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.
The "Tophouse Tragedy" refers to a tragic event that occurred in October 1894 at the Tophouse Hotel, where Nathaniel and Louisa Longney were absent. John Lane was entrusted with managing the hotel while Miss Catherine Wylie looked after their children.