A two handled 'loving cup' made by Royal Doulton. The cup is around 250mm tall. It is number 259 of 1000. The caption on the bottom reads '1910-1935; a loving cup; To celebrate the completion of 25 years reign of their gracious Majesties KING GEORGE V AND QUEEN MARY; Honoured and Beloved by the people of the British Isles and the Dominions beyond the seas; GOD SAVE the KING'.
George Street is named after the landowner and building contractor who put the street through, Mr George Frederick Roe (1837-1902).
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
Mr GF Roe was an early settler in the district. He arrived in Wellington in 1841, with his parents and and six siblings, on the ship Gertrude.
As an adult he served throughout the New Zealand Wars. Arriving in Fielding c. 1872, one of his first contracts was building forty houses for immigrants to Manchester Block. In those early years he was a local storeowner and agent for the Wanganui Chronicle.
In late 1875, he commenced building a hotel on property he owned in Feilding township. The Denbigh Hotel opened on 12th May 1876, with his brother, Charles Roe, his successor in the endeavour.
Mr G Roe moved to Palmerston North, where a year earlier he had sold the Clarendon Hotel to Mrs Atkinson for £1,400. He was a Palmerston North borough councillor from 1877 to 1880. Within that time he owned the Palmerston Hotel (1877-1879) and was a general storekeeper in partnership, Messrs Roe and Green. The partnership dissolved by mutual consent and Mr Roe was left to settle all debts. Unfortunately he became bankrupt in 1880.
He married Miss Mary Stoneleigh in 1878. Miss Mary Stoneleigh of Shropshire, England, emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1873, on the ship Salisbury. She was recorded as a general servant on the passenger list. The couple had three children, Edward Wakefield b.1879, Arthur George b.1881 and Nina May b.1882.
Mr and Mrs Roe soon started a new enterprise, Roe's Private Hotel (1881-1883). In 1883, the Roe's sold-up with the intention of moving to the new settlement of Kawhia. However, in 1884, a local newspaper reports Mr Roe suffering a protracted illness in Palmerston North.
It appears that Mr Roe continued in the hotel business and was briefly the proprietor of the Post Office Hotel on Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue), in the 1892-93 rates year. His bankruptcy was announced in 1893.
In September of 1900 the Roe's were living in Taonui Street, when their daughter Nina May died. Mrs Mary Roe died in April two years later. Mr George Frederick Roe followed his wife and daughter in May of 1902, at 66 years of age. The couple are interred at Terrace End Cemetery.
In 1875 the road was put through at the Main Street end and D.P.27 subdivided. An extension was made through to the Cuba Street end in 1879 under D.P.155.
In September of 1878 The Public Works Committee of the Borough Council accepted the tender of Mr Joseph Nathan, £147, for works in George Street. This was Mr Joseph Edward Nathan, of Joseph Nathan and Co., owners of the agricultural supply firm that evolved into Glaxo. By the end of October 1878, the street was gravelled and had a pathway.
Mr George Mathew Snelson had been selling George Street sections since 1877, from his Auction Mart in Te Marae o Hine the Square. As a result, shops and houses became established rapidly, and land values soared.
In September of 1880 the culvert was lowered at junction of Cuba and George Streets. The water table was deepened towards the bush, in order to provide better drainage at upper end of Cuba Street.
On October 6 1880, at a Palmerston Borough Council meeting, councillor Ferguson recommended purchase of a right-of-way from Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue) to George Street. Landowners, Mr Hoskings and Mr Darwick, were agreeable to selling ten feet each and councillor Ferguson thought it better to purchase now, than wait some years when prices had risen.
The Chairman opposed the proposition, as George Street was initially a private street, not on the map and built on speculation. Furthermore, the developer had ignored suggestions on appropriate street width, and now there was an expectation of public funding to enhance the neighbourhood. Discussion ensued around this and the additional land required to fully open the way, being forty-six feet. According to the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, the Council was prevented from making any street less than sixty-six feet wide. The proposal was rejected.
In the years following, there were constant issues and complaints about the narrowness of George Street in regard to parking.
Five years after the street was first constructed, it was reformed and metalled; being nine chains (1 chain = 66ft/20.12m) of construction £40, and metalling £45, a total of £85.
The way through was also revisited in 1883, when councillor Snelson presented a plan to the council of a proposed connection between George Street and the now established cul-de-sac, Coleman Place (now Coleman Mall). The proposal was carried, and the Reserves Committee commenced arrangements in September 1884, advising the Council to draft a clause into The Special Powers Bill giving local authority.
In October of 1895 Mr Andrew Jack, overseer of waterworks, reported that the sewer in George, and nearby streets, was in a bad way. Pipes had been laid without cemented joints and sewerage was being discharged into the porous shingle beneath. While acknowledged, this wasn’t acted on at the time.
In 1901, Mr Mestayer, newly appointed engineer for the borough sewerage scheme, was asked to inspect the main sewer and report back to council. Meanwhile the inspector of works was to check the condition of the culvert in George Street and carry out any necessary repairs. By 1904 the plan was ready for laying of sewers in George Street. However, the call for tenders was only made immediately before the Manawatū and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Association Show. This ensured that work would not be carried out during show week.
The A&P Show was important to the township and attracted many out-of-town visitors. In October 1904 the council received requests to have superfluous vegetation cleared from George Street, to be presentable during show time. Show attendees were invited, through targeted advertising, to wander the streets viewing especially designed window displays. Many would patronise business establishments and there was a bustling trade. The sewers were laid and connected directly after the show ended in 1904.
For just over a decade, work was concentrated in managing water in George Street. In 1908 the old boxed culvert under the water table in the street was removed, and the space filled with tarred metal. The following year the water channel on one side of the street was tarred. In 1911 a culvert was laid at the intersection of George and Cuba Street.
In 1913 a recommendation for a concrete culvert across George Street, was referred to the following year’s estimates. And while the water table received some attention in 1914, by 1915, with stagnant water frequenting the gutters, the matter was referred to the engineer. By December of 1922, the laying of a 9-inch stormwater drain in George Street was completed. In June, five years on, a 9-inch stormwater drain was laid from the manhole in Coleman Place, for 2&½ chains into George Street.
The footpaths, being heavily used, received regular attention with repairs and reconditioning. Over the years they were top dressed in tar and sand, and hot-mix bitumen and chips. The roadway also received attention on a regular, although less frequent, basis. It was tarred in 1917 and top dressed in asphalt from time-to-time, until resurfaced with bitumen and chips in 1931.
In July of 1925 a letter from the Fire Board to the council, sparked a ten-year debate. The Fire Board drew attention to the danger of having parked cars in George Street. Passage of fire trucks was challenging, due to the narrowness of the road. Councillors discussed alternative parking in nearby streets and a motion was made that private car parking in George Street be abolished. This was revoked in September.
In June 1926, additional parking lights were installed at George Street stands. A year later a request was received for a time limit on cars parked in Coleman Place, or, that George Street parking stands be extended. The Traffic Committee recommended that Coleman Place parking be abolished and a new parking area be allotted in Cuba Street. This recommendation was passed. Also in 1927, placement of stop signs and a dome, to allow safer turning from Coleman Place into George Street, was considered.
In February of 1929 the council were asked to revisit the abolishing of parking areas in George Street. This was referred to the Transit Committee for consideration. There was talk of establishing night parking away from the day parking stands. In April 1929 alterations were made to parking hours.
Later that year, the Palmerston North Fire Brigade complained of George Street cars parked over fire plugs. Again, the suggestion was made to abolish car parking in George Street. The council asked the Transit Committee to look at city parking areas, in their entirety, and report back. The Ratepayer’s Association also recommended abolishment of George Street parking area. They felt the parking stands were a danger to traffic, due to the narrowness of the street.
In October of 1929, the type of parking was discussed, with particular note of the American style of parallel parking – nose to tail. Finally, it was decided that only night-time parking be allowed in George Street. By December the Ratepayer’s Association was pushing for abolition of night parking in George Street. They pointed out that cars were parking there in the daytime regardless.
May 1930 saw a further decision on parking. Twenty-minute parallel parking was to be allowed in George Street day and night, with a 30-foot intersection restriction. In 1931, to restrict the blocking of fire plugs, cycle parking was enabled on the east side of the street opposite fire plugs. Shortly after, the car parking time limit was raised to thirty-minutes.
In March of 1934 the Manawatu Automobile Association asked that parallel parking be allowed on both sides of George Street after 7pm. In July a by-law amendment was sent to the City Solicitors for inclusion in the next set of amendments. The by-law restricting parking in George Street to thirty-minutes was amended to permit continuous parking, each day, after 7pm. The parking question was resolved for the moment.
Mr George Mathew Snelson (the first mayor of Palmerston North) and Mrs Louisa Matilda Snelson arrived in Palmerston in December of 1870. They built a general store on the western side of Te Marae o Hine the Square in partnership with Mr EW Mills, Mr Snelson's former employer, an ironmonger in Wellington. Opening in 1871, this was the first store in the township.
Palmerston North Borough Council Rate Books show that the Snelson’s owned an allotment and house on section 331, (George Street) from 1878. By 1879 they also owned a house and blacksmith shop on section 332. This was recorded as a house and stable the following year. In November 1883 it was reported in the Manawatū Times:
“Mr G. M. Snelson is having substantial additions made to the front of his residence in George street, which will greatly improve the appearance… .”
It was also that year, that section 847 (Fitzherbert Street), first appears listed under George Snelson in the rate books. It is likely that the couple moved to their Fitzherbert Street (later Fitzherbert Avenue) residence around that time and purchased the adjoining section, 848. In 1885 they’d also acquired section 300 (George Street) with house. The Snelson’s kept property in George Street until around 1892. Due to their extensive work in the community, the Snelson’s were later known as the “Father and Mother of Palmerston North.”
A second mayoral couple lived on George Street at the turn of the 20th century. Mr James "Jimmy" Alfred Nash and Mrs Elizabeth Lily Grater, nee Keogh, married on Valentine’s Day in 1895. Rate books show that Mr JA Nash purchased allotments on sections 331 and 332 (George Street) that same year. Already operating a store in Te Marae o Hine the Square, Mr Nash established two shops in George Street next to Woodfield’s stables in 1901.
The Nash’s private residence on George Street was advertised to let in June 1906. The couple moved to their newly built house, later named Waimarama, on Alfred Street. Rate books show Mrs Nash as the ratepayer on an allotment of section 169, from 1904-05. In June 1907, Mr Nash sold his shop in Te Marae o Hine the Square to Messrs Paget and Barron and advised he could be contacted at his new business next to the Fire Bell Tower, Coleman Place.
Mr and Mrs CA Peters were residents of George Street from 1897 to 1904. A native of Palmerston North, Mr Charles Abel Peters was born c. 1864. He married Miss Esther Adams (b.1862) in 1893. The couple had five children; Florence May b.1893, Charles Abel b.1895, George Hugh b.1898, Dorothy Allen b.1901 and Ernest Albert b.1906.
Although Mr CA Peters is registered as Ernest Albert's father, Ernest is acknowleged as the biological son of Mr Ernest Albert Fearnley.
Mrs CA Peters owned a Coffee Palace with accommodation on George Street, and it appears that Mr C Peters may have run a Billiard Saloon.
Mrs Peters moved to Andrew Young Street in 1904 and opened a two-storeyed boarding house, of twenty-nine rooms. It also housed Peters Coffee Palace. It is unclear whether she and Mr Peters were still together.
In 1908 Mr Charles Abel Peters died, aged 44 years.
Mrs Peters remarried to Mr Ernest Albert Fearnley, and the business was renamed Fearnley’s Coffee Palace and private hotel. Mrs Esther Fearnley died in 1954, aged 91 years. She is interred at Kelvin Grove Cemetery.
Mrs CA Peters ran a Coffee Palace on George Street from 1897 to 1904. Occupying a large residence, she also provided accommodation to travellers and boarders. In 1904 she moved the business to Andrew Young Street.
The Woodfield Stables, also known as Manawatū Stables were established at 23 George Street in 1901. They were owned by Mr Herbert John Woodfield and operated as a livery stable with conveyances for hire. The local fire brigade housed their horses there, with the horse(s) harnessed to a fire cart overnight in case of emergency. The stables hosted experts, including Mr Walter J Bullock equine dentist and Mr GE Owen Veterinary Surgeon. Woodfield’s also offered services, such as horse clipping, on site.
In 1904 Mr Woodfield extended his livery business to a second site on Cuba Street. Considerable fire damage occurred to the George Street stables in January of 1911, fortunately no horses were harmed. The remaining wood building was pulled down in 1915. Mr Woodfield had fully established his business on Cuba Street.
Handily located next to the Woodfield Stables at 21 George Street, in 1907, was Mr Wallace John Bruce Jolly, saddler and harness maker. By the early 1920s Mr WJB Jolly expanded into sports goods and restringing of tennis racquets. His store was sold in 1926 after his unexpected death. Next to WJB Jolly, at number 19, were Messrs Swift and Co., land estate agents (established 1905). They were still advertising their business at its George Street location in 1920. In 1908, HJ Lauridsen Blacksmith & Farriers commenced business in a leased shop directly opposite Coleman Place. Mr Hans Jorgen Lauridsen’s family had moved to Palmerston North from Denmark in 1907.
In January of 1904 Messrs Joe Lee & Co., started a laundry in George Street. It remained in George Street for 17 years, with a move within the street when the original structure was demolished for new builds in 1912. In March of 1921 the company moved to Main Street West.
In September 1908 Mr Nash, in partnership with Mr DJ Lovelock, commenced business as Messrs JA Nash and Co., from George Street offices. They were produce, land, estate and general commissioner agents. It was also 1908 that Mr Nash became mayor of Palmerston North, remaining in office until 1923.
The Nash Buildings, 42-48 George Street, were constructed in 1925 for Mrs Nash. She had purchased the property in 1894, before her marriage to Mr Nash, with the building remaining in the family until 1978. The building plan was created by Mr Herbert Leslie Hickson, registered architect. The Nash Buildings housed fours shops on the ground floor including confectionary, millinery and clothing; with living spaces upstairs. Additions were made to the Cuba Street end in 1929 to the design of Mr Oscar Albert Jorgensen. This comprised a fifth shop and upstairs residence at 50 George Street. (See also, Built Heritage Inventory, below).
In 1883 the Bon Marche, a general market, drapery and clothing store on the west side of Te Marae o Hine the Square changed hands. Formerly owned by Mr John Coulson Fowler, the new proprietors were CM Ross & Co., and they took over in September of that year. In 1905, extensive additions and improvements were made to the store, including an arcade from Te Marae o Hine the Square to George Street. Fronting George Street were large display windows. The first display was furnishings, as George Street housed the furniture department and, in 1909, the factory. At that stage customers could only access the George Street side via Te Marae o Hine the Square.
