mounted on the pole, as was a usual custom with him. Ewing, in turning the leaders, saw the wheel of the waggon pass over the boy's back. It is thought that, in attempting to jump from the pole the little fellow missed his footing and fell before the wheel. When picked up he was dead. -Grey River Argus, 13/6/1874.
We are informed that the Westland Government have put on a number of men to complete the Haast track from the West Coast inwards, and that it will shortly be available throughout. It is worthy of note that last week the first mail was carried overland from the West Coast to Pembroke, whence it was brought down to Cromwell by Mr Theodore Russell. -Cromwell Argus, 1/2/1876.
The new saw-mill owned by Messrs Theodore Russell and Co. at Lake Wanaka was formally opened last week. It was christened by Mrs Campbell the "Matukituki Mills," and the proceedings connected with the opening were of quite a festive character we are told. -Cromwell Argus, 26/1/1877.
Fatal Accident.
Clyde, November 14. — Mr Theodore Russell, of Pembroke, part proprietor of the saw mills at the head of Wanaka, met with an accident whilst rafting timber down the Clutha. He died the same day whilst on the road to the Cromwell Hospital.
The Escort to-day leaves here with 8,775 ounces. -Evening Star, 15/11/1877.
It is our painful duty to record the death (which took place on Wednesday afternoon last) of Mr Theodore Russell, of Pembroke, and part proprietor of the saw mills at the head of Lake Wanaka, resulting through an accident which occurred to him whilst rafting timber down the Clutha towards Cromwell. We have not received other particulars than that after the accident he was conveyed to shore and that while he was being taken to Cromwell he died. Mr Russell was one of the earliest settlers of Lake Wanaka, most deservedly respected by all classes, and his sudden decease will be deeply regretted by a large number of friends. -Dunstan Times, 16/11/1877.
The death of Mr Theodore Russell, of Pembroke, on the loth instant, in the 32nd year of his age, at Ferriam’s, cast a gloom over the Cromwell district. The event so sad, sudden, and unexpected took all by surprise. He left his home in his usual health on a business visit to this town, and was soon borne back to it a mournful instance of the uncertainty of human life. When the affecting intelligence reached the Lake District it produced a wide-spread and profound sensation. Not only has the deceased left a true- and tender-hearted widow and four fatherless children to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and a loving father, but all the Lake settlers feel that they have lost the leadership of one who always put himself at the head of every enterprise that gave any fair promise of success to the neighbourhood. Under the management of the deceased gentleman the Pembroke Hotel presented to every visitor the harmony, the order, and all the home comfort of a respectable private dwelling. Many years ago Mr Russell was the first to give a practical proof of his faith in the future of Lake Wanaka by a bold venture, and all subsequent successes have justified his sagacity and the soundness of his judgment. In his removal progress has lost its pioneer, and one at least who was true and trustworthy and who will not soon be forgotten. If sympathy can alleviate the agony of a sudden separation, Mrs Russell may count upon it among all who have known her and her late husband. Dr Stirling did all that skill and unwearied watchfulness could do to arrest the disease, but the case was a hopeless one from the outset, and soon came to a fatal crisis. Mr Russell’s remains were interred in the Pembroke Cemetery, and followed hither by his kindred and old acquaintances, many of whom were much affected. The Rev. B. Drake conducted the usual service. -Cromwell Argus, 20/11/1877.
LAUNCH ON WANAKA LAKE.
The launch of the new paddle steamer intended to ply on Lake Wanaka has at length taken place. The vessel is named the “Theodore” - in honor, I presume, of the late Theodore Russell, with whom originated the idea of building her, and who to some extent had proceeded with the work. The length of the boat is 87ft, with 16ft beam. The cabin accommodation is good. Her model is very fine, and for strength and fitness for the service she is intended for apparently nothing more could be desired. To Mr Asher Smith, her designer and builder, great credit is due for the completion of so perfect a specimen of marine architecture, more especially when we consider the fact that he had to go into the bush and select, fell, and fashion the timber from which she is built, and likewise perform the necessary blacksmithing and other ironwork connected with her. It must be admitted that he is a mechanic of versatile ability and certainly a citizen of whom the district ought to be proud. The launch was fixed for the 9th, and the weather was delightful. A numerous cavalcade of equestrians and three or four boatloads of both sexes started for the scene, some twelve miles distant from Pembroke. Others came trooping in from the mountain passes of the Upper Wanaka, until some 70 people had assembled. The proprietors bad not been unmindful of the wants of the inner man —liquors and viands without money and without price were there in abundance. About 2 p.m. Mrs Hedditch (the wife of one of the proprietors) — to whom had been assigned the duty of christening — took up her position. The signal to launch was given, then the customary champagne dashed against her prow, and off she went down the ways like a thing of life, embracing the blue waters of the lake amid the cheers and huzza’s of the assembled crowd. Not the slightest hitch occurred, and after repeated cheers, and the heart-stirring scene of the launch, an adjournment was made to the improvised diningroom, and three times three in sparkling champagne were given for the success of the “Theodore.” Pembroke, March 11. -Cromwell Argus, 15/3/1881.
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