FIRE AT MASON'S GARDENS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 964, 3 November 1910, Page 6

FIRE AT MASON'S GARDENS.

THE EESIDENCB DESTROYED. Old, rather historic, and decidedrj picturesque, the residence at Mason's mot ite doom by fire last evening. Flames were seen issuing from it at 8.30. o'clock, and in about an hour it had been burned to the ground, many of the beautiful trees in the vicinity suffering also. The house, which was the property of Messrs. R. Keene and J. Reed, of Wellington, was for a great many years the residence of the late Mr. ("Quaker") Mason, whose sons still reside at Hutt. • The building, which must be 40 or 50 years old, has boon used as a residence by the caretaker since, the property was acquired by its present owners, and afternoon tea was served therein to visitors to' the gardens. Mr. Mason, who established the gardens, , spent a small fortune in creating what is a botanical paradise, and the many and rare varieties of trees to be found there testify to his great love of horticulture. Besides the residence, something like £20U worth of furnishings and crockery were destroyed. The tenants are cirnfakers and were Messrs. Harris and Gelding. At the time of the-fire Mr. , hams was away in Wellington. . Mr. Gelding also- went away about 7 o'clock, and nobody knows how the fire started. The Hutt Brigade got quickly, to the scene, but their arrival served little purpose, as far as the main building was concerned, as there was no water. They, however, saved the stables and outbuildings by means of a' bucket service. The personal effects of both.the occupants were destroyed. Mr. Harris was insured for £200, and Mr. Gelding for £75, in the South -British office. The insurance of the building'was not ascertainable last evening.