What became known as the "Tophouse Tragedy" occurred in October 1894, when the owners of the hotel, Nathaniel and Louisa Longney, were away in Blenheim, having left their cousin, John Lane, in charge of the business, and a governess, Miss Catherine Wylie, looking after their three children.
In October 1894, the "Tophouse Tragedy" unfolded at the Tophouse Hotel.  Nathaniel and Louisa Longney were away, leaving John Lane in charge of the business and Miss Catherine Wylie to care for their three children.