BRITAIN'S LUCKIEST PEER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10057, 31 May 1910, Page 4

BRITAIN'S LUCKIEST PEER.

Snch in the title that has been bestowed on the Marquis of Bute, who has, however, been far from well lately, writes "M.A.P." Although only twenty-eight, he is one of the richest men in the kingdom. His , income has been estimated at over 1 £200,000 a year, and he possesses vast estates, including rich coal mines in Wales. Mount Stuart Castle, his lordship's property near Rothesay, cost between £600,000 and £700,000 to build, while the island of Bute, 20,000 acres in Wigtownshire, and 40,000 acres in Ayrshire, also belong 4o the lucky young marquis. Lord Bute is very keen on everything Scotch. He often appears in the kilt, and keeps a piper to play the good old Scottish aira. He ia an enthusiastic sportsman, and his love of open air life is shared by the Marchioness, who is a daughter of Sir Henry Belling - ham. One of Lord Bute's hobbies is the cultivation of the vine, a proceeding in which his late father was also interested. There are two Bute vineyards, one near Cardiff, and the other at Swanbridge. "My father made a hobby of growing vines" said Lord Bute some time ago, "and, respecting his wishes, 1 am going to continue doing so. I take a deep interest in them." Of course, the English climate is not very favourable for the vine, but some excellent results have been obtained on the Bute vineyards, and some of the wine has been declared equal to the best French: hrands.