One of the most imposing buildings in Lindley is the Clarendon Hotel, owned by Mr John Blacklock Wilson. The hostelry was established in the year 1895, but it was burned down during the late war, and in 1903. A new and enlarged structure took the place of the old house, and the Clarendon at the resend time one of the most popular based houses in the Free State. It has 11 rooms, 3 receptions-rooms and large dining room, a billiard-room and bar located in an adjoining building. The Clarendon is a favourite resting-place for Commercial travellers, for the hotel is most comfortably furnished, and all rooms is lighted either by gas or electricity.
In my hostelry, a most important confection is the way in which the kitchen is equipped and condemnation, and visitors putting up at the Clarendon find that in this respect the most fastidious tasted are gratified.
Cleanliness reigns supreme, there us order everywhere, and the proprietor is even on the alert to see that His employees carry out his orders strictly to the letter.
It would be difficult to find a place even in the Hinterland where the hooting of the motor car is unheard, so it is not surprising that in a flourishing little township like Lindley it should be necessary for hotel proprietors to provide garage accommodation. But the horse is by no means done with, and farmers and travellers visiting the Clarendon find good stabling for at least 70 animals.
Mr. Wilson personally supervises everything in the hotel and the yard, and he generally employees 7 Europeans and many native boys.
The hotel business, however, is but part of Mr. Wilson’s activities. He has a farm of 300 morgen, owns large stone quarries, is President of the local Agriculture Society and Turf Club, Mayor of the town and prominent Freemason.
Such a catalogue of claims upon a man’s time and energy is almost appalling, but mine host bears all with prefect equanimity.
Mr. Wilson’s farm is 9 miles from Lindley, and he is interesting himself largely in the breeding of cattle and Horses, and in growing vegetables and providing general dairy products for the Hotel.
The cattle number about 60 heads, and although they are of mixed breeds, they give a remarkably good account of themselves in the dairy. This is to be accounted for the fact that superior bulls of good milking stains are used.
