VERY PLEASED WITH LIFE IN AUCKLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 602, 2 March 1929, Page 18

VERY PLEASED WITH LIFE IN AUCKLAND

Coumttess of Orford amid Her Beautiful Home at Mauurewa . . . Maori Dictionary Fluids a Place in Library . . „ Pursuiing Summer Round the World „ . „

Photographs specially ■ N the peace and quiet of , “Brinswood,” the Countess of Orford can quite easily imagine herself back in England. Only | the name of the district, Manurewa, ’ and the sounds of New Zealand birds from the neighbouring bush are uu- j familiar. in the lovely garden there j are the flowers of Old England blooming in all their summer glory and the sweep of green lawns is reminiscent of her English home in Devonshire. Five months ago the Earl and Countess of Orford arrived from England, and went into residence at “Brinswood,” Manurewa. With them is their daughter, little Eady Anne Walpole. They have lived there quietly since, caring little for the activities of the outside world and happy lu the seclusion of their wooded lields and garden. But the name “Manurewa” has puzzled the Countess!

posed for THE SLSj When she arrived in New Zealand : she secured a Maori dictionary, intent upon learning the language. However. ! a translation of Manurewa was not to j he found within its covers, j Now this charming visitor knows I that it means “Vanishing Bird,’* but j why the Maoris so named the district I is a matter for conjecture. | “We like New Zealand immensely, but I was surprised to find it so much like England,” remarked the Countess one day this week when a Sun representative called on her at “Briuswood.” And then, in that lovely garden, the Countess talked of the happy time, they were enjoying in Auckland. The Earl, who is an invalid, likes the peace : and quietness of “Brinswood,” and ; will stay there for some time to escape ‘ the rigours of the English winter. The Countess had expected a 1 warmer summer, she said, but they were all truly thankful to have esi caped the bitter weather which has been experienced in England. They

I.adit Orford, photographed beside a sundial at her beautiful New Zealand home, “BrinswoodManurewa. hope for something warmer next year, which indicates that New Zealand will be their home for some time to come. This year the Countess is missing the salmon fishing. On the Earl's Devonshire estate a well-stocked stream winds through the property, and both there and in Scotland the Countess has enjoyed this favourite sport. When the Earl's health improves they will hover between New Zealand and England, pursuing summer round the world, and reaching Devonshire periodically in time for some salmon fishing. “The New Zealander is a most charming person,” smiled the Countess. “Everyone has been only too willing to make our stay here a happy one.” From this side of the world the lady ot “Brinswood” is keenly watching the prospects of the British Parliamentary elections, and expresses an opinion that the “flapper” vote will have a big effect on the ultimate result.

Little Lady Anne, possessor of one of the celebrated names of England, is happy in her new home. There is a special car to take her for bathes, a spacious garden, and an area of real New Zealand bush in which she can ramble. Despite these attractions, however, she is still loyal to “dear old England.” Walpole is the family name of the Earl of Orford. He is a direct descendant of the famous Sir Robert Walpole, who lead the Whig group in English politics in the reign of George I. and George 11. Walpole’s Government amassed considerable wealth for England. He resigned from polities in 1742 and was created the first Earl.