MR. A. E. HARDING'S NEW HOUSE.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 187, 3 March 1893, Page 3

MR. A. E. HARDING'S NEW HOUSE.

Mr C. Man sill, now a settler at the Onau, bu* formerly a builder and contractor in the Wellington district- has just completed to the order of Mr A. E. Harding, the. erecti®n of a commodious and handsome residence cn the Aoroa block. The house stands on the rising ground about a quarter of a mile back from the main road, and about half way between Aratapu and Mangawhare. It "has a very pretty appearance from the outside; the Corinthian style of architecture is prominent in the many columns, the flat hip roof, and square walls ; and the work of the painter has added much to the beauty of the building, the different portions of the columns and window frames being picked out in different shades. The walls are of rusticated weather boards, double rabbotted according to pattern supplied by Mr Man sill to the local mill. There are three verandahs, one on each side of the house except tlie back ; they are supported by several Corinthian pillars of kauri with totara bases, and are nicely set off with the eaves brackets. The verandah floors are all of totara. The roof, which extends over the bay windows, is all close boarded and is covered with rooffng felt under the iron, so that it is completely waterproof. The felt tempers the heat usually so great under an iron roof, and also prevents the noise of heavy rains being heard in the house. The plumber’s work was done by Mr W. A. Ford of Mangawhare and has given thorough satisfaction. The painting and paper-hang-ing was done by day work under MrMansill’s own supervision. The ventilation has been carefully attended to, there being three main ventilators in the roof. Some yards back from the house is another building which contains a workshop, dairy, and men’s apartment. The house contains eight main rooms besides offices —a drawing room, a library, a dining room, four bedrooms and a kitchen with scullery, bath room, 2 store rooms and a wash house. Entering by the front door you find yourself in a spacious hall six feet in width and with an arch about the middle. The dado boards are of kauri and rimu alternately, with a rimu cap and stained kauri base; the" two timbers producing a very pleasing effect. The drawing-rootn and opposite bedroom have handsome rimu doors

which were got from Wellington, as also was nearly all the rimu used. The rooms throughout are all very carefully finished and the different timbers have been so d°alt with that their natural teauties are well brought out and artistically blended. In the drawing room the ceiling is of common sap kauri with rimu battens and corners, and nothing could be made to look prettier. The mantlepiece of rimu, with rewa-rewa panels and black mouldings is a beautiful piece of work. All the mantlepieces and skirtings throughout the house are of rimu which had to be got from Wellington although there is plenty growing in our bushes. The hearths are in large pieces of burnt fire-brick specially constructed. The rooms are papered with plain tinted papers and in those rooms where pictures are to be hung a gilt moulding specially made for hanging pictures to is placed round the tops of the walls. The drawing room measures 20 feet by 14 feet, with twelve feet scuds. The front bedis fourteen feet square. All the bed-rooms have distempered ceilings, well ventilated, room which looks very much like plaster. The library, (18ft. by 16ft.), has a bay window and diamond glass panelled door opening out on to a verandah. Here the mantlepieee and ceilings are similar to the drawing-room. We need not describe the other roams which are very similar to those already noticed. At the end of the hall is a margin light door with embossed margins and figured panels. The bath-room is supplied by pipes with hot and cold water and is complete with every convenience, including one of Shank’s patent closets. The kitchen range is large and complete, being also fitted with a rapid waterheating appliance of Mr Harding’s own device. Of the scullery, storerooms, and washhouse we need say nothing more than thac they have been supplied with everything that could be desired, water being at hand just where wanted. There are numerous round tanks for storing water, and the draining is thoroughly complete from all parts of the house. The floors are rat and air proof, there being no crevices between the flooring, plates and joists, and in every way the house is as complete as ingenuity and skilful workmanship could make it. Mr Mansill has indeed completed his work in a masterly manner and to the complete satisfaction of the owner. The whole cost of the building is about £BOO.