M'NAB’S GARDENS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1523, 28 February 1901, Page 65

M'NAB’S GARDENS

IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS. In Messrs Orr and Lodder the new proprietors of the famous McNab’s Gardens. at Lower Hutt, it is evident that the "property has fallen into the tight hands—judging by . the extensive alterations and additions in progress and contemplated to the buildings, in the care they are bestowing upon the gardens and lawn and in augmenting the present attractions of the place. Their experience in catering for the public will enable them to provide fit accommodation for 'visitors in . a manner adequate to such 'beautiful surroundings. The present building is being - completely renovated, and tenders will be invited in a few days for an addition of twenty rooms. Preparations are being made for an elaborate lawn tennis ground between the orchard and the stables. ; The gardens, with;theirrare plants, trees and shrubs, which, by the way, have not received due care and attention for some time past, consequent upon the property changing hands several times, are also being cared for- in a systematic manner. Additions ; are being made to the flora under the direction of .Mr Anstice. a skilled; gardener, well-known in the Hutt district, who has under him a staff, of three men. The proprietors-hope to be able to receive the public in .first-class style in. about three weeks. Gas is being installed over the: premises and grounds by the Petone Borough Council. There will be two large lamps at the entrance gates, and lamps will also be placed throughout the grounds. It is intended that the new addition to the premises will be completed in about three months, when the house, which will be furnished in a luxurious manner throughout, will be able to- accommodate between forty and fifty guests. Nothing will be spared iby the proprietors to make the house, comfortable and attractive to visitors,- tourists, etc. . and to that end they have appointed Mr Manghan, for some time well and favourably known as a chief steward in the Union Steam Ship Company’s service, as manager, while Mrs Manghan will attend ,to the comfort of lady visitors. For the convenience of visitors to the gardens only, a stall, from which light refreshments may be obtained, will be erected in the gardens.' The proprietors have gone to great' expense in making the gardens attractive in every sense, but they feel assured, the public will respond to their enterprise.' Messrs Orr and Lodder intend giving a free entertainment when the additions to the building have bepn completed.