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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Aldrich, Arthur Stanhope, Jnr.
Aldrich, Arthur Stanhope, Jnr.,
Sheepfarmer, Bunnythorpe. “Matsubara” (“Pine Plain”) is the Japanese name of the fine property owned by his father, Mr. A. S. Aldrich, senor, close to Bunnythorpe, which consists of 800 acres of freehold land. There is also
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another property at Birmingham of 750 acres. The two estates carry 5000 pure bred Lincoln sheep, and about fifty-three head of cattle. At the homestead are some two-and-a-half acres of orchard, in addition to a splendid garden. The house is a prettily situated two-story building, and contains twelve rooms, with many valuable Japanese curios, the hallway having some beautiful specimens of armour, swords, etc. The various rooms, in short, contain art treasures of all kinds—beautiful bronzes, rare china, old screens, and quaint old ornaments, are arranged in artistic profusion. Mr. Aldrich, senior, occupies the responsible position of Chief Secretary to the Government Railways in Japan, being stationed at Yokohama as his headquarters. He has been the recipient of many special marks of distinction from the Japanese Government, being the first Englishman presented with the Order of the Rising Sun, as also that of the Mirror. The subject of this sketch was born at Still Organ, Dublin, in 1872, and after spending four years in Japan was sent Home to be educated at an Anglo-French College in Paris. In 1886 he came to New Zealand, where his father had purchased these properties. When at school, Mr. Aldrich was a keen athlete, and distinguished himself in various branches of sport. He is a rifleman, an angler, and a huntsman. In volunteering he has always taken great interest, and in 1891, when the Manawatu Mounted rifle Corps was organised, he joined them as a full private. He has since steadily worked his way through the ranks, and at present holds the commission of lieutenant in this smart corps. In shooting, with both revolver and rille, he has taken great interest, a id indulges in all military sports with enthusiasm. In “Matsubara” Mr. Aldrich has a home of when any man might well feel proud, with its matchless art treasures, splendid grounds, and beautiful situation.