HISTORIC RESIDENCE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18670, 20 April 1926, Page 4

HISTORIC RESIDENCE.

DESTROYED BY FIRE. Built by the late Hon. Ernest Gray, M.L.C., over 50 years ago, the historic Hoon Hay residence of 15 rooms, at Halswell," was destroyed by fire on Saturday afternoon. The residence was well-known and its architecture drew universal admiration from many visitors .o the district. ' ' Owned by /the late Mr L. Gray s trustees, the property had lately been untenanted. It was just about to emerge from the hands of the renovators when tho fire occurred. Mr G. van Asch, who had purchased a lease of the place, was to have gone into occupation in tho course of a, few days. He was working in the garden shortly after midday on Saturday, when he discovered flames leaping from the roof of thei building. He rushed inside, and with the assistance of some neighbours was successful in shifting his furniture out ot doors. There was no hope of saving the building, as the fire had a. strong hold, and the residence was, well out of the fire district.

It is believed that a defective chimney was the cause of the outbreak. The structure was insured for £I2OO in the South British office.

Be prepared. See that you have adequate insurance on your house and furniture. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Co., Ltd., Hereford street. It is a local company with all its capital invested in New Zealand, therefore prompt settlement. —6