LONGBEACH HOMESTEAD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 15 November 1937, Page 4

LONGBEACH HOMESTEAD

DESTROYED BY FIRE (By Telegraph— Preßs Associationl CHRISTCHURCH, 15th November. The Longbeach homestead, one of the most noted properties in Mid-Can-terbury, and owned by Mr J. H. Grigg, was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. Situated about 16 miles from Ashburton, the homestead, which comprised 33 rooms, was an imposing twostory structure in brick with stone facings. It was built in the style of many of the old English homes. In 1935 the Duke of Gloucester stayed there, and several Governor-Generals of the Dominion have also been guests It was built 50 years ago. Only the walls were left standing/ The loss includes much valuable/ antique furniture more than 100 years old, numerous show trophies won by Longbeach stud stock and personal effects, including Mrs Grigg’s valuable collection of jewellery. The fire was discovered about 3 p.m. by one of the station hands, who sounded the first alarm on the property. Many of the employees rushed to the building, in which the flames had a good hold in the top story, and assisted. ( Mrs Grigg to remove most of the tents of the drawing-room, including trophies, a grand piano and a number of paintings. They fought the fire for more than three hours, with the assistance of the Allanton Fire Brigade, but their task was a hopeless one, the building being reduced to smouldering ruins.