Arson fear as gnome factory burns down

KAY BLUNDELL/ The Dominion Post

BURNING RESENTMENT: Eighty-year-old Arthur Ray inspects the charred remains from his Otaki gnome and garden ornament factory, which was destroyed by fire last week. "I lost my wife in May, now this.''

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An Octogenarian's prized home-made collection of garden gnomes and miniature figurines has gone up in smoke.

Police believe arsonists were responsible for a fire that gutted a factory in Titoki St, Otaki, where Arthur Ray, 80, has made gnomes and other garden ornaments for the past 10 years.

Searching through smouldering rubble for charred remains of his precious figurines yesterday, Mr Ray said he could not understand why arsonists would target his hobby and livelihood.

"I cannot see why anyone would have anything against us. I cannot understand why anyone would want to do this to us."

The fire destroyed his entire collection of about 450 rubber or fibreglass moulds and burnt dozens of garden ornaments, including gnomes and eagles, which had been on display inside the building.

"I lost my wife in May, now this. Words cannot explain it."

Mr Ray had been making the gnomes from the rented premises for 10 years and did not have contents insurance.

Four months ago, he had moved about 250 of his larger rubber moulds, some up to a metre high, from his home to the factory, where all his other manufacturing equipment was kept.

"My wife was always saying there was too much stuff at home. She could not get into the garage, so I brought them here. We did not sell many, but you have to live and pay bills."

Tables and chairs used by children to paint ornaments in Levin Mall during school holiday programmes were also destroyed in the blaze.

"We had no grandchildren. My wife loved being there with the kids and I loved building things for them."

The fire, which occurred last Thursday, is being investigated by police. Detective Constable Stephen Yates said initial investigations suggested the fire had been lit at several different points around the building.

"It has totally destroyed an elderly man's livelihood, hobby, cottage industry and passion. We do not know if it was directed at him."

Police were following leads to track down the culprits.

Bulldozers are due to demolish the building's charred remains today, including sodden bags of mortar. A stack of rubbish next to the building was set on fire last month, but did little damage.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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Sir William Hillchurch   #13   03:00 pm Jul 19 2009

This article never states why it is assumed the fire was intentional. is it poor reporting?

Emma   #12   10:41 pm Jul 15 2009

The facebook group with further details about sending donations is here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106817005473&ref=mf Thanks Natalie!

Otherwise it's:

Arthur Ray C/O Detective Constable Stephen Yates Otaki Police Station 34 Matene Street Otaki

Scott   #11   12:19 pm Jul 15 2009

should of had insurance...

Me   #10   11:59 am Jul 15 2009

This is bad. Why do people do this sort of thing???

Golding Handcrafts   #9   10:42 am Jul 15 2009

Golding Handcrafts are going to give Arthur some new, large, gnome moulds to replace some which he has lost. I've spoken with him and he is going to rebuild his business.

If people wish to offer support to Arthur then please go to http://www.goldingcraft.com - we are accepting donations for him which will then be used to supply further moulds at cost and which will be free of charge to Arthur.

This seems a practical way to help him and provide tangible support as he rebuilds his collection for manufacturing for the next school holidays.

Mrs Big   #8   12:59 am Jul 15 2009

that's dark completely and utterly dark i hear about stuff like this and i think "a comet that crashes into the planet and destroys the human race might not be such a bad plan"

if the people responsible are caught they should have to sell off everything they care about, to pay for some new gnome moulds

BG   #7   04:40 pm Jul 14 2009

Please can you post some details as to how we can support Aurthur through this. Thanks.

Nick   #6   04:39 pm Jul 14 2009

I wonder how many bodies they recovered!!!

Natasha   #5   03:51 pm Jul 14 2009

@ Emma i have an idea. I'll set up a facebook page asking people to send donations to C/O Detective Constable Stephen Yates at the Otaki police station. I think it would be nice if people would lend a hand and I am going to put my donation in the post this arvo.

Sue   #4   03:49 pm Jul 14 2009

I am not a gnome fancier in fact I do believe in gnomacide, the only good gnome being a dead gnome, but this is disgusting that someone should possibly target an elderly gentleman who obviously loved his gnomes these people are despicable and I hope they get caught, but if they do catch them what will happen to them absolutely nothing

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