DESTRUCTION OF AN HISTORICAL MANSION.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12878, 23 August 1910, Page 3

DESTRUCTION OF AN HISTORICAL MANSION.

(Special to "The Colonist.") Ghristchuroh, August 22. "Ham," which lias been destroyed by fire, was a typical old-fashioned English country house, and was built in. the fifties by the late Hon. John C. Watts Russcjll, who was one or members of the first Legislative Council of the Dominion, and who was a prominent early Gonterbury settler. Afterwards the Hon. W. Robinson owned and occupied it for a number of years. It wajr then purchased by Mr Leonard Harper, from whom it was purchased by Mr Patrick Campbell, who was the last owner prior to the present owner. "Ilani" lias consequently an historical interest in connection with the early history of Canterbury. Almost all the timber used iv the construction of the building was imported, much of it being English oak. The hall was a very fine example of the halls usually met with in English country houses. A very «asy staircase gave access to a balcony, from which entrance was obtained to the drawing room, dining room, and other rooms. The servants' quarteira wero in the basement. "Ham" stood on ten acres of land, a portion of which is exquisitely laH out in garden and orchard.