"OTATARA" BURNEL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8776, 4 July 1914, Page 5

"OTATARA" BURNEL

toss ESTIMATED AT £30,000 PALATIAL DONNELLY HOME DESTROYED. Special to the “ Times.” NAPIER. July 3. Early this evening Air G. P- Donnelly’s residence, “Otatara,” an cigb-'teeu-roorned building situated at Taradale, six miles' from Napier, uas destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated to bo considerably over £30,000. The fire was discovered by Air Donnelly, who made a search as the result of a maid reporting tho smell of burning timber. Du reaching an uxrsta.r morning room Air Donuody was surprised to seo the coding a mass of flames, and burning timber falling to tho floor. Tho household was quickly warned, and at first efforts were directed to saving a valuable sot of oil paintings, the staff being successful in removing every canvas. . , Many willing helpers soon arrived, as the fire was seen from outside almost as soon as tho inmates ueie awaro.of tho outbreak, and volunteers commenced removing furniture and other effects, whilst others again turned their attention to tho use of the lire extinguishers. The flames, however,■ had a strong hold and spread with such rapidity that it soon became apparent that what has been tho home of many New Zealand Governors whilst staying in this district, and what was generally looked upon as tho finest dwelling in tho Dominion, was doomed. Fiercely the flames spread throughout tho many rooms and halls, and tho firo made tho surrounding hills and countryside radiant with light. Tho city firo brigade took their steamer and other pumping plant out in response to an urgent call, hut owing to the distance from tho river tho firo-fight-ing appliances were quite useless. Many articles of Air Donnelly’s noted collection of Maori curios were lost in tho building, which was burned to tho ground, tho chimneys on!y_ remaining on the brow of the hill on which the residence stood, commanding ono of tho best views in the district. and visible from all parts of tho country. Motor-cars and garage were saved, being situated at some distance from the ‘main buildings, but all tho outbuildings directly connected with the house were destroyed. It is believed the fire was caused by, rats or a defective chimney. Mr Donnelly stated that ho believed ho was partially covered by insurance, but was not able to give details. His loss will be very , severe, as Ills collection of Alaori folios, considered to bo one of the' finest in New Zealand, was almost totally destroyed, only a few exhibits being removed. So rapidly did tho flames spread that in endeavouring to save a prized trophy Mr Donnelly was threatened by the oncoming fire. Ho beat a hasty retreat, and found it ..impossible to reenter the building.