BROOKDALE ESTATE, TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 15 May 1890, Page 11

BROOKDALE ESTATE, TAPANUI.

*' The Wanderer," in the Southland Times, gives the following description of this estate : —

I had heard so much of Mr David M'KeUar'a estate of Brookdale, near Tapanui, that I determined to spend a few hours there and give a short description of one of the oldeßt and finest private properties in New Zealand, On nearing the station one is struck by the nice avenue of trees, nearly a mile long, leading up to the homestead. On my arrival I was courteously received by the manager, Mr Malcolm Ferguson, and his good wife. I was shown over the house and grounds, and spent a very pleasant couple of hours. The new house, of over 20 rooms, beautifully finished, and furnished to match, is situated on an eminence, just on the edge of a bush, and from the turret a magnificent view of the estate is obtained. The building faces due north, the view on the left is bounded by the Blue Mountains, so-called from their peculiar colour, while in front stands the Old Man Range, and on the tight the Whitcomb Mountains, stretching as far as the eye would carry in the evening twilight. The estate, level as a bowling green, com{)rises some of the best land in the colony ; and ooking down almost at our feet is situated a large artificial lake, fringed with willows, and the home of innumerable wild fowl, principally grey teal and paradise ducks, which are to be found in thousands during the shooting season. This lake is also awarming with salmon trout, 83 are also the many small streams which run through this property. A large fountain plays in the garden, and gives a fine effect to the enclosure. The garden is extensive and the treeß very large, having been planted over 30 years ago. The crop this season was the heaviest for the past 15 years. I saw some blue gum trees over lOCft high, and a Victorian wattle over 12ft in ciroumforence. Standing at this height, viewing the lovely scene during the sunset, it would almost bring one to fancy they were again in the Old Land viewing an ancestral estate hoary with antiquity. I need scarcely say that a more beautiful spot it would be difficult to find, at least in New Zealand. The proprietor is, I believe, in Mexico, and hia good lady in Melbourne. I thought if I had such a property I would be content to spend my days on it, but human nature is never satisfied, always searching for that which is unattainable. The run is well stocked with merino sheep on the high lands, and crossbreds

on tbe plains. Upwards of 50 head of prize Ayrshire cattle are kept to supply tbe dairy. Only about 40 horses are kept, as the bulk of the woi'k is done by contract. There is about 1800 acres sown with turnips. Deer are now" plentiful in the Blue Mountains. A farmer living on the outskirts of this estate told me that early one morning he counted no less than 120 deer close to the toot of the mountains, feeding in the paddock of turnips. The deer were of various colours, whito, fawn, and spotted. But some will no doubt ask — " Was this paddock fenced ? " Yes, gentle reader, it was, but deer think as little of bounding over 7ft posts and rails as you would of stepping over a briok on the side-walk. I saw a magnificent young buck that had been shot, and was being sent to Canterbury. The license fee for shooting them is £2, but I was informed that extensive poaching had been going on, though it bad not in any way thinned them out, as they still appear to be plentiful and multiply fast. ' ' The Wanderer " longed to stay and have a f aw days' shooting among them, but on account of business was obliged to hurry on.