Old Homestead Lost

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31785, 16 September 1968, Page 1

Old Homestead Lost

Fire destroyed the old “Glenorchy” homestead in Pyramid Valley, Waikari, on Saturday. A shed near the house containing flammable agricultural sprays was not damaged or threatened by the fire.

The two-storey house, which was more than 100 years old, was occupied until about a fortnight ago and contained some valuable antiques, but It.

was empty when the fire was noticed about 11.45 a.m. Firemen from the Waikari and Hawarden volunteer brigades could do little except Stop the flames from spreading to other buildings. The house was on the property of Mr G. Dunster, who let it to an agricultural contractor who was away at the week-end. A large macrocarpa hedge surrounding the house was burnt down and a small shed next to the house was slightly damaged. Mr Dunster said that the

fire appliances arrived about midday and left about 3.30 p.m. Water tenders from transport firms and the Waipara County Council were called.

All that was left of the house were three chimneys. Shortly after the First World War the homestead and the property were bought by Mr H. T. Little, who was famous for his work in developing the Corriedale breed. He ran a stud on the property, which remained in the Little family until it was bought by Mr Dunster a few years ago.