This changed in 1916 with the completion of a steel framed concrete building comprised of two storeys on Te Marae o Hine the Square, and three storeys on the Coleman Place and George Street sections. With display windows on Coleman Place, entry was made from Te Marae o Hine the Square and George Street. The latter housing the showroom of the firm.
During 1927 and 1928 CM Ross and Co., built a completely new department store, replacing three of the former buildings. It was called Rosco, and, as previous, could be accessed from Te Marae o Hine the Square and George Street. After Roscos discontinued operations in 1959, the store went through several owners including DIC (originally Drapery and General Importing Company of New Zealand Ltd). In 1991 it was purchased by the Palmerston North City Council and converted into the City Library – opening in 1996.
When the new City Library opened in 1996, so too, tucked underneath the library besides the George Street entrance, did Bruce McKenzie Booksellers.
Mr Bruce McKenzie was born in 1937 and was raised in Palmerston North. He is a local identity and powerhouse in book selling. For twenty-six years he was with G H Bennett & Co Ltd, on Broadway Avenue, and spent twelve years in publishing sales in Wellington.
He opened the George Street store with his daughter Louisa, and they also had an educational bookstore on George Street and a wholesale bookstore in Coleman Mall for periods of time.
To learn more about Mr Bruce McKenzie, listen to his oral interview. Here is an image of Bruce McKenzie Booksellers in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While George Street catered to shoppers looking for goods and services, it was also home to various national organisations, such as:
New Zealand Express Company, moved from the corner of Main and David Streets to George Street in 1906. The company worked from several locations within George Street over the years. In 1935 NZ Express sold their cartage, forwarding and sample rooms at 6 George Street to Child Bros., who made it their head office. In the 1940s the Child Bros. head office moved to 85 George Street.
Department of Labour, from 1908 on the corner of Main Street West and George Street. In the 1920s the Department of Labour moved into the Hopwood’s Buildings in Main Street.
Returned Services Association, from 1917 the Soldier’s Club was situated on the corner of George and Cuba Streets. (See also, Built Heritage Inventory, below).
YMCA, 1936 to 1942. Maintained rooms on the 2nd floor of the Manawatū Building.
George Street was a hub of community entertainment in the form of picture theatres, skate rinks, dance halls and billiard saloons. The later included T Bill’s Billard Saloon, Crown Billiard Saloon, West’s Billiard Saloon and the Commercial Billiard Saloon.
In 1910, some old shops were removed to make way for an indoor skating rink. Building commenced in September of 1910 by Mr TJ Rodgers for Messrs J Fuller & Sons. The finished product would be a hall (the rink especially constructed from heart of matai), dressing rooms, attendant’s rooms and offices. The hall would be used to show pictures out-of-season. There were two entrances from George Street and one from Main Street. Further, three shops would form the frontage in George Street.
For a taste of yesteryear George Street on a Saturday night, read this Back Issues article by Steve Stannard.
This skate rink and picture hall, His Majesty’s Theatre (here in its building stage), was consequently opened in February of 1911 with a 1,750-person capacity. It was referred to by various names, including Fuller’s Hall and Fuller’s Pictures. In 1916 the theatre was leased by Mr W Downey with the intention of converting it to a modern skate rink. His Majesty’s Rink, otherwise known as The Rink, reopened March of 1917.
In 1921 Fuller’s Hall was acquired by Kairanga Auctioneering Co., for storage, display and sale of goods. Stock pens for livestock were built alongside. They also leased part of their space to Mr AC Crossan for his billiards saloon in 1922. Unfortunately, in 1924, the Kairanga Auctioneering Company went into liquidation. In September of that year a tender was accepted from The Palmerston Paramount Pictures Ltd., Company and on the 30th of October 1924, the new Paramount Theatre opened in George Street.
By 1927 this became the De Luxe Theatre. The Skating Rink De Luxe was opened in July 1931. It was also known as the De Luxe Hall, and many dances were held there. In July of 1937 the hall reopened as The Coconut Grove ballroom. From 1942 to 1945 the hall was known as the ANA Dance Hall (Airforce, Navy, Army) housing a club, lounge and patriotic shop. It was then renamed the George Street Dance Hall. It became the Ballroom Astoria around 1948 and remained so until closing in 1984.
A second picture theatre was built in George Street in 1915 on the site previously occupied by Woodfield Stables. The Palace Theatre opened in November 1915 and remained until gutted by fire in 1935. A newly refurbished theatre opened on the same site in 1936, as the Mayfair (you can see the corner of it here), and ran until 1965. As Pauline Knuckey explains in this Back Issues article, the most successful screening was in 1950. Closed for extensive modernisation, the theatre re-opened in December of 1965 and was now called the Odeon. The Mayfair had become part of the Kerridge Odeon Corporation in 1946. The Odeon stayed until its demolition in 1992.
The addresses on George Street were renumbered in 1937. See p.124 and p.125 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
Henry Jackson's survey plan of 1872 shows a large gravel pit occupying the future Domain Street site, accessed by a branch tram line (see map sections 694-698). The pit was subsequently filled to enable railway extensions.
Scott’s plan in 1881 shows two acres of the railway yards reserved for a domain. Therefore, this street was intended as an access road to a domain which did not eventuate.
Domain Street was surveyed in 1881, D.P.228, sections 322 and 339, and was originally a private street.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
In August of 1884 at a Palmerston Borough Council meeting, councillor Gatton presented a petition from residents of Domain Street. It requested that the street be taken over by the council as the requirements of the Borough Engineer had been complied with. The petition was discussed at the following meeting. Councillor Hawkins opined that the residents should tidy and repair the street first. Councillor Larcomb confirmed that the street was in disrepair. Others, including councillor West, argued that the residents had been paying rates and should expect the council to maintain their street in return.
In September of 1884 a special meeting was held to pass a resolution that Domain become a public street. However, the matter was once again adjourned. The issue? The street was forty-feet wide and the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, required public streets to be sixty-six feet wide.
This must have been resolved, as in November of 1884, Domain Street was included in the list of town streets to be metalled and formed. Street lamps, grading, a storm water outlet, sewer connections, and water tables were addressed from 1900 to 1910.
A reoccurring complaint was the state of the footpaths. As an access street directly across from the railway station, it became heavily congested (particularly on show days) and the footpaths suffered. They were regularly treated with tar and sand and received concrete curbing and channelling in 1925. It was also in 1925 that parking restrictions were made; a result of the narrow road. The tar-sealing of the street in April 1934 was welcome.
In 1940, the 28th Māori Battalion trained at the Palmerston North Showgrounds. To learn more about their time in Palmerston North, read this Memory Lane article by Tina White.
On June 21st, 1940, the Manawatū Standard reported on the 28th Māori Battalion leaving the city. Their final farewell parade left the Showgrounds, moved along Cuba Street, and marched up Domain Street to the railway station. Friends, whānau and members of the public accompanied and cheered the men on their way.
At the station hundreds of people had assembled to wish the soldiers well and watch them depart for Wellington to board troopships. The mood was quieter and more emotional. Tiger, the battalion mascot, was led up and down the platform, leaning his front paws on the window ledges of the train for final pets and farewells. You can read more about Tiger in this Back Issues article by Tracey Armstrong.
Mr John Lynch purchased a section allotment in Domain Street in 1883 and a house was in situ the following year. Mr J Lynch was born in County Cork Ireland in 1852 and emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1876, on the ship Inverness. He is listed as a farm labourer. On arrival he worked as a farm contractor and carpenter.
Mr John Lynch met and married a fellow immigrant, Miss Mary Hyam, in 1876, and in time they settled in the Manawatū district. The couple had eight children; Daniel b.1883, Thomas b.1886, Nora Lena b.1891, Kathleen Agnes b.1892, Mary Magdalene b.1894, John Jeremiah Patrick b.1894, Julia Bridget ‘Dolly’ b.1896, and Emily Theresa b.1898.
Mr Lynch successfully encouraged his brothers Daniel and Jeremiah, to join him in Aotearoa New Zealand. Mr Jeremiah Lynch lived with the family in Domain Street c. 1884 before moving and settling in Pohangina.
In 1887 Mr Lynch had sold the house in Domain Street and purchased a section allotment in Wood Street, at the edge of town. The house on this section was destroyed by fire the following year. By 1894 he purchased six acres of bushland on the corner of Featherston and Wood Streets and there the Lynch family made their home, initially farming in Linton and Tokomaru.
Mr Lynch retired in 1912 and moved into town. He died at 37 Grey Street, on the 3rd of March 1931, aged 79 years.
Mrs Hannah Hansen owned the property at 2 Domain Street from 1899 until her death, September 1923, aged 70 years. Mrs H Hansen was born in Ireland and emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand, c. 1867. She first lived in Dunedin and was married to Doctor CJ Allen. He died in 1880.
Mrs CJ Allen later met and married Mr Hansen and the couple came to reside in Palmerston North. Mr Hansen predeceased her by fifteen years. She was a fruiterer with a store in Te Marae o Hine the Square from 1899 and likely resided on premises while owning and letting several properties in the township. The store was located two down from the Bank of Australasia, on the corner of Te Marae o Hine the Square and Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue). In June 1912 the business was taken over by Mrs J Anderson, and Mrs Hansen retired to Domain Street.
Mr Johannes Hansen, also known as John, was resident of 10 Domain Street from 1922. Even though he wasn’t an early resident of the street, he was an early resident of the Manawatū. The Manawatū Standard reported that on 21 Nov 1930, Mr J Hansen attended the ‘Old Identities’ lunch, catering to “pioneers and settlers, city makers and nation builders.”
He died on the 1st of February 1939, in his 95th year, at 15 Domain Road (renumbered from 10) and was interred at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery.
In 1890, Palmerston North Methodists purchased two sections in Cuba Street and an adjoining section in Domain Street. A cottage on the Cuba Street section was moved to the Domain Street section as a residence for the minister. A small church was built on the corner section and services commenced in 1891. In August of 1910 a kindergarten was built at the rear of the church on Domain Street. The school, designed by AW Corslett, was capable of seating 150 children.
John Black, proprietor, built the Café de Paris Hotel in 1892 and it opened in 1893. He had previously been a railway contractor in the South Island and had worked on the Napier breakwater. It was in Napier that he met his wife, and the couple moved to Palmerston North. The unlicensed 22-bedroom hotel, situated on the corner of Main and Domain Streets, was ideally situated opposite the railway station. As such, it provided accommodation for boarders and travellers and a place to obtain refreshments for the latter.
The dining room, fitted with small tables, was sizable. On just one day of the A&P Show of 1893, over six hundred visitors had their luncheon in the establishment.
1893 proved an eventful year for Mr J Black. In June he was awarded a publican’s licence by the Palmerston Licensing Committee and was applauded by the public in attendance. In August, there was some excitement when a heavily disguised Whanganui Gaol escapee, George Harper, was arrested in the hotel. He had escaped from a hard-labour gang two months prior. When arrested the confidence trickster was in-the-act of trying to defraud Mr Black of money. In December, Mr W Hook of Timaru purchased the Café de Paris from Mr Black.
By February of 1895 the hotel had changed hands and was under the management of Mrs Susan Manson. Mrs Manson added further bedrooms, sitting rooms, billiard rooms and a dining room. The freehold and lease was purchased in April 1900 by the Ward Brewery Company who on-sold to Mr FJ Tasker. While the Café de Paris Hotel was in his hands, he added a billiard table and made alterations. In 1902, Mr Tasker added nine bedrooms and bathroom on the Domain Street frontage, and a balcony the full length of the building. Architect, Mr Ludolph Georg West, designed the plans.
In June of 1904, the Trasker’s sold the hotel to Mr E Woollright. In little over a year Mrs E Kennedy purchased Mr Wollright’s interest and disposed of it to Mrs Rebecca Tabor, who then transferred it to Mrs Mary Moynihan. Mrs Moynihan was licensee of Café de Paris until November 1906 when it was transferred to Mrs James Adams. She treated the hotel to a painting and refresh, with renovations being completed in June of 1908.
In September of 1912 the license was transferred to Mr John Smith Fletcher, who sold it to Mr Mark Dumbleton in January of 1916. Mr M Dumbleton renovated the hotel. Between December of 1920 to Feb of 1921 the hotel changed hands four times, from Mr Dumbleton to Mr Edmund Perkis to Mr Patrick John Purcell, to Mr Thomas Richards. Mr T Richards was well-known in trotting circles in Auckland and New Plymouth. Local newspapers show he was in trouble regularly for trading at Café de Paris outside of licensed hours. In 1923 an extension was built on the Domain Street frontage, with an opening to a courtyard.
In 1927 the license transferred between four owners, Mr Richards to Mr Henry Bodley, to Mr James Condy to Mr and Mrs F Jabez Bebbington. The Bebbington’s managed the Cafe de Paris Hotel for four years. In March of 1931, the new licensee was Mrs Florence Lucilla Mills. By June of 1935, Mrs ST Murphy was licensee, and in May of 1937 Mr William Charles Coldicutt took over the hotel. It continued to change hands throughout the years.
In 1963 the Main Street frontage was replaced.
The building was demolished in August of 2016 after significant fire damage eighteen months prior. Mr Gary Young was the owner. It had become an iconic bar in the 1980s, hosting live music from local and national acts.
The addresses on Domain Street were renumbered in 1939. See p.86 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The image is a derivative of this City of Palmerston North District Planning Map from 1971 by Palmerston North City Corporation.
In the early 1880s, the mayor and other interested parties pursued the formation of an agricultural and pastoral society. In February 1881, their application to the government for approximately five-acres near the old Cuba Street Cemetery was granted for the purpose of a showground. The next step, to form and incorporate the society, was quickly underway.
In 1886 the Borough Council determined that the old cemetery plot in Cuba Street would become part of the showground. The now established Manawatū and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, hosted the first A&P Show that same year. By 1893 the popular and anticipated annual event had come to be known as ‘show week’ and local businesses enjoyed extra patronage over that time. Here is a panorama of the A&P Show in 1915.
The showgrounds also hosted: sports clubs and events, military troops, celebrations, relief and transit camps, parades and more. For a brief history, read Palmerston North Showgrounds History, by Leanne Croon Hickman.
The military history of Palmerston North intersects significantly with the Awapuni Racecourse and Palmerston North Showgrounds. Listen to this presentation (PowerPoint slides link available) by Leanne Croon Hickman to find out more.
In 1960 the Palmerston North Industries Fair at the Showgrounds attracted 93,000 visitors, you can read more in this Back Issues article by Ralph Body.
