MARCH OF TIME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23511, 27 May 1938, Page 15

MARCH OF TIME

DEMOLITION OF OLD HOUSE LINK WITH EARLY OTAGO The march of time, taking with it much that is old and dear to the pioneers of any country, has brought about the demolition in this city of a house which has a romantic history. It is at present being pulled down to make way for smaller and more modern dwellings, and with its passing there will be removed a place which was associated with an early settler in Otago—Mr John Logan, the owner of Logan’s Point, who arrived at Port Chalmers in the year 1854. Mr Logan’s first house was the wellknown “Violet Grove,” or Fern Tree Cottage, as it was also called, a house which in itself was rich in the romance that is associated with the settlement of the province. About the year 1872. however, Mr Logan built a large two-storeyed dwelling in London street. Beautifully constructed, with oak floors and ceilings, Persian tiled fireplaces and appointments, which, although not as modern as the present generation would wish, are not to be found in the small, easily-looked-after dwellings' of the present day, the house has stood for over GO years as a monument to its first owner. To-day. however, its 20 odd rooms make it too large and rambling for the ordinary family, and as a result of its demolition there will appear four smaller places where once stood a fine old dwelling. No. 75 London street has changed hands many times since it was built. It was later owned by Mr I. de Beer, who carried out many alterations to the original place: Mr Justice Kennedy resided there for a short period; and it was bought, during his term as Mayor of the city, by Mr H. L. Tapley. After his death his son, Mr Guy Tapley, took over the old house. The last owner, Mr J B. Sharp, is having the property subdivided for the purpose of erectipg four modern houses.