Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1902. Groote Schuur.

Manawatu Herald, 3 April 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1902. Groote Schuur.

A great deal has been written about a millionaire and his use, and at times the public get a practical illustration of their usefulness. The latest millionaire who has lately departed from this world, the Empire builder, Cecil Rhodes, has by his will proven his gratitude to the colony that gave him renewed health and strength. He appears to have imbibed a strong liking for the Dutch, though horn in England, and by his will he has left to Cape Town his chief residence of Groote Sebum at Rondrbosch, near Barkly \V £ *st. ’though the late Mr Rhodes was a great traveller and seldom settled in one place, yet when he was elected Premier of Cape Colony he had to have some sort of a home, even if only as a place where he could entertain in accord with his position To have such a place, though he was a bachelor, he secured 1500 acres of land with a house formerly known as “ the Grange ” but which, with his Dutch influence, he called Groote Schuur, or “ Great Barn.” The grounds are situated on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, some five miles from Cape Town. The approach to the house is by a magnificent avenue of lofty pines, the grounds are laid off in Dutch terraced gardens, and a collection of native animals, except those which are dangerous, are in various divisions of the grounds The place has been almost made into a Zoological gardens as wild animals are to be seen in strong enclosures about the grounds. The house has also been made into a Dutch museum. There are to he seen rare old chests, fine vases, ind massive carved seats for the Doreh, Here and there are cannon which have done duty in the past. Ihe “ Long Cecil ” explosives, the first 1001 b shell fired into Kimberley are stored here. Teak, the w od the Dutch introduced into the Colony is used where timber was needed in the building, and it is said that the habit of constant oiling it, to preserve it, led to the tire at the house a few years ago. By this outline it will be seen that Cape Town has received a very valuable gift from her one time Premier.