From 1881 WT Wood Blacksmith, Wheelwright, and Veterinary Shoeing Smith, ran his business on the corner of Rangitikei and Cuba Streets (between the Royal and Clarendon Hotels). When the building was destroyed by fire in September of 1894, it was rebuilt next door in Cuba Street, behind the Clarendon Hotel. William Thomas Wood was mayor of Palmerston North from 1895-1899 and 1901-1903. After over 30 years of business and community service, the Wood’s left Palmerston North in 1913. Mr E Walders, Veterinary Shoer & General Blacksmith took over Mr Wood’s business.
In 1885, the English and American Coach Factory, Robert Parr proprietor, adjoined WT Woods. This was taken over by Browning and Tory Coachbuilders. Like its neighbour it was destroyed by fire. It reopened in 1896 as WA Browning Coachbuilder. By 1914, adjusting to changing times and technology, the business became WA Browning Carriage and Motor Works, with Mr CH Mundy as the motor engineer. In 1919 the business was sold to Messrs GP Adler and Co.
In 1889 the Miller's opened the Post Office Store on the corner of Cuba and Taonui Streets, a business and residence, it was to become a family endeavour. Mrs George Miller was the first proprietor – general storekeeper and produce dealer, house and land agent, and trader of grains. In 1901 Mr George Miller sold the business lease to Mr Joshua Cull, a Bunnythorpe settler. He continued the grocery business with Mr George H Miller Jr., who had worked in the store since childhood. In 1903, Hawera businessman, Mr J Butler took over the lease. Mr G Miller Sr. died in 1906.
In 1907 the Post Office Store became Messrs Miller and Vinall, grocers and provision merchants, until Mr Holbrook purchased Mr Vinall’s interest. With Mr George H Miller the senior partner, they changed the name to Miller & Holbrook Family Grocers & Provision Merchants. The partnership was dissolved in 1911 and the business was carried on by Mr GH Miller as GH Miller Grocer and Provision Merchant, before returning to the original moniker, the Post Office Store. Mr Miller continued in the business, also called Miller’s, until 1937. It finally passed out of the Miller family when sold to Mr EJ Westwood.
Methodist services began in Palmerston North in 1871, with the first church built in Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue) in 1872. Due to congregational growth, a second church was established in Cuba Street (corner of Domain Street) in 1890, with services commencing in 1891.
Once complete, it was discovered that the church building was actually encroaching on adjoining Cuba Street sections. With removal unpractical, congregants had the unexpected expense of purchasing more property. The church was identified by several names, Wesleyan Church, Methodist Church, and Cuba Street Church. It underwent renovations in 1903, and in 1910, bursting at the seams, a kindergarten was built at the rear of the church, on the adjoining Domain Street section, to accommodate a roll of 120 infants.
With their building fund containing enough money in 1922, planning began for a new church on the site of the present structure. The architect, Mr Oscar Albert Jorgensen, designed a building that would seat 430 people. In 1924 the old church was completely remodelled, and the new brick church built. The foundation stone of, the Trinity Methodist Church was laid in March and the opening was celebrated in July.
From 1895 the Oddfellows’ Hall operated at 188 Cuba Street, between David and Andrew Young Streets. The Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows was a mutual aid organisation. Their lodge rooms were used by various Manawatū groups such as: Oroua Lodge, UAOD; Palmerston Dramatic Society; Loyal Manawatū Lodge IOOF, MU; and Lodge of Druids. Alterations and additions were made in 1905 and dances began occurring regularly in the hall. Further alterations were made five years later. This was the interior in the 1920s.
It was in September of 1884 that working men of Palmerston North first met with the intention of forming a Working Men’s Club. The clubs had spread from the industrial areas of England since the mid-1800s. They were aimed at the self-improvement of working men, through education and recreation. One of the attractions was that this was an alternative to the heavy drinking pub environment.
It was almost four years later that the Colonial Secretary officially granted a charter to Palmerston Working Men’s Club. Mr HT Akers formerly of Club Hotel Church Street east, was made manager. The club officially opened in August, with subscribers of the Public Library donating seven hundred books to the endeavour. By the end of August, the club had a roll of 160 members.
This first premises on Rangitikei Street was sold in February of 1889. In March it reopened as the Christchurch Boarding House, Miss McCarthy proprietess. The Working Men’s Club moved to a two-storey building on Cuba Street. In 1900 additions and alterations were made to the building. Mr Robert Edwards, former mayor of Palmerston North (1892-1893), was the architect.
By December 1902, club members agreed on purchasing a new site in Cuba Street, almost directly opposite their current clubrooms for a new purpose-built structure. In October of 1904 the new Working Men’s Club was completed, based on plans by architect, Mr Ernest Larcomb.
In March of 1905 Mr TP Holland, of Bunnythorpe, purchased the lease of the old Working Men’s Club in Cuba Street from Mr E Stevenson. Just five months later, in August of 1905, the building was almost destroyed by fire.
By 1912 the club had a roll close to 1,000 members and was seeking sites for addition accommodation. The solution came in purchasing the land immediately adjoining the club buildings, sections belonging to Mrs Jones. That then allowed frontages on Cuba and Taonui Streets, the address being 233-239 Cuba Street. Mr OA Jorgensen, architect, designed a brick building three times as large as the present accommodations. However, the war period intervened, and the new building was delayed.
In 1927 building commenced based on the design of Mr Ernst Vilhelm West. His father, Mr Ludolph Georg West, had been a member of the club. In August of 1928, the new club, now renamed the Cosmopolitan Club, was officially opened by Mr James Alfred Nash MP. Built by Mr DP Tortonson, the two-storied brick building included a frontage of four shops on Cuba Street.
The club moved from the building in 1989 and it was sold the following year.
Cuba street was home to several long-term boarding houses.
The Canterbury Boarding house was operating at 80 Cuba Street from 1891. It was situated opposite George Street between Lombard and Taonui Streets. Mrs Rickleben was the proprietress until c. 1901 when Canterbury House passed into the hands of Mrs Bresneham. It was advertised to let in 1902, and later that year reopened as Mrs John Rea’s Avondale House. Mr and Mrs J Rea fully renovated the boarding house in 1903 and again in 1905. It then appears to have been sold to Mr or Mrs Hollis. By 1911 advertisements for Mrs Barnett’s Avondale House appeared in local newspapers. It continued running until at least 1926 and was also called Avondale Private Hotel and Avondale Boardinghouse.
When Mrs Elizabeth Rea and Mr John Rea sold Avondale House, they opened the Temperance Hotel in Cuba Street. It was newly renovated in 1907. By 1917 it had become Barnett’s Temperance Hotel.
In 1905 Mrs Williamsen was running the Premier Dining Rooms, with accommodation, on the corner of Cuba and Andrew Young Streets. It soon became known as the Premier Boarding House. In 1906 Mrs Williamsen sold the contents of the house and let the property to Mrs Wiltshire. In 1906 Mrs Wiltshire renamed the business London House. Late that year she sold the contents and Mrs Alexander appears to have briefly picked up the lease. By September 1907 the lease of London House had passed on to Mr H William. He operated London House until 1909 when Mrs Williamsen once again took over. She resumed trade as Victoria Private Hotel and continued until poor health prompted its sale in 1914.
In June of 1914 the Misses McCullough had purchased the property and renamed it Victoria Boarding House. They ran the boarding house for the next eight years, selling privately in 1922. By 1924 it was known as Victoria House. In December of 1930 Mrs L Parker was the proprietress. She advertised it for let in 1932.
By 1933 Victoria House was under the management of Mrs H Morris. Later that year it changed hands, and new proprietor Mr C Morgan, completed a repainting and refurbishment. A name change also occurred, Selwyn House. In 1934 Mrs H Morgan extended accommodation options to include furnished and unfurnished flats in Selwyn House and Grosvenor Private Hotel. By 1935 the name had reverted to Selwyn House. It appears to have remained in the ownership of the Morgan’s until May of 1942, when local newspapers reflect the property was for let or lease.
In May of 1908 Excelsior House opened on the corner of Cuba and Waldegrave Streets, adjoining the A&P grounds. Mr Charles Hogg was the proprietor. By 1910 Excelsior House had changed hands and Mrs McLean was the proprietress. It appears to have come under new management in 1924 and again in 1940. In 1940 Excelsior House, at 107 Cuba Street, was available for gentlemen boarders, and in 1941 there were vacancies for pensioners.
In February 1900, Mr Arthur Edward Clausen, a well-known Danish settler, commenced business as a grocer and ironmonger in a new premises on Cuba Street. Named the People’s Cash Store, AE Clausen Grocery, Crockery and Ironmongery, it was situated near Lombard Street. The business grew rapidly, and Mr Clausen made extensive alterations in 1901 – partly to accommodate the store’s large assortment of china, glassware and crockery. Extensive alterations were again made in 1903. In late 1904 the name was shortened to The Cash Store when it was taken over by Mr H Jackson. By March of 1905 it was also known as Mr H Jackson Cash Grocer, The Cash Store, and the Cuba Street Grocer. In April of 1907, Mr James Miller purchased the store and it became the Beehive Store. Approximately eighteen months later, Mr WJ Horn became proprietor of this general grocery business.
The Cuba Street Dairy, next door, ran from c. 1902 to c. 1911, with multiple owners and titles.
Meanwhile, Mr Clausen continued at a different site in Cuba Street as AE Clausen, Direct Importer, concentrating on the crockery and glassware side of the business. Eventually the store became known as AE Clausen Crockery and Glassware Merchant. In June 1905 he sold the lease and opened a crockery arcade in Te Marae o Hine the Square on the cusp of Coleman Place (later Coleman Mall). In November of 1908, the Manawatū Times noted that the growth of his business was prompting an extension through rear of the premises back on to Cuba Street. It is unclear whether this eventuated. Mr Arthur Edward Clausen ran the crockery arcade in the Te Marae o Hine the Square until his death in 1923.
In 1901, Messrs Brading & Ryan opened the Cuba Street Butchery and on sold to Messrs Havill Bros. later that year. By 1904 the business, on the corner of Cuba and Lombard Streets was owned by Mr George Cotton. He sold it to Mr P O’Connor in 1906. Within a year a partnership was announced – Mr P O’Connor and Mr H Couper, trading as O’Connor & Couper and providing specialty orders and delivery. In January of 1908 the partnership dissolved, and the business was carried on by Mr H Couper. He renamed the business, the Cuba Street Cash Butchery, and worked there for over a decade. Mr Couper gave the business up in 1920 to move to Auckland with his wife.
In 1901 Buick & Young, Printers, commenced business from the Elizabeth Buildings, Cuba Street. In February of 1905 they started a stationers’ shop in connection with their business, also on Cuba Street. By August of 1905 Messrs Buick and Young further extended, in opening a law and commercial stationers’ shop in the Bett and Monrad buildings. In 1912 Mr TL Buick left the business. Mr Henry Llewellyn Young disposed of the stationery business, concentrating on printing and bookbinding at the original plant, which had seen considerable additions. New premises were built in Broadway Avenue in 1920.
In June 1903, Mr Hugh McCarty, late of WT Wood’s, opened a general blacksmith opposite Clausen’s Grocery Store. This was taken over by his brother Mr John “Jack” William McCarty in partnership with Mr Yardley in 1906. By 1907, the partnership had dissolved. The business became known as J McCarty Horse Shoer and General Blacksmith. In 1913 Mr JW McCarty announced he would now take on horse dental work. He renamed the business JW McCarty Blacksmith and Farrier.
In 1917 Mr J McCarty was riding a motorcycle when he was hit by a train. It was a fatal accident. The following year, Mr H McCarty reopened the business of his late brother, taking on horse shoeing and general smith work.
In August of 1903 Miss Watson opened the Kia Ora Tea Rooms, also selling confectioner’s small goods. It was situated in the Beattie & Lang Building, opposite Buick & Young’s. The rooms were enlarged in 1907 to allow hot dinners to be served in a dining room downstairs and fish luncheons to be served in a grill room upstairs. Miss Watson’s tea rooms were advertised in local newspapers until 1911. Her main competition over the period appears to have been Mr Walter Cotton, who opened the Royal Café in 1905. As a pastry cook and confectioner, he also offered catering and delivery services. The Royal Café closed in 1909.
From April 1904, next door to Avondale House on Cuba Street, was a laundry run by James Quan Lee (also known as Jim Quong Lee). In November of 1904, Sam Lee & Co took over the laundry business. Fifteen years later Sam Lee’s Laundry moved to new premises, 104 Cuba Street, next to Hopwood’s and opposite the Working Men’s Club. In February of 1924, a massive fire destroyed four shops, and gutted Mr Lee’s Laundry (also his residence). The Universal Supply grocery store, next to Mr Lee’s, was extensively damaged.
In 1904, Mr Herbert John Woodfield, purchased and built on a site in Cuba Street to extend his George Street livery business. This new venue wasn’t without problems. In January 1908, he was fined for driving 26 horses loosely along Cuba Street. Just two months later he was further charged with allowing nine horses to stray without guidance. These were the types of incidences you would expect to come to the attention of the Inspector of Public Nuisances. To find out more, read this Back Issues article by Margaret Tennant. By 1922 the livery had evolved into Woodfield’s Motor Garage. The garage moved to Beresford Street in 1928.
From August of 1905 to April of 1927 the Manawatu Auctioneering Company operated from 1 Cuba Street (corner of Rangitikei Street). It changed hands in those early years from Mr Henry S Munro to Messrs AE Mansford and AG Wallace. However, by 1907, when the company sold to Messrs JR Graham and JS Munro, the business remained with them. The company was recognised under a number of names: M.A.C., Manawatu Auction Mart, City Auction Mart, The Exchange Rooms, Exchange Salerooms, Auction Rooms and People’s Popular Auction Mart. In April of 1927 the Manawatu Auctioneering Company moved to George Street, next to the De Luxe Theatre, and occupied premises previously owned by Central Auctioneering Co.
In 1880, Mr Thomas Tozer Kerslake opened the Temple of Fashion. It was situated where Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue) met Coleman Place. Mr TT Kerslake acquired the freehold of the property through to Cuba Street.
In 1893 he sold his store and went to work for the Manawatū Farmers’ Co-operative Association (later the United Farmers’ Co-operative Association). There he worked in their tailoring department, as cutter and manager, for some years. Around 1898 he became manager of the tailoring department at Victoria House. He resigned in 1904 to make a nine-month tour of England and the United States.
On his return Mr Kerslake set up in temporary premises, as a gentlemen’s tailor. Meanwhile a building was commissioned by Mrs Harriet Kerslake on the couple’s Cuba Street property for her husband’s business. Built in 1905 by Mr A France, it later became known as the Kerslake Building.
In January of 1906 Mr T Kerslake, Gentlemen’s Tailor, moved to the Kerslake Building, opposite the Working Men’s Club. In November of 1910, Mr CH Usmar, a tailor formerly operating from Main Street, joined the business. It became Kerslake & Usmar six months later, allowing Mr Kerslake to retire. The store ran until 1918, when Mr Kerslake advertised it for let.
