LARNACH’S CASTLE ON THE AIR

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 34, 16 February 1940, Page 48

LARNACH’S CASTLE ON THE AIR

Historic . Dunedin Landmark Cost £150,000 N outside broadcast of unusual interest took place the other Friday night when 4ZB_ conducted a relay from. historic Larnach’s Castle on the Otago Peninsula. The Castle is unique in the Southern Hemisphere, and through the special broadcast 4ZB listeners were able to learn of its historic days, its construction and its furnishings. Don Donaldson, who handled the relay, was assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Purdie, the present owners of the Castle. Mr. Purdie took over the building 12 years ago and has spent some thousands of pounds on it during his time, renovating it and introducing modern conveniences. Work on the Castle was begun in 1871, and it is said that 60 men were employed for 6 years in building it. The Castle was built for William James Larnach, who later became a member of the Upper House in the New Zealand Parliament. It is estimated that in his lifetime Mr. Larnach spent over £150,000 on the Castle and its hundreds of acres of grounds. In the building, craftsmen were engaged from various parts of the world, including Italy, and materials were brought from Scotland, England, India and many other countries. Godfrey, who was responsible for the magnificent carving in the Castle, worked there continuously for 12 years and periodically for a further 6 years. Larnach Castle to-day is in a wonderful state of preservation and would stand the rigours of many more Dunedin winters. Thousands of tourists have visited this historic place and have been enthralled by its beauty and its oldworld atmosphere. One of the most marvellous views in New Zealand is obtained from the }. Tower. It is said that on_a clear day one can see the surrounding country and coast-line for a distance of 100 ‘miles. Dunedin is indéed fortunate in having such a wonderful old: building in its midst-a real link. with the early days of Otago.