The Hawera and Normanby Star of 15 March 1912 reported:
Fire at Levin.
Weraroa hotel destroyed
The Weraroa Hotel, Levin, was completely destroyed by fire last night. The building burnt rapidly, and the occupants escaped in night attire only. The fall of a chimney on to the roof of a store-room crushed it in and occasioned superficial injuries to two occupants, necessitating surgical attention. The origin of the outbreak is unknown. The hotel was insured for £1700, and also the stock and furniture for £800 in the Atlas office. Staples and Co. were the owners. The personal effects of Mrs Higgins, the licensee, were insured for £400 in the Ocean Company.