While the Palmerston North Technical School was in Cuba Street for a short duration, 1907 to 1909, it is noteworthy as the first time classes operated from a single location.
A technical school had been requested as early as 1898, when Mr WH Collingwood, secretary to the combined Palmerston North School committees, asked for the support of surrounding school committees in raising money towards a technical school based in Palmerston North.
Technical classes were officially conducted in Palmerston North from 1902, under the control of the Wanganui Education Board. Teachers and students met in various places as availability allowed. Technical classes experienced a period of stasis in 1905 with a roll of only 33 students. The High School Board took oversight from 1906 and, with the help of their Technical Committee, were able to revitalise the movement.
Palmerston North Technical School, in a central location, was officially established in 1907 under the direction of Mr Frank Foote. In April, he started the school in four small upstairs rooms in the Bett & Monrad Buildings. The buildings were situated between the Colonial Buildings (owned by Messrs Rutherford & Bett) and the Working Men’s Club. Designed by architect, Mr E Larcomb they had opened two years prior. Mr Francis “Frank” Dudley Opie was appointed director of the Technical School in December 1907. The school experienced increasing enrolments and solid attendance.
With the addition of new courses such as: elocution, wool-classing, singing, motor mechanics, and commercial correspondence, it was clear the now crowded school needed a new site from which to provide classes. In September 1908 plans for a building of its own were displayed to public at a school art exhibition. Fund raising and searching for a suitable site ensued.
The corner of Princess and King Streets was where building commenced in 1909. To ease space constraints on Cuba Street classes, the newly completed plumbing room and engineering shop opened in June 1909. The Palmerston North Technical School was finished and officially opened in September 1909 with a roll of over 600 students. The remaining students moved in October.
The Employers’ Association offices operated for a period in Cuba Street. Secretary, Mr W McKenzie, ran the office from c. 1909. He was still the secretary when they moved to the Commerce Building in Broadway Avenue in 1925.
A bucket brigade started as Palmerston North’s first fire-fighters in 1883. In 1887, a volunteer fire brigade was formed and housed in a wooden building in Coleman Place. In 1888, a Fire Brigade Station, opened in Terrace End at 224 Main Street east. The Terrace End brigade ran until 1936.
Meanwhile the Coleman Place station remained in use until 1910 when the Central Fire Station opened in Cuba Street, next to the Woodfield Stables. The foundation stone had been laid in March of that year by Mr Edward John Armstrong, chairman of the Fire Board. By August the Fire Brigade was in possession of the building designed by Mr LG West and erected by Mr CW Blackbourn. Comprised of two storeys, the ground floor housed the enquiry office, engine room, horse stalls (until horses were superseded by motor engines in 1913), a kitchen and two bedrooms for single men. Upstairs was the superintendent and foreman’s quarters, as well as the married men’s quarters and a social hall. In 1914 tenders were invited for additions and alterations to the station.
By 1925, running out of space, a tender was accepted for a new fire station to be built in Cuba Street on a vacant section more-or-less opposite the end of Campbell Street. Messrs Trevor Bros. were the builders and Messrs LG West & Sons, the architects. The new Central Fire Station opened 19th July 1926. Additions to the living quarters were made in 1938. It remained in Cuba Street until 1977 when a new station opened in Cook Street.
In 1940, the 28th Māori Battalion trained at the Palmerston North Showgrounds. To learn more about their time in Palmerston North, read this Memory Lane article by Tina White.
In 1964, Te Rau O Te Aroha Māori Battalion Hall was opened at 138 Cuba Street. The soldiers were regarded highly by Palmerstonians and remembered for their stay in the city. The hall was a national memorial and emblem of gratitude to the men of the 28th Māori Battalion, six hundred and thirty-nine of whom lost their lives in the Second World War. The design included carvings on the exterior honouring different iwi, tukutuku panels inside, and kowhaiwhai on the ceiling beams.
Held in the ownership of the Raukawa District Māori Council, the hall was a memorial, a guesthouse for visiting families of veterans, and a community centre. To learn more about the hall and its significance, listen to this brief history from Major George Kereama.
For almost fifteen years it was used for functions and community initiatives. Then from 1978, facing financial pressures, the hall was leased to an individual tenant, Fishbowl Youth Trust. This ended in 1982 when the Fishbowl Trust was dissolved. From 1983 the hall was leased to a succession of restaurants and nightclubs, who refurbished to purpose.
From June 2001 Te Wānanga O Aotearoa became a long-term tenant and used the Te Rau O Te Aroha Māori Battalion Hall for delivering Te Wānaga Rauangi, their fine arts programme. The hall is currently an earthquake risk and cannot be tenanted.
Te Rau O Te Aroha Māori Battalion Hall became a Poppy Place in 2018 and remains an important gathering place for ANZAC Day ceremonies.
In 1981, Cuba Street was the scene of barbed wire, police lines and protesters; when anti-Apartheid activists opposed the Springbok Tour. Look at this Back Issues article by Stephen Berg to find out more.
To learn more about the history of Cuba Street read this lecture by historian, Mr Brian Mather.
The image is a derivative of this NZ Cadastral Map - Town Series: Palmerston North Map 4 from 1961 by Lands and Survey Department, New Zealand.
Mr Alfred Thomas Box lived in Cuba Street from c. 1877 to 1881 when he sold the property to Mr George Boyd. Mr AT Box was born in Wolverhampton England in 1873. He was nine months old when his family emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand. They arrived in Wellington on the ship Europe in 1874.
While living in Cuba Street he was the engine driver at Palmerston Mill, owned by Messrs Richter, Nannestad & Co.
He left Palmerston North to take up farming in Glen Oroua where he met Miss Frances Eliza Gibbs (b.1885) of Sanson. The couple married in 1906 and later moved to Taonui, Feilding.
Mr Alfred Thomas Box died in 1926, aged 53 years. He is interred at Terrace End Cemetery. Mrs Box remarried in 1935 to Mr Axel Kristensen. Mrs Frances Eliza Kristensen died in 1964, aged 78 years. She is interred at the Mount View Cemetery in Marton.
Mr Box sold his Cuba Street house to settler, Mr George Boyd, in 1881. Mr G Boyd (born c. 1842) lived there until his death in 1884.
In the late 1870s Mr Boyd was the Foxton ferryman for the Manawatū County Council. During his tenure he had several complaints laid with the council from coach proprietors and their passengers. These included absenteeism, delayed coach runs, poor customer service, and drunkenness on the job. Mr Boyd, in turn, pursued coach proprietors for unpaid tolls. Unfortunately, most of the problems were attributed to alcoholism, which was to shadow Mr Boyd’s life.
While the Manawatū County Council came close to discharging his services a couple of times, he completed his lease in 1880. Mr Boyd received compensation for the last two weeks due to flooding, and subsequent damage to his punt and other equipment.
After Mr Boyd moved to Palmerston North, Constable Gillespie regularly applied for orders before the resident magistrate’s court to prohibit publicans from supplying liquor to him. Notices were posted in local hotels to this effect. However, he was arrested on occasion for being drunk and disorderly. Mr Boyd also laid charges against other parties for theft of property and perjury, these were quashed or dismissed due to lack of evidence.
In 1883 Mr Boyd became the proprietor, with a lease of 12 years, of the Palmerston Brewery, which was situated on the Education Reserve, Foxton Line (later Main Street west leading into Pioneer Highway). It was managed by Mr Thomas King.
In late 1884 Mr George Boyd died in Whanganui hospital. He was 42 years of age. In 1885 the sale of his estate and the lease of the Palmerston Brewery were concluded. His former housekeeper, Emma Doige, nee Lance, was named executor.
Rate books and electoral records show that Mr and Mrs Sylvester Coleman resided on Cuba Street from c. 1877. In 1879, amongst other property purchased near the town centre, Mr S Coleman purchased five allotments of section 257, later part of Coleman Place.
Born in 1828, Mr Coleman arrived in Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand, around 1862. After two years in Alexandra as a storekeeper, Mr Coleman moved to Whanganui and leased a store on Taupo Quay.
By 1869 he had moved to Marton where he was appointed poundkeeper, ran an auction and sale mart, and later became a hotel keeper. He entered a relationship with Miss Margaret Frances Goodison, and they had a daughter, Miss Victoria Margaret, in 1871.
Illness and financial difficulties saw Mr Coleman become bankrupt in 1875. He and Miss MF Goodison married in 1876.
Miss M Goodison, was born to Mr Thomas Goodison and Mrs Elizabeth Goodison in 1849. The family originally settled in Otago c.1860, before relocating to Otaki. They also had ties to Marton. The Goodison’s were no stranger to the law, with various members arrested for stealing.
This was to affect Mr Coleman’s attempt to become licensee of the Palmerston North Hotel on first moving to the town. In January 1877, the licensing was opposed by Constable Purcell who objected on the grounds of Mrs Coleman’s history and objectionable family connections. Although strongly protested by Mr Coleman, the licensee application was refused.
Instead, Mr Coleman pursued a career as a certified bankruptcy accountant, auctioneer and commission merchant. In 1878 he became a borough councillor and in November of 1879, Mr Coleman was nominated for mayor, losing out to Mr James Linton. Mr Alexander McMinn attributed Mr Coleman with his decision to set-up his newspaper in Palmerston North.
Mr A McMinn first intended to start a thrice weekly newspaper in Feilding. However, with the encouragement of several residents of Palmerston North, including Mr Coleman, he altered his plans and commenced operations in Palmerston North. The first copy of the Manawatu Daily Standard was presented to Mr Coleman by Mr McMinn’s pressman, Mr Edward Roe. The second copy went to Mr George Mathew Snelson.
In December 1881, after a protracted illness, Mr Sylvester Coleman died, aged 53 years. He was still a serving borough councillor.
After her husband’s death, Mrs M Coleman sold most of their holdings. She retained three properties in the township and continued residing in Cuba Street. In April of 1884 a fire destroyed her eight-roomed home, with only some furniture saved. By 1887 she had moved to George Street.
Mrs Margaret Frances Coleman died in May of 1893; she was 43 years old. The couple are interred at Terrace End Cemetery.
The Palmerston North Borough Council was formed in 1877 and records reflect that Mr Christian Lindgren was living in Cuba Street in the 1877-78 rates year, and a couple of years following.
A native of Sweden, M C Lindgren was among the first Scandinavian settlers to arrive in the early 1870s. A merchant seaman in Sweden, he was highly educated. By 1880 he owned properties on Alexandra and Te Awe Awe Streets. After some years in Palmerston North, Mr Lindgren moved to Dannevirke where he worked as a bush contractor. He remained unmarried.
Mr Christian Lindgren died in October 1911 at 77 years of age. He is interred at the Dannevirke Settlers Cemetery.
Mr and Mrs Edward Verdon Dixon lived in Cuba Street, in a home built by Mr EV Dixon, from 1881 to c. 1884.
Mr Edward Verdon Dixon was born in 1841 in Sydney, Australia, and is recorded as Edward Rider Dixon on birth records. His parents, Mr Peter Russell Dixon and Mrs Frances Charlotte Dixon, nee Verdon, had emigrated from England in 1837. The family moved to Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, in the early 1840s.
Miss Eliza Touzel, born 1849, was from Jersey, Channel Islands. She and her 2-year-old daughter, Miss Edith Blanche, emigrated in 1874. They arrived in Napier in 1875 on the ship Clarence. She is recorded as a housemaid on the passenger list.
Mr EV Dixon met Miss E Touzel and the couple married in 1876, both she and her daughter took the Dixon family name.
The Dixon’s arrived in Palmerston North in the 1880s. Mr E Dixon operated as a licensed Native Land Agent and Interpreter from their Cuba Street home. He’d worked in this occupation most of his adult years, dealing in land transactions and mining claims. A millwright and mechanical engineer, he also provided plans and specifications and contracted on buildings and bridges.
Mr Dixon custom-built items to order, a buggy for Mr Wī Mahuri (Wī Mataitaua Apiata) in 1881, for example. Mr W Mahuri’s buggy had his son’s name painted in gold on one side, and his daughter’s on the other. All materials had been sourced locally except for the springs. By 1883 Mr Dixon had erected a working model of an Archimedean windmill on his Cuba Street property with a view to build-on-demand. Depending on client requirements, the finished product would range from one to twelve horsepower.
Around 1884 the Dixon family moved to Dannevirke, where his father now resided. Apart from a brief stint as a storekeeper, he continued in business as an interpreter, contractor and draughtsman. After losing his wife and father in July and December of 1888, respectively, he and his daughter moved around the central and upper north island. Miss Edith Blanche Dixon married Mr Helwin John Ashby in 1896.
Mr Dixon worked well into his seventies. He appointed his daughter as sales agent for shares in the Waimona Gold Claim in 1920. He remained active, inventing and patenting as a mechanical engineer in his retirement. Mr Edward Verdon Dixon is believed to have died in his early eighties, c. 1923. However, an accurate record of his death is unavailable as his name is likely mis-transcribed.
Mr and Mrs George Key lived in Cuba Street from 1882 to 1891, where they owned a home and tinsmith shop.
Mr George Key was born 1830 in Middlesex, England. He married Miss Jane Andrews and they had eight children; Jane b.1853, George b.1855 and Harriet b.1858, James David b.1860, Anne “Annie” Eliza b.1862, Louisa Annie b.1863, Lavinia Sara b.1866 and Emily Alberta b.1866.
Mrs Jane Key died in 1869 and Mr G Key remarried. In 1874, he and his wife Mrs Elizabeth Key emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand with the five younger children. They arrived in Napier on the ship Halcione. Mr Key is recorded as a tin smith on the passenger list.
They appear to have come to Palmerston North in 1881, with a brief stay in Lombard Street. At first business was rocky and, unable to pay creditors, Mr Key filed for insolvency in 1882. However, by 1883 he was making ten to fifteen-gallon cans for settlers. The intended use was for supplying milk to cheese and butter factories, including Mr Skerman’s Cheese Factory. He also custom-made items to order.
In 1886 Mr Key unsuccessfully tendered for the borough lamp lighting contract.
Mr George Key died in June 1894, at the age of 66 years. He was accorded a funeral with full military honours, due to his membership in the Palmerston North Rifles and Volunteer Fire Brigade. Mr Key is interred at Terrace End Cemetery.
Mr and Mrs Alexander McMinn lived at 92 Cuba Street (corner of Bourke Street) from 1885.
Mr Alexander McMinn was born in 1842, County Down, Northern Ireland. He emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand as a young man, arriving in Auckland c. 1862. He spent time in Wellington before entering a short career in Whanganui as headmaster of a grammar school.
Miss Helen O’Reilly was born Dublin, Ireland, in 1845. Her father, Mr Francis Farrell O’Reilly, enlisted for service in the New Zealand Wars. He, his wife Mrs Catherine “Kitty” O’Reilly, and three children, travelled from Gravesend in 1845 with the 65th Regiment. Miss H O’Reilly was only a few weeks old on emigration. The family arrived in the Bay of Islands on the ship Sir Robert Peel in 1846.
After serving in Whanganui, Mr O’Reilly bought discharge from the army and took up land at Turakina. He opened the town’s first store and was a volunteer when the second war broke out. After the war the family went to Sydney, Australia, and worked an orange grove. Disliking the heat, they returned to Aotearoa New Zealand and took up farming at Silverstream near Wellington.
While Mr A McMinn was in his role as headmaster, he met Miss O’Reilly and the couple married in 1874. They had seven children; Amelia Helen b.1872, Stanley Livingstone b.1876, Francis Alexander b.1875, Kate Aubrey b.1879, Archibald Forbes b.1880, Garnett Wolseley b.1882 and Gordon Earl Stewart b.1884.
Mr McMinn, a war correspondent for London newspapers on first arriving in the country, returned to the trade, working for the Wanganui Herald. He then joined the Rangitikei Advocate in Marton. The McMinn’s arrived in Palmerston North in 1880, where Mr McMinn, founded the Manawatu Daily Standard and the Woodville Examiner. The first issue of what was later the Manawatū Standard was published on the 29th of November 1880.
He sold the papers to Mr Frederick Pirani in 1891. To learn more about the Manawatū Standard, look at this Back Issues article by Tracey Armstrong. Mr McMinn became sub-editor on the Wairarapa Daily Times in Masterton for a few years, before returning to Palmerston North.
Mr McMinn was an accomplished piano player and he and his orchestra regularly provided the musical entertainment for dances at Oddfellows’ Hall. Architect Mr Ludolph Georg West planned alterations to the McMinn’s house in 1904, and they lived in their refurbished home until 1912, when they moved to Auckland. Tina White covers a 1909 interview with Mr McMinn in this Memory Lane article.
Mr Alexander McMinn was on the literary staff at the Auckland Star from 1912 until his death in Devonport, Auckland, October 1919, aged 77 years. Mrs Helen McMinn died in Devonport, Auckland, December 1924, at the age of 79 years. The couple are interred at O’Neill’s Point Cemetery.
Taonui Street is named for the Taonui Swamp. While the literal meaning is "big spear" or "big catch," it is a metaphor for an abundance of kai (food) and resources.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
The Taonui Basin lies between the Manawatū and Oroua rivers in Kairanga, on the Manawatū Plains. The plains are an ancient sea bed. Earth movement over millions of years shaped the sea bed into domes running roughly parallel with the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges. This, in turn, determined the way in which the Manawatū and Oroua rivers meandered.
The meandering of the rivers, particularly from Opiki to the sea, created lagoons and basins that became separate from the main flow when the rivers changed paths. In times of high rainfall, the Manawatū and Oroua rivers would overflow and the water, full of silty alluvium, became trapped in the basins, forming swamps. Taonui Swamp was among the largest of these.
Semi-swamp forest formed on the low lying land surrounding the swamp. It was dominated by Aotearoa New Zealand’s tallest native tree, kahikatea (white pine), and pukatea (Laurelia novae-zelandiae). Within the swamp was harakeke (flax) and raupō (Typha orientalis). The Taonui swamp had a plentiful supply of tuna (eels). The site was a major and important source of kai (food) and resources for Rangitāne and Ngāti Kauwhata.
The sale of Te Ahu a Tūranga Block, first offered to the government by Rangitāne rangatira, Te Hirawanui Kaimokopuna, in 1858, was finalised in 1864. Payment was made to Rangitāne, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Tumokai. To learn more about Te Hirawanui Kaimokopuna, look at Te Hirawanui Drive. To learn more about the sale, read these Back Issues articles, An anniversary with meaning for Manawatū by Toi Warbrick, and The trio who oversaw a momentous land sale by Virginia and Warren Warbrick. In 1867 the first sections were being sold in Karere.
When a survey of the Kairanga block was completed by Mr Thomas M Drummond in 1878, drainage was implemented. The land block adjoined the Taonui Swamp, which remained in Māori ownership. Kairanga County land sales were made in 1881.
Where Māori viewed the swamp with opportunities and benefits, settlers saw challenges. European farmers set about clearing vegetation and swamp forest in order to introduce paddocks of crops and livestock. This act of clearing resulted in higher incidence of flooding, the centre basin was open to water up to three quarters of the year. Finding drainage particularly difficult to maintain in winter, farmers also carried out their own drainage systems.
The deep drain originally cut through the centre of the block, joined up with the Te Puke Stream and emptied into the Taonui Swamp. It was after 1894, when the Manawatū Drainage Board straightened and deepened the main drainage outlets, that Taonui Swamp began to empty. As it emptied, harakeke and blackberry, the latter introduced by settlers, encroached. Eventually the food species completely disappeared and the forest almost followed.
There are two remnants of the semi-swamp forest today, Buchanan’s Bush (now Clausen’s) and Sutherland’s Bush. The forest that used to entirely surround the Taonui Basin can never be fully regenerated, as drainage has lowered the water table irreversibly. When the Clausen family purchased their dairy farm in 1979, they recognised the significance of the forest remnant. They fenced the 5-acre area of bush and spent a great deal of time and energy towards enabling the forest to regenerate and become healthy.
Heagney, G. (2023, September 11). With a name comes a kaupapa: The history of Māori names of significance in Feilding. Stuff NZ.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/300966028/with-a-name-comes-a-kaupapa-the-history-of-maori-names-of-significance-in-feilding
Knight, C. (2018). Ravaged beauty (2nd ed.). Totara Press.
Taonui Street was the first subdivision in the town, with the northern end (Featherston Street end) D.P.1, surveyed in 1872. The owner of this section, 301, was Mr WHW Haines. Through an oversight it was not dedicated until 1951. The southern end (Cuba Street end) D.P.16, was surveyed in 1874, being section 302, owner not stated. In 1878, twenty-eight chains (chain = 66 feet/20.12 metres) of the street was metalled.
Taonui Street was one of the first streets to have a continuous row of dwellings. By 1878 there were seven houses on the northern end and six on the southern.
In March of 1880, an application was made by Taonui Street ratepayers to have work done in a street leading on to Rangitikei Line. Likely Cuba or Featherstone Street (later called Featherston Street). The council agreed that if ratepayers carried out the work, they’d be reinstated once the borough had commensurate funds.
Meanwhile, on Taonui Street, there was a problem with water accumulating due to a depression in the lie of the land. This was reported to the Borough Council in May of 1881. By August, a plan was made to reform and regrade the road and footpaths. However, the works weren’t immediately carried out as Borough Engineer, Mr Edward John Armstrong, was experiencing challenges in response to tenders. It wasn’t until November of 1884 that water tables were made in the street, and stagnant water removed. Surface water was to remain an issue.
In August of 1883, councillor Walker proposed that owners of unfenced sections in Taonui Street receive notice to fence. Councillor Ferguson seconded the motion.
In the early 1880s the area around Taonui Street was known as the 'fashionable quarter' and had the nickname, "New Chum Town." Early residents certainly went on to become movers and shakers in the community. Over time the street lost its prestige. Taonui Street later acquired the name "Soapsuds Alley," because of the narrowness of the street and all the clotheslines strung up there.
The narrowness of Taonui Street was discussed regularly. In September of 1917, the council officially stated that the width of Taonui Street would not meet future requirements. Section 117 of the Public Works Act gave the council power to set frontages back to an appropriate distance. Almost a decade later, in April 1927, the council decided not to apply the Public Works Act to Taonui Street. As an alternative, consideration was given to compensating owners who were asked to set back their frontage.
The widening of Taonui Street was eventually carried out in the early 1960s, and a stormwater sump unit installed.
Residents made the council aware of problems or opportunities arising from businesses operating in, or nearby the street. In February of 1886, for example, councillor Snelson presented a petition from residents complaining of night soil contractors keeping their carts in the vicinity of houses.
The tarring and sanding of footpaths had just been completed, when, in February of 1905, herds of cattle and horses driven down the street, tore up the new walkways. While residents brought this to the council's attention, apart from regular upkeep, there wasn’t a solution. Taonui Street remained a recommended stock route.
By October of 1906 the main waterworks were completed, allowing Taonui Street residents to be connected. Two years later, all premises on Taonui Street were connected to the sewer.
From c. 1910 old houses in the street increasingly came under scrutiny. As the earliest residential street in Palmerston North, Taonui Street contained the oldest houses, some becoming increasingly derelict. Decisions were made in the ensuing years on whether such dwellings should be condemned and demolished.
This cottage, formerly 23 Taonui Street, was one of the earliest homes still standing in 1979. On its section was a 40-year-old pine which was recommended for inclusion in the city’s tree register. The cottage was on the City Council’s register of historic buildings. It was dismantled in 1980, by carpenter Mr Graham Norman, who planned to reconstruct the building in James Line. Mr Roy Mudgeway chopped down the pine before it was officially protected as one of the city’s notable trees.
In 1913 there was talk, initiated by a special committee appointed by the Borough Council, of changing the name from Taonui Street to Nelson Street. There was discussion in the Manawatū Standard on preservation of local Māori names, versus honouring the overseas hero of Trafalger. The local Māori name endured.
May of 1930 saw the street excavated to a new formation level, and metalled. A welcome move in reducing surface water. In March of 1933 the street was tar-sealed, which went a long way to mitigating the dust output from the previous metalled roadway.
For a comprehensive history of the street's development, businesses, and who lived there, take a look at the lecture notes of Brian Mather and supplementary material from the Palmerston North Historical Society, circa.
2006.
The addresses on Taonui Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.258 and p.259 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The origin is unknown. It is assumed to be named after Cuba Street in Wellington, which was named after the ship, "Cuba."
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
The Cuba was a barque of 270-273 tons captained by John Newcombe. The New Zealand Company sent her ahead of immigrant ships from England in July 1839, carrying a survey team of 23 people. The team was led by surveyor-general, Captain William Mein Smith. He had three assistant surveyors, Mr Robert Park, Mr Wellington Carrington and Mr Robert A Stokes. Their job was to meet principal of the company, Colonel Edward Gibbon Wakefield who had set out on the Tory two months earlier, make purchases of land and survey it for the colonists to follow.
Other passengers included Mr (Sir) Richard Davies Hanson, Commissioner for the Purchase of Land, and his Assistant Commissioner and native interpreter, Mr William Bath.
During the voyage, the barque called at Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands, and a party went ashore. A storm made it necessary for Cuba to ride it out at sea for four days. When they regained port to pick up those ashore, yellow fever came aboard. One of the survey team, Mr William Matthews, and Mr W Bath the Assistant Commissioner, died at sea and were committed to the deep.
In September 1839 the larger 500 to 550-ton vessels, Oriental and Aurora, left England carrying 145 and 148 immigrants respectively.
On arrival in New Zealand, Cuba missed meeting Wakefield on the Tory, at Kaipara. The Cuba made its way to the whaling station on Kapiti Island where whaler, Captain George “Jordy” Young, boarded. He then navigated Cuba to Port Nicholson, where a trader named Smith had been deputised by Wakefield to instruct Captain Smith where to proceed surveying. Cuba cast anchor off Pito-one (Petone) foreshore in early January 1840.
Although the Oriental had left England first, Aurora arrived in Port Nicholson a week earlier – docking on 22 January 1840. Both landed immigrants on Pito-one (Petone) beach, where the surveying team had built a small jetty for this purpose.
When Palmerston (later named Palmerston North) was proclaimed a town in 1866, Cuba Street was on the original plan. It first ended at Short Street (now known as Cook Street) and was extended out to Burns Avenue at a much later date. To learn more about the original planning and design of Cuba Street, look at this Back Issues article by Lesley Courtney.
In 1871, Palmerston’s first public cemetery was established on the site of the present Palmerston North Showgrounds. By 1875, a decision was made to move the cemetery to Napier Road, due to the Cuba Street site being too wet. The bodies were exhumed and reinterred at Terrace End Cemetery.
At the November 1878 Palmerston Borough Council meeting, councillor Coleman proposed that tenders be called for forming and metalling Cuba Street. Though it was one of the first streets of the town, it now needed significant attention. Most of the work was expected to be funded in debentures. At the December meeting, the council accepted the tender of Messrs Collins and McCarthy, £148 15s 6d; plus, footpaths and kerbing at £2 7s 3d per chain (chain = 66 feet/20.12 metres) .
In September of 1880 the lowering of the culvert at the junction of George and Cuba Streets, deepened the water table to drain towards the bush. After further lowering of the water table the following month, gravel was spread. In 1881 water was removed from the corner of Cuba Street and Rangitikei Street, leaving a hole to fill. That was addressed when the ordered dray and harness arrived in town. There was work undertaken on the culverts over the next five years.
In October of 1895 Mr Andrew Jack, overseer of waterworks, reported that the sewer in Cuba, and nearby streets, was in a bad way. Sewerage was escaping out the pipe joints as fast as he was running water through the four-inch main. The joints were not cemented, and surrounding shingle was black with discharge. While the report was acknowledged, this wasn’t acted on at the time.
By 1901 the sewerage pipes in Cuba Street were becoming blocked with silt. When they were opened for inspection, interested residents observed there was no cement securing the pipe joints at all.
In 1901, Mr Mestayer, newly appointed engineer for the borough sewerage scheme, was asked to inspect the main sewer and report back to council. By 1906 the plan was ready for laying of sewers in Cuba Street, and a call made for construction tenders. By October that year the pipes were laid, and house connections encouraged. Two years later it was reported that all houses were now connected to the sewerage system in Cuba Street.
Stormwater management was also a challenge in those early years. Plans were needed to intercept and drain surface water. From 1901 work was carried out on water channels and water tables, however it wasn’t until the 1920s that significant progress was made. In 1922 construction of a stormwater conduit accompanied by the laying of nine to twelve-inch drains commenced. Being a long street, the project took time. Concrete kerbing, channelling, pipe laying and sump building continued through until 1930.
The forming of footpaths and ongoing maintenance occurred over the same period. Work was often prompted by residents who also contributed towards costs. Reconditioning was carried out in the portions of Cuba Street with the greatest need. Heavy traffic areas received regular attention.
In the early 1900s the roadway regularly received coats of metal. From 1910 top-dressing with tar and sand commenced, although at times the borough had challenges in sourcing materials. Like the footpaths, Cuba Street work was carried out on one segment of the street at a time. From the 1920s the roadway became more robust with the introduction of macadam foundations and bitumen and chips as top-dressing. After that, ongoing treatment included top-dressing and asphalt patching.
Livestock certainly affected the upkeep of the road. In December of 1906 complaints were made of loose horses being driven, uncontrolled, up the street. Cuba Street was on the suggested livestock route to the Stevens & Gorton sale yards on Rangitikei Street. As late as 1917, a milk supplier complained about mobs of horses galloping up the street and disrupting his early morning deliveries.
Beside road damage and potential dangers, the horses also left droppings along Cuba Street. In 1911 the borough council imported a manual street cleaning machine, purported to do the work of three people. It was so successful in its intended purpose, to clean up horse manure, that a second machine was purchased.
In 1914 complaints were made about the horse dropping receptacles on the corner of Cuba and Rangitikei Streets. They were collecting, water, unpleasant smells, and horse flies. While the borough engineer remedied the water issue, the flies were a result of the nearby sale yards and stables. He supplied the driver of the collecting cart with a canister of chloride of lime for disinfecting purposes.
In 1905, when the council proposed to lease out a borough reserve between Coleman Place (later Coleman Mall) and Cuba Street, the alternate suggestion of a public library, museum and art gallery started to do the rounds. The reserve was comprised of shops and the Fire Brigade Station fronting Coleman Place, and a borough yard fronting Cuba Street. At the time, the Manawatū Philosophical Society ran the Palmerston Museum from a room in the Public Library, opposite the Post Office in Main Street. It was becoming increasing overcrowded with inadequate housing for exhibits. The library was based in the old municipal offices which were considered increasingly unsuitable and unsanitary.
The proposal of a public library, museum and reading room, in either Coleman Place or Cuba Street was reported on by the Library Committee to the borough council in 1908. Initially it seemed that the proposed structure would go ahead. It would be a two-storey building with the library and a woman’s reading room on the ground floor, carrying through to a museum. The upper storey would be a dedicated reading room. Building would commence in Cuba Street and extend to Coleman Place if the opportunity arose. The proposition was carried in council.
Of the funds needed forty percent was already available from an earlier loan to make additions to the current library. A ratepayer’s poll would be taken to raise a special loan for the remaining £2000. A great deal of discussion, debate and alternate proposals ensued.
Much of the discussion centred on the suitability of the Coleman Place site versus the Cuba Street site. Many felt that Coleman Place was the better option, although almost double the building cost. Those in favour argued was that it was central, visible, and more convenient to day travellers by rail. Others were in favour of frontages on both streets from the outset. Alternatively, some councillors and public thought Coleman Place was a business site more suitable for revenue generating stores. Suggestions for a completely different site were also raised.
Meanwhile the borough council wrote to Mr Carnegie asking for a monetary gift of £5,000 towards the building of a Carnegie Public Library in Palmerston North. This had been achieved in four other towns in Aotearoa New Zealand. After six months and no answer, the idea was dropped. This would have been welcome news to members such as councillor Stubbs who had stated that Mr Carnegie’s libraries were not ornamental enough to front a street like Coleman Place.
When the poll was finally released in August 1910, the proposal was to erect a library and museum in Coleman Place and Cuba Street, requiring a special loan of £5,000. In a ratepayers meeting in September, the Coleman Place and Cuba Street site was reaffirmed from an amendment by councillor Durwood. There was never any real opposition to a museum on Cuba Street, the strongest opposition was to a library in Coleman Place. Councillor Edwards proposed an amendment, that the idea of a new library be dropped, it was not the time. The amendment was lost on ratepayer voice. The special loan passed.
Although the loan passed, dissent continued in the council chambers on the appropriate site. In November of 1910 the Manawatū Philosophical Society requested use of the recently vacated Palmerston North Volunteer Fire Brigade Station for the museum. The building could be shifted back from Coleman Place to Cuba Street at an estimated £100 and altered fit for purpose. Two shops could then be built on the Coleman Place frontage. The idea was supported by council and the building moved the following year. The upper storey was allocated to the museum and the lower to the Men’s Social Club. The library remained in the old municipal offices building until 1929.
Late in 1911 the Manawatū Philosophical Society moved the bulk of its treasures to the new museum in the old Fire Brigade Station, Cuba Street. Mr A Hamilton, curator from the Dominion Museum, Wellington, came and provided help, advice, and supervised arrangement of the collections. Palmerston Museum settled into place with meetings held regularly in the museum rooms. In time it became known as the museum building. A downside was that the building was constructed of wood, risking fire damage. Another difficulty was funding. The museum was run solely on the efforts and monies of the Manawatū Philosophical Society with occasional support from local associations such as the Rotary Club.
By 1921 it was obvious that the museum was under resourced and lacking optimum public attendance. Work was required to refresh and relabel the collections. By 1923, the site, which neighboured the Soldier’s Club, was considered a potentially valuable commercial space. In November of that year, the mayor, Mr Frederick Joseph Nathan, suggested removal of the building and commented that the specimens for preservation surely deserved better housing. By 1924 when the council offered the site for a lease of 21 years, the writing was on the wall. Although new proposals were made for a loan towards a purpose-built library and museum, past experience demonstrated this would be a slow process.
In 1926 a delegation from the Philosophical Society proposed that exhibits and debt on the museum be handed to the municipality. It was either this or the collections would have to be stored or dispersed until a fire-proof building became available. The council agree to clear the debt and store collection items. Many of the curios and exhibits were returned to citizens who loaned them. Remaining articles were packed in cases and placed in the city council store. It was a solution that proved timely, in December of 1927 the museum was damaged by fire.
In 1908 the Manawatū Beautifying Society asked the council to consider planting trees in Cuba Street. The following year the Reserves Committee also suggested planting Cuba Street in trees. As a result, the council and local schools took part in planting efforts each Arbor Day for several years. The last reported Arbor Day planting on Cuba Street was four ash trees in 1914.
With the introduction of motor vehicles, minor collisions occurred occasionally where car meets tree. In October 1929 a decision was made to remove all trees on Cuba Street where the roadway was tarred from kerb to kerb. They were now considered dangerous. Initially, any action was deferred for the opinion of the borough solicitor regarding liability for collisions.
Councillor Fitzherbert also put forward a compelling case opposing destruction of the trees. Given the width of the street he thought the action unwarranted and suggested motorists had a responsibility to drive carefully. He cited strong public sentiment to retain the trees, and suggested light-coloured guards or kerbs be placed around them instead. Another suggestion was the lighting of each tree.
On the vote, the council was equally divided, and the mayor cast the final vote to eliminate the trees. On an early morning in November, the first two trees were cut down to a strong public reaction. Immediate protests led the mayor to rescind the order, subject to a special council meeting. Meanwhile, a protest meeting was attended by over two-hundred residents, regarding planned removal of trees in Broadway, Fitzherbert and Cuba Streets.
During the period, December 1929 to June 1930, there were three claims of damages after motorists had collided with a tree on Cuba Street. In each case the event occurred in the evening on wet roads. The council went to court with the first case and were found liable. The judge noted the tree was unlit and unguarded.
The mayor did note that the last claimant was citing an incident over six months prior.
In April of 1930 the Manawatū Beautifying Society indicated a willingness to work with the council to consider ways and means to minimise any danger from trees. That same month, the borough electrical engineer submitted a report recommending additional lighting in Cuba Street, and other streets with trees. He stated it was impractical to light every tree, and white picket fence surrounds should be enough. In May the council decided to remove only those trees that constituted a ‘menace’, and in June, following inspection, six trees were on the chopping block.
When two of the six trees were cut down, the Beautifying Society offered to fence the remaining ‘menace’ trees with white picket fences at their expense. Two further trees were cut down the following day. The remaining two and an extra tree followed, despite the Beautifying Society bringing a sample fence to the borough council chambers for inspection.
The following month, the trunks of remaining trees in Cuba street were painted a luminous white. This decision by the borough council resulted in a noticeable improvement in visibility.
While not as contentious as the trees, cycle tracks in the street were somewhat fluid. In 1912 cycle tracks were built in Cuba Street. And in 1915 councillor Rolfe suggested something needed to be done to define their existence between Rangitikei and Taonui Streets. However, just a year later, councillor Seifert moved that the track in Cuba Street be discontinued at Taonui Street and a sign posted to indicate this. Further efforts to add cycle tracks were defeated.
While councillor Seifert’s motion does not appear to have been successful, the cycle track from Taonui to Campbell Street was eliminated in 1927, when the road was tarred from kerb to kerb. It was also in 1927 that the proprietor of the new Carlton Hotel successfully had the cycle track abolished from the front of his business. New cycle stands did appear in Cuba Street from time to time.
Apart from a cab stand built opposite the showgrounds in 1909, parking stands for private motor cars did not appear until the 1920s. They were required to deal with overflow from Coleman Place and George Street. The showgrounds also extended parking on both sides of the road to accommodate visitors during events.
At a meeting of Palmerston North ratepayers in 1910, the mayor opened a discussion about public transport; cars, trams or motor buses? It soon became clear that trams or motor buses were preferable to a fleet of cars, but which of the two would be better? Should the town invest in both? A lively debate ensued over the next decade, including the well-attended public debate, Trams v. Motor Buses, at the Opera House in May 1915.
By 1919 the council had laid down preliminary works for an overhead electrical tram system, however a number of councillors recommended this be abandoned. The war had advanced motor bus technology, and buses were now more flexible and cost effective than tramways. Slowly buses gained traction in the council chambers. By April 1920 a proposal for motor buses was under consideration, with a report on petrol vs petrol-electric vs electric. Costs were investigated.
When Mr Matthew H Oram, a strong proponent of motor buses, was elected to council, he took that as a public mandate that ratepayers were also in favour. In June 1920 councillor Oram moved that ratepayers be asked to sanction a £9000 loan to purchase and equip four motor buses. It was carried, and the resulting public poll in September supported the purchase. The council subsequently received nineteen quotations to build and supply the buses.
In August 1921, the building of a municipal bus barn was completed in Cuba Street. It was situated on the Education Reservation between Short Street (later Cook Street) and Palermes Street (later Bryant Street). Despite the theft of eight cases of benzine during the journey from Napier, four highly anticipated municipal buses arrived in Te Marae o Hine the Square, on 6 September 1921. Almost immediately there were calls to make extensions to the bus barn and purchase more buses.
A new bus barn was built at the Scandia Street (later Albert Street) borough depot in 1927.
The Cuba Street building became known as the old bus barn. From 1932 it was used by the Takaro Scouts, as a youth employment centre, and to receive donated goods to relieve distress in the town. In 1935 the Education Board, who owned the land, requested its demolition and removal.
In December 1935, the Takaro Boy Scout Committee inquired as to whether they might use the timber and iron from the demolition to build a scout hall. The committee was advised that the materials were unavailable, as they had been earmarked for the building of the council stables in Manawatū Street. The old bus barn was demolished, and the timber and iron removed to the borough depot in 1936.
It was in 1908, that the Pascal brothers first looked at extending Cuba Street. To build and access Palermes Street, Messrs Pascal Bros first needed to extend Cuba Street beyond Short Street (later Cook Street) and through the Education Reserve. The reserve was leased to the Manawatū and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Association by the Education Commissioner.
Messrs Pascal Bros agreed to transfer property to the A&P Association, which would allow the association to extend their grounds alongside Pascal Street and provide access from the rear. In exchange, the brothers would have the right to form Cuba Street through the Education Reserve.
In 1908, this was originally permitted by the Education Commissioner, but did not proceed at the time.
Once fresh negotiations commenced in 1912, the Education Reserve had passed into the hands of the Wellington Land Board. When the Land Board refused permission, a petition was made to parliament by A&P Association members. The government, led by Prime Minister Massey, issued permission and the transfer proceeded.
In October 1912 the Borough Council gave consent for the extension of Cuba Street and construction of a new street, connecting to the Cuba Street extension. The work commenced in 1913 by Mr Edward John Armstrong and Palermes Street was ready to be taken over in 1914. That year there was also discussion around extending Cuba Street all the way to Kairanga Road (later Botanical Road), however this did not eventuate.
In 1925 F Needham, Ltd. gained permission to construct streets through the Pascal Block. From the outset Mr Frederick Needham made it clear that these would not be private streets. They would be following by-laws to the laying out of public streets. Cuba Street was further extended, and Burns Avenue constructed at its end. Lyndhurst Street (called Lyndhurst Street extension for some years after) was continued from Chelwood Street to meet the new Cuba Street extension.
The addresses on Cuba Street were renumbered in 1938. See p.79 to p.83 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The lane is a combination name. It acknowledges Ashhurst the town and Grove Road – which the lane branches off. February 2020.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
This street is believed to be named after Mr David Joseph Nathan (1858-1920), sometimes described as the father of the dairying industry. Mr DJ Nathan may have also been the road contractor who put it through in 1875. At the time he was working for his father, Mr Joseph Edward Nathan, who certainly responded to tenders for town road works in the 1870s. Mr JE Nathan, was one of the largest landowners in the Manawatū.
In February of 1883, a letter from Joseph Nathan and Co., the family business, was read at the Palmerston Borough Council meeting, requesting the forming of David Street, with a cheque for £25.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
Mr David Joseph Nathan was born in Wellington on 30th of August, 1858, where he spent his school years and attended Wellington College. The eldest son, he then joined his father’s business, Joseph Nathan and Company Ltd., managing the Ready Money Store in Te Marae o Hine the Square, Palmerston North. By 1883 Mr D Nathan was supervising the management of various branches of the family firm in the Manawatū district. He would eventually become managing director of the company and remain so until his death.
He married in 1886 to Miss Miriam ‘Minnie’ Jonas, daughter of Mr Hyam Jonas of London. They had four children together; Hilda Rebecca b.1888, Joseph Edward b.1889, Kathleen Madge b.1891 and Aileen Ida b.1895.
The first successful shipment of frozen meat from Aotearoa New Zealand to Britain was made aboard the sailing ship Dunedin in 1882. In the 1890s, advances in technology meant that ocean-going steamers had been fitted with refrigerating machinery. Mr Nathan could see the possibilities for trade.
He contacted owners of dairy cows in the region proposing they establish creameries and gave farmers a price to encourage production. Those who started creameries quickly gained success, but questioned Mr Nathan’s earnings in the enterprise. Mr Nathan offered to sell creameries at a reasonable rate of commission, his firm acting as the London agent, if the farmers would form co-operative companies. This was acceptable and The Ready Money Store became The United Farmers’ Co-operative Association Ltd in 1892. The co-operative dairy company movement spread throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mrs Nathan died suddenly of peritonitis in May of 1897. The funeral was carried out in both Hebrew and English, as the Nathan’s were of Jewish faith. Mr Nathan was president of the congregation and president of the Jewish Socal Club.
In 1899 Mr Nathan re-married. His wife was Miss Cora Jonas, daughter of Mr Jonah Jonas of London. Together they had one child, Nell b.1904, and lived on a large estate in Wellington.
In 1903 in Wellington, Mr Nathan proposed a scheme for the consolidation of the frozen meat trade. He attended farmer’s meetings to discuss freight and generally encourage interest. Mr Nathan was passionate about the country’s commerce, and how Aotearoa New Zealand could capitalise on opportunities – especially in regard to flax, dairy and meat.
Mr Nathan also paid attention to local body matters in his home, the capital, and was a city councillor for three years. He was a member of the Harbour Board, steward of the Wellington Racing Club and director of the old Wellington-Manawatū Railway Company. Mr Nathan continued to speak publicly on world trade. As the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, he advocated for preferential trade with Great Britain. He was also a one-time director of the Bank of New Zealand and directed or served on the boards of many other companies.
His links with Palmerston North and the Manawatū continued. As President of the Bowling Association in Wellington, he attended the Palmerston North Bowling Club’s opening ceremony in 1903 and was elected vice-president of the Manawatu and West Coast A&P Association in 1904.
It was also in the early 1900s that Mr Nathan submitted proposals to Manawatū dairy farmers for the establishment of factories to produce dried milk. Cheltenham, Makino, and Bunnythorpe responded with sufficient support to induce him to either purchase or establish plant and start the venture. Glaxo was to become the brand name for their baby milk and eventually evolved into the name of this business. Mr D Nathan was the first head of the Glaxo Manufacturing Company.
On 20th of March 1920, Mr Nathan died suddenly from an aneurism at a private hospital in Wellington. He was 62 years old. Mr Nathan is interred at the Karori cemetery.
His younger brother, Mr Frederick Joseph Nathan, became Managing Director and Chairman of Joseph Nathan & Co. Ltd. Mr FJ Nathan had settled in Palmerston North and was a borough councillor, 1911-1915, and mayor of the city 1923-1927.
David Street was put through in 1875. D.P. 26, and formed in 1883. It was listed as a private street in 1885. After 1900 it appears to have been regarded as public, with the council laying service pipes and maintaining the road and footways.
In June 1901 Mr Axel Frederick Anderson made a request to the Borough Council that the footpath be asphalted. This was carried out in August. They were top-dressed with tar and sand in January of 1912 and again in October of 1914. Further treatment was applied in 1932.
In October of 1904, two arc lamps were removed.
In August of 1906 David Street had a direct connection to sewer, with all residences being connected by October 1908. There were some problems with the sewer in those early days, on one occasion it was blocked by a chunk of wood, and, on a second, by a man’s handkerchief.
In August of 1908 a plan was made to kerb the western side footway and open a channel to allow water to escape. This was followed by the construction of tarred water tables one year later. In June 1920, new kerbing and channelling was completed on the western side of the street, with the eastern side being done in October 1931 (when the western side was rechannelled).
David Street was scarified, metalled and rolled in by September of 1916. A decade later, in November of 1926, the street was re-metalled and sealed with bitumen.
Early settlers, Mr and Mrs JE Magnusson, retired to 9 David Street. Mr Julius Emil Magnusson was born in Sweden in 1845 and emigrated to Australia c. 1870. During his time in Queensland he met Miss Jakobine Marie Anderson.
Miss JM Anderson was born in Larvig, Norway, in 1855. As a young woman she emigrated to Queensland, Australia, settling there for a few years. The couple married in August of 1878 and travelled to Aotearoa New Zealand.
They had four daughters and one son; Emlli Emillsen b.1879, Julia b.1881, Victoria b.1883, Oscar b.1894 and Amanda b.1898.
Arriving in Wellington, the Magnusson’s made their way to Palmerston North, then a village surrounded by bush. They purchased a section on the corner of Ferguson and Fitzherbert Streets (later Fitzherbert Avenue) and built a house. Mr JE Magnusson was a road contractor in those early days.
They then purchased a farm in Fitzherbert, and, on selling, purchased a farm on James Line, Stoney Creek (now Whakarongo). A further move was made to Stoney Creek Road, Bunnythorpe, before buying a lifestyle property on Boundary Road (later Tremaine Avenue). Here, Mr J Magnusson entered the carrying business.
Mr Julius Emil Magnusson died October 1935 at the age of 90 years. Mrs Jakobine Marie Magnusson died in May 1940, aged 84. Both are interred at Terrace End Cemetery.
Mr Axel Frederick Anderson was born in Oslo, Norway in 1867. He came to Aotearoa New Zealand with his parents Mr Nils and Mrs Anne Anderson in 1872.
Miss Clara Emma Hepworth was born in 1859 in Batley, Yorkshire. She travelled with her parents, Mr John and Mrs Sarah Hepworth, to Western Australia in 1875, where they worked on sheep farms. The family went back to England for eighteen months, then emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1882, on the ship Crusader. They landed in Lyttelton in 1883.
The Hepworth family came to Palmerston North in the early 1890s, where Miss CE Hepworth met Mr AF Anderson. The couple married in 1893. They had two children; Eileen Margherita b.1894 and Clara Victoria b.1901.
They made their home in Palmerston North, establishing the Anderson Private Hotel in David Street. The couple later owned the Temperance Hotel near the railway station and took over Central Hotel in Te Marae o Hine the Square, from 1902. This then became their residence. Central Hotel was relocated to the corner of Main and Andrew Young Streets in 1905. The Anderson Private Hotel was taken over by Mr Duncan Anderson in 1907, and Mr A Anderson transferred the license of the Central Hotel in 1909.
In 1910 the Anderson’s left the Manawatū to live in Stratford, Taranaki where they took up farming for six years. Mrs Anderson divided her time between Stratford and Palmerston North. From there the couple farmed further in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay. In 1920 they moved to the Te Puke district where Mr Anderson became a land agent. In 1922 the Anderson’s moved to Hawera, Taranaki, where Mr Anderson entered the wine business. Mrs Clara Emma Anderson died in 1926, aged 64 years.
Mr Anderson remarried in 1927 to Mrs Mary “Mollie” Christina Elizabeth Lloyd. In 1930 the couple moved to Auckland. Mr Anderson returned to Palmerston North with his wife in 1942.
Mr Axel Frederick Anderson died at his home, 109 Te Awe Awe Street (which he built in 1907), on March 31, 1945, at the age of 77 years. He is interred at Terrace End Cemetery.
The New Zealand Express Company Ltd, a cartage business, started its life in Palmerston North on the corner of Main and David Streets in the late-1880s. It moved to George Street in 1906.
The Railway Hotel, later known as the Old Railway Hotel, was built opposite the Railway Station on the corner of Main and David Street in 1892. Its proprietor was Mr Timothy O’Leary and the hotel had 24 guestrooms, besides those used exclusively by the owner’s family. He leased the hotel in 1897 to Mr Michael Hogan who, in turn, sold his interest to Mr Henry Border.
Mr T Young became the owner in 1901 (after Mr O'Leary's death) and on-sold the hotel to Mr David Roux Bouisson in 1902. On changing hands in 1903, the Railway Hotel was condemned as old, rotten and full of vermin. Its license was not regranted until the new owners took measures to cleanse the building. It is unsurprising therefore that the owners, Staples and Co., of Wellington, made plans to re-erect the hotel. The first Railway Hotel was replaced by this building in 1904-1905.
Anderson’s Private Hotel, on the left of this image, was established on David Street in 1893. The two-storey boarding house was gutted by fire in September of 1894 and rebuilt. Mr Axel Frederick Anderson, the proprietor, was active in seeking improvements in the street from the borough council. He made additions to his boarding house in 1900, from a plan designed by Mr Ludolph George West. The hotel was taken over by Mr Duncan Anderson in 1907. In January of 1908 local newspapers reported on an inmate of the hotel preparing a bath, only to find a 12-inch eel, the thickness of a finger, coming out of the water tap. In 1916 the hotel was taken over by Mrs A Trepo.
Other accommodation in the street between 1900 and the 1940s included JK Christensen Private Hotel, Wentworth Boarding House, and the Goldfern Boarding House. There were also a couple of billiard rooms.
David Street Stables at 8 David Street, this livery was operated by Mr John Jones from c. 1901 to 1908 when it was sold to Mr N Paulsen. He ran the business as a livery, general carrier and forwarding agent until 1917. Over that period its name changed from David Street Stables to Paulsen Stables to Railway Stables. Caleb Penman took over the Railway Stables in September 1917 and by 1921 the stables had passed into the hands of Messrs Peterson and Low. In April of 1930 they were the only remaining livery stables in Palmerston North.
In 1913 Frank Harris and Co. Ltd., moved their monumental yard to 12 David Street while in voluntary liquidation. The business was taken over by Messrs JW Fisher and Co., Sculptors and Monumental Masons in 1914. Here is an image of their business at 17 David Street (due to street renumbering) in 1997.
The addresses on David Street were renumbered in 1939. See p.85 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The street is named for Te Ara o Waihuri. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The Matai, Moea and Te Panau whānau whakapapa to Te Ara o Waihuri, who had two wives.
The street is named for Te Ara o Kawai, the first wife of Korongawhenuai. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
Korongawhenuai is a direct descendant of Te Rangiwhakaewa. The Paewai and Nireaha whānau whakapapa to Korongawhenuai. His second wife, Ngene, was the younger sister of Kawai.
Korongawhenuai is featured at the heart of one of the significant battles with Ngāti Apa.
The crescent is named for Pokerekere, Whakarongo's first husband. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
To learn about Whakarongo, read this Back Issues article by Karla Karaitiana.
Pokerekere's parents were Ratoaiterangi and Kaiwari. His father, Ratoaiterangi, was the son of important tipuna, Parakiore.
Whakarongo married Pokerekere and they lived at Te Wii pā. The couple had a son, Manukatahi. Sadly, it was a short alliance as Pokerekere died young. Manukatahi also died in early adulthood, leaving behind a daughter called Ngatii.
Whakarongo then married Tukere and lived at Te Motu a Poutoa and the Ruahine kāinga where she had another two children, Te Paea and Wirihana Kaimokopuna.
The crescent is named for Tukere, Whakarongo's second husband. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
To learn about Whakarongo, read this Back Issues article by Karla Karaitiana.
After the death of her first husband, Pokerekere, Whakarongo married Tukere. The couple lived at Te Motu a Poutoa and the Ruahine kāinga. To learn about the Ruahine kāinga, read this Back Issues article by Karla Karaitiana. They had two children, Te Paea and Wirihana Kaimokopuna.
In the early 1820s, Whakarongo and a party, including Tukere, were returning to Manawatū from the battle at Te Horehore Pā in Takapau.
Most of the pā in Tamaki nui-ā-Rua had been abandoned and the people retreated to Te Ahu Tūranga. It was believed that Tukere had been badly injured at Te Horehore and was unable to travel any further, so they made a stand at Te Ruru on the Manawatū River near Kumeroa and Ngāwapūrua.
A taua of Ngāti Kahungunu, allied to Ngāti Whatua and led by Puhara and Te Hapuku of Te Amio-Whenua expedition, ran them down. It is understood that Whakarongo fought in both battles, Te Horehore and Te Ruru. Everyone in the group at Te Ruru were killed except a woman called Wiramina, and Whakarongo.
Due to her rank, moko kauae and demeanor, Whakarongo was captured and taken to Kaipara. There she married a chief of Te Uri-o-Hau branch of Ngāti Whatua and had another family.
When Te Hirawanui Kaimokopuna learned of Tukere's death and his sister's abduction, he took their children, Te Paea and Wirihana Kaimokopuna, as whāngai (to foster and nuture) and raised them as his own.
The drive is named to acknowledge and highlight the view of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges from the development. February 2020.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The lane is named for piwakawaka, the fantail. A native bird of Aotearoa New Zealand. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The way is named for the cabbage tree, tī kōuka. A native plant of Aotearoa New Zealand. March 2017.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The close is named for kōtare, the kingfisher. A native bird of Aotearoa New Zealand, seen often on their elevated perches in this area. April 2023.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The lane is named for a grove of magnolia trees that graced this area, prior to development. February 2020.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The lane is named for korimako, the bellbird. A native bird of Aotearoa New Zealand. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The origin of the name Palermes is unknown.
Geographically, Palermes is the French spelling of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, Italy. Parlemes is also found in the Nord-Ouest region of Haiti.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor. Please note: the 's' in Palermes has been omitted on the map.
Brothers, Mr Louis M Pascal and Mr Claude Marie Pascal emigrated to New Zealand from Loire, France, in 1878 and were early settlers in the Manawatū. Mr Jean Baptiste Pascal also emigrated and joined his older brothers in 1884. Palermes Street, D.P.3617, section 311, was owned by either Mr CM Pascal or Mr LM Pascal, of Messrs Pascal Bros, from 1890 onwards.
To learn more about the Pascal brothers, look at Pascal Street.
To build and access Palermes Street, Messrs Pascal Bros first needed to extend Cuba Street through the Education Reserve. The reserve was leased to the Manawatū and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Association by the Education Commissioner.
When this was first negotiated, in 1908, Messrs Pascal Bros agreed to transfer allotment 9 of section 294, to the A&P Association. This would allow the Association to extend their grounds alongside Pascal Street and provide access from the rear. In exchange, the brothers would have the right to form the Cuba Street extension through the Education Reserve.
This was permitted by the Education Commissioner but did not proceed at the time.
Once fresh negotiations commenced in 1912 the Education Reserve had passed into the hands of the Wellington Land Board. When the Land Board refused permission, a petition was made to parliament by A&P Association members. The government, led by Prime Minister Massey, issued permission and the transfer proceeded.
In October 1912 the Borough Council gave consent for the extension of Cuba Street and construction of a new street, connecting to the Cuba Street extension.
At a Borough Council meeting in June 1914, a letter was acknowledged from Mr L Pascal, and referred to the Public Works Committee. He wished to name a new street running from Cuba Street extension to Main Street west, Palermes Street. The street, comprised of a mixture of residential and business sites, was ready to be taken over. Mr Pascal reminded the council, that they were to add a culvert. This was also referred to Public Works.
Auctioneers, Abrahams and Williams Ltd., on behalf of Mr Pascal, advertised seventeen sections for sale in July 1914. Some of the sites had already been built on.
In April of 1917, Mr JB Wither on behalf of Pascal Bros., asked the Borough Council for permission to construct a continuation of Palermes Street to Chelwood Street. This was agreed and a time extension allowed in January 1918 and again in February of 1919.
Sewers were laid in March 1919 and improvements to footpaths made in 1924.
In February of 1926, the Borough Council proposed renaming streets where a continuation had been made to an existing street. The resolution was passed in March. Town clerk, Mr James Robert Hardie, gave public notice throughout March and April that Palermes would become Bryant. From July 1926 the street was known as Bryant Street.
By 1917, Mr and Mrs E Fisher had taken up residence at 5 Palermes Street. Mr Edward Fisher was born in 1872 in New South Wales, Australia. He arrived in New Zealand from c. 1892 to c. 1903.
Miss Elizabeth England was born in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1869, to immigrant parents from Somerset, England. She married Mr E Fisher in Upper Hutt in 1904. They had one child, Kathleen Elizabeth b.1905.
In Palermes Street, they provided “On the Farm” produce opposite the Railway Station engine shed. Mr Fisher unsuccessfully sought election to the Dairy Control Board in 1923. The couple gave up dairying in 1925.
In the late 1920s Mr Fisher, a former engineer of the River Board, was the New Zealand patentee of several types of groynes for mitigating river erosion. By then their address had become 180 Bryant Street and was renumbered to 80 Bryant Street in the 1930s.
Mrs Elizabeth Fisher died in November of 1941, aged 72, and is interred at Kelvin Grove Cemetery. Mr Edward Fisher sold his house and its contents in 1945 and returned to Australia. He died in New South Wales in October of 1960, at the age of 88 years. He is interred at Sandgate Cemetery.
The origin of the name, Lombard, is unknown.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
As one of the city’s oldest, Lombard Street was constructed in two parts. The southern Cuba Street end, D.P.35, section 300, was surveyed in 1875 (although there may have been dwellings there as early as 1872). The northern Featherston Street end, D.P.206, section 303, was surveyed in in 1881.
On January 22, 1881, the first official horse race meeting was held. The course ran from Lombard Street, along Featherston Street, through the Showgrounds, and then Cuba Street. At that stage it was all open ground. Boxing Day race meetings had been occurring in the general area since 1871, on barely cleared bush land.
Section 303 was owned by Mr Joseph Edward Nathan, of Joseph Nathan and Co., owners of the agricultural supply firm that evolved into Glaxo. Sections 300 and 303 were of equal length, and the Borough Council commenced subdivision in 1883.
In 1930, pioneer Mr WM Anderson, wrote a letter to the editor of Manawatū Standard including past reflections of his time as a tenant on Lombard Street, c. 1883-5. With the street belonging to two parties there was some tension between the subdivisions. A high fence was built, blocking those with houses at the northern end from entering town.
As a result, delivery services from butchers, bakers and milkmen, had to forgo the more direct southern route (from Cuba Street) and access their northern customers via Featherston Street.
When a hole was struck through the fence, yet another barrier was raised, a padlocked gate. The padlock was leased to a man who asked sixpence a week from each householder for the privilege of its use. Eventually the fence was cut down on the condition that northern end owners buy a quarter acre section on the southern end as well.
In 1885 Lombard Street was completely formed and metalled. Channels were then made, using a plough and the borough horses. In 1886 a loan was authorised to be raised for the improvement of private streets, Lombard Street being one. Monies were dispersed on a pro rata basis in each ward. Lombard Street was valued at £271.
It was from 1900 to 1910 that the street saw the most progress in a municipal sense. Footpaths were formed, kerbed and gravelled; with regular top-dressing of sand and tar. The drainage scheme was extended to Lombard Street in 1900. Reports of houses with overflowing cesspits in 1904, eventually led to the excavation of sewer pipes in 1906. In 1908, a streetlamp was moved from Featherstone Street (later Featherston Street) to the Lombard Street junction. The following year, residents planted trees along the street.
The next decade was one of up-keep and repairs as required.
In July of 1930, the width of gas mains were increased to improve capacity to cookers and heating units.
Orange Lodge Trustees (a Protestant organisation) purchased property in Lombard Street in 1883-4. The Orange Hall was constructed and became a meeting hub for many groups, organisations, and clubs thereafter. Here is an image of the Promoters and First Officers of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 65, Star of Freedom. The hall was gutted by a fire in 1915 and rebuilt as the Orange Lodge Hall. In 1931 Orange Lodge temporarily housed 54 students from Central School.
A bowling club was established in Palmerston North in 1890. The Lombard Street site was purchased in 1890 by Mr J Walkley and the green established. Play began the following year and Mr Walkley reigned as club president for 12 years. With the club owning property in Lombard and Taonui Streets. The Taonui Street side was developed into a bowling green from 1907. Combined with Lombard Street it amounted to two full sized greens. Mr JA Nash (here bowling with his wife, Elizabeth), was president of the club from 1910 to 1912. By 1925, due to financial restraints, the Lombard Street frontage was sold and a new pavilion built on the Taonui Street side.
For a comprehensive history of the street's development, businesses, and who lived there, take a look at the lecture notes of Brian Mather and supplementary material from the Palmerston North Historical Society, circa. 2006.
The addresses on Lombard Street were renumbered in 1937. See p.159 and p.160 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The origin of the name, Campbell, is unknown. The street went through in two sections at the same time as Bourke Street, 1875. There is speculation that Mr Campbell may have been a partner of Mr Bourke, a roading contractor. This is not yet substantiated.
There was a Wellington based partnership, Messrs. Alexander Campbell and Daniel Burke, builders, joiners and contractors who worked around the lower North Island from the early 1900s. However, the timing does not match.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
The Cuba Street end of Campbell Street, section 304 (a third of the street) was put through in 1875. The Featherston Street end, section 299, followed in 1890. Both sections appear to have been purchased by Mr Arthur William Follett Halcombe, an early settler of Feilding. By 1877-78 Mr John James Waldegrave owned one property on section 299, while there were seven houses and a stable on the Cuba Street end. By 1883-84 the Featherston Street end, section 299, was owned by Mr Benjamin Manson.
October 23, 1880, a special meeting of the Palmerston Borough Council was held to consider reports from the Reserves Committee and sub-committee. The latter presented a “Report of the Division of the Town.” This was a recommendation of general allocation of costs for street clearing and formation, based on the town map.
Councillor Coleman said he would have preferred a breakdown by street in which outlay was expected. His Worship, Mayor James Linton, could not see the necessity, as per the report all the town streets would either be cleared or formed. Councillor Coleman pointed out that there may be streets the sub-committee members were unaware of – Bourke and Campbell Streets for example. The sub-committee affirmed it was unaware of Bourke Street and hadn’t counted Campbell Street, a private street on a piece of land cut up by Mr AWF Halcombe, leading to a large paddock. Councillor Coleman asserted that the latter was on the map and residents on both contributed revenue to the town.
There was discussion around the concern that if the council were to take over and spend money on private streets, they would be springing up all over the place. Councillor Ferguson stated that if Campbell Street was on the map as a public street, then its development was in fact covered by the report. If not, the Council would not be justified in spending money on the street. The report was received and adopted.
In September of 1900, the drainage scheme extended to Campbell Street. The Sanitary Inspector’s report of 1904 concluded that, of fifty-two homes inspected, many sinks and baths were not trapped and did not discharge over gullies. Between December of 1906 and April of 1907, sewerage pipes were laid. From January of 1907 the Sanitary Inspector encouraged residents to connect with the sewerage system and eliminate cesspits. By October 1908 all premises were connected.
In June of 1905, the footpaths on Campbell street were included in the borough improvements programme. Of particular concern, was the path traversed by Campbell Street School students. Due to high use, it became a muddy track in wet weather. In October 1906, the footpath was formed and kerbed on the westside of the street. Further top-dressing of pathways always took precedence directly in front of the school.
In March of 1925 the borough engineer was asked to inspect and report on the condition of Campbell Street. It was in a state of disrepair, with stagnant water accumulating at the Cuba Street End. There was little metal of the old roadway left. As the street was on a bus route, the engineer recommended that the road be scarified, re-metalled and rolled. The reforming and regrading of Campbell Street was completed in November.
Three years later, in December 1928, the residents petitioned that Campbell Street be treated with bitumen. The road was full of potholes and a challenge to vehicles, including buses. A year earlier the cycle track had been eliminated. The work was carried out late 1929.
In July of 1924, the council purchased the old Campbell Street School site. It was sold to them by the Education Department, who reduced the price from £4000 to £2000, due to its planned use as a playground for future generations. It was a popular move with Campbell Street residents and many congratulated the council. Called the Campbell Street Reserve, the belief was that the area just needed levelling to be fit for play.
In December of 1929, however, the council sold the Campbell Street Reserve site to raise money for borough works. Fierce opposition ensued. Ratepayers had not been consulted and the move contradicted the terms of the original sale. As a result, the sale was cancelled, and the deposit refunded. In April of 1930, residents requested that improvements be made to the site, towards construction of a play area. In June the council provided £50 for laying out the play area.
There was a second proposal to expend £650 as part of a scheme to relieve unemployment. Dispersal of monies was a hot topic among councillors, with many opposing expenditures on a playground over much needed borough works. In June, six unemployed men, of two hundred and thirty on the Palmerston North Unemployment Register, commenced work on the Campbell Street Reserve. By December it was largely cleared and fenced and was used by neighbourhood children as a playground. The following year a part-time caretaker was appointed to look after the Campbell Street play area.
It was also in 1930 that the width of gas mains were increased to improve capacity to cookers and heating units.
In October of 1943 there was discussion on the impact to Campbell Street when the Oroua River was in flood. The following month it was decided that a larger concrete culvert would be constructed to help control surface water.
For a comprehensive history of the street's development, businesses, and who lived there, plus the Community Housing Improvement Scheme of the early 1980s, take a look at the lecture notes of historian, Brian Mather, and supplementary material from the Palmerston North Historical Society, circa. 2006.
The notes include a history of Campbell Street School, 1890-1922.
The Church of Christ was first established in Palmerston North in 1905. Meetings were originally held in private residences. In 1913, they established a central meeting place at 100 Campbell Street. Congregation members commenced work on the site of a new church in Botanical Road in 1959.
The former Church of Christ became home to the Savage Club. Beginning as a London gentlemen’s club in 1857, the Savage Club spread throughout the colonies. The Manawatū chapter was founded in 1908 as a literary society and entertainment club. In 2020, it was rebranded as OnStage Manawatū.
The addresses on Campbell Street were renumbered in 1937. See p.45 and p.46 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
In August 1969 it was reported in The Tribune, Central City Review, page 5, that Bourke Street, interchangeably called Burke Street, was named after roading contractor, Mr Bourke, who put the street through in 1875.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
Papers Past show that there was a Mr D Burke operating as a roading contractor in the Manawatū in the 1880s and 1890s.
Deposited 24 March 1875, D.P.22 (the Cuba Street end) was subdivided in 1875. The sections were owned by Mr Arthur William Follett Halcombe, an early settler of Feilding, and the surveyor was Mr Thomas McKay Drummond. D.P.1195 was subdivided in 1901 and the sections owned by Mr Charles E Waldegrave.
In 1876, the Clausen brothers, Messrs Christian Nicolai and Johan Frederick, first laid eyes on Palmerston (later Palmerston North) as children of early Scandinavian settlers. They recalled the Bourke and Waldegrave street blocks being great paddocks of oat crops.
October 23, 1880, a special meeting of the Palmerston Borough Council was held to consider reports from the Reserves Committee and sub-committee. The latter presented a “Report of the Division of the Town.” This was a recommendation of general allocation of costs for street clearing and formation, based on the town map.
Councillor Coleman said he would have preferred a breakdown by street in which outlay was expected. His Worship, Mayor James Linton, could not see the necessity, as per the report all the town streets would either be cleared or formed. Councillor Coleman pointed out that there may be streets the sub-committee members were unaware of – Bourke and Campbell Streets for example. The sub-committee affirmed it was unaware of Bourke Street and hadn’t counted Campbell Street, a private street on a piece of land cut up by Mr AWF Halcombe, leading to a large paddock. Councillor Coleman asserted that the latter was on the map and residents on both contributed revenue to the town.
There was discussion around the concern that if the council were to take over and spend money on private streets, they would be springing up all over the place. Councillor Ferguson stated that if Campbell Street was on the map as a public street, then its development was in fact covered by the report. If not, the Council would not be justified in spending money on the street. The report was received and adopted.
In January of 1886 a loan was authorised for the forming and metalling of private streets. Monies were dispersed on a pro rata basis in each ward. Bourke Street, situated in the no.4 ward, was valued at £112 in April. In May of 1904 residents asked for the old portion of Bourke Street to be improved.
By September 1900 a drainage scheme was under consideration for the densely populated western end of town. This was followed in March of 1901 with a council proposal to raise a loan for drainage works. Residents in Bourke Street also had drainage in mind. In December 1902, residents petitioned the council to take over the newly formed portion of Bourke street, and extend water services.
However, by January 1907, Bourke Street did not have the requested services. The Sanitary Inspector’s strongly worded report, calling the street a cesspit bed, urged that drainage sewers be extended to Bourke Street immediately. In April 1907, the borough engineer was instructed to proceed with sewer works in Bourke Street, which was completed in May. By October 1908, all residences had been connected.
March, 1904, councillor Essex drew attention to overhanging trees and overgrown thorn hedges in Bourke Street. He highlighted the danger to pedestrians, especially unprotected eyes. The council decided to compel owners to cut back foliage as per by-laws. These by-laws were enforced again in January 1907.
In October of 1904 the arc lamp at the corner of Bourke and Cuba Streets was moved halfway down Bourke street on the west side. All lamps were changed to incandescent.
In 1907 footpaths were formed on both sides of Bourke Street, and in April 1909, tarring and sanding of the footpath on western side of the street was completed, with residents sharing the cost. In October 1914, the paths were treated with sanding and tarring on both sides. Residents were active in submitting petitions to ensure attention to the upkeep of their street.
In Jun 1926, plans were made to improve the surface of the roadway in Bourke Street. By November the full length of Bourke was treated with crushed pit metal. Eight years later, residents complained of dust from passing vehicles, and requested tar-sealing. Two years on, in 1936, the street was scarified, metalled, rolled and tar-sealed. A second tar-sealing was completed in March of 1939.
Mr Ulisse “Louis” Carlo Francesco Giorgi (b.1870) and his brother, Mr Arturo “Arthur” Giorgi (b.1873) were born in Livorno, Italy. Their parents emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1874, and the family settled in Whanganui.
The brothers came to Palmerston North as young men. In 1896 Mr UCF Giorgi married Miss Alice Hill, a lifelong resident of a settler family. They had three children; Ida Anna b.1897, Dario Lanchoto b.1899 and Myrtle Alice b.1903.
Both Mr UC Giorgi and Mr A Giorgi purchased properties in Bourke Street in 1897.
Mr U Giorgi ran a hairdresser & tobacconist store in Te Marae o Hine the Square. Later he branched out into fishing tackle supply. He was prominent in the Palmerston North hockey scene, and was involved in whippet racing.
From 1900 to 1902, Mr A Giorgi served in the Remington’s Guides during the South African War. Those in the guides had to have a knowledge of Dutch and African languages, and supply their own mount.
On his return Mr A Giorgi went into partnership with Mr Maurice Millar, to establish the menswear firm of Millar & Giorgi in