The Bealey is situated eighty-four miles north-west of Christchurch, and is connected with Springfield and the West Coast by bi-weekly coaches, which meet there, and make it the halting place for the night. It is noted for the scenic beauty of its surroundings, and is much frequented by tourists and persons in search of health, and also by sportsmen, on account of the deer, hares, rabbits, and wild ducks which abound in the neighbourhood. The township is one of the highest in New Zealand, being about 2130 feet above sea level. It faces the Waimakariri river, and is backed by rugged, bush-clad mountains. The head of the Waimakariri river and the Bealey Glacier, each a few miles distant, are objects of great interest. There is a post and telegraph office in the township, with a bi-weekly mail service, and a large and well kept hotel provides good accommodation for visitors.

The Glacier Hotel, Bealey. This hotel is a large two-storied wooden building with an iron roof. It contains thirty-four rooms, comprising several private sitting rooms, a bagatelle room, about twenty-five well appointed bedrooms, and a bathroom, kitchen, etc. A first-class table is maintained, and the best of liquors are kept in stock. page 778 The hotel faces the West Coast road, and is the overnight stopping place for the passengers of the two coach journeys—the one from the West Coast and the other from Springfield; and consequently it is extensively patronised by the travelling public. It stands at an elevation of 2140 feet, and is noted throughout the colony as a health and holiday resort. The climate is vigorous, and the surrounding country is renowned for its scenic beauty. Hares, rabbits, and wild goats abound in the neighbourhood, and red deer are shortly to be introduced. Sportsmen and other visitors receive every kindness and attention at the hands of the proprietor of the Glacier Hotel.

Mr. John Henry Fletcher, Proprietor of the Glacier Hotel, was born in Sheffield, England, in 1867, and arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand, in 1898. He afterwards opened a general store in Rangiora, and carried on business there with great success until November, 1901, when he became proprietor of the Glacier Hotel.

Glacier Hotel, Bealey (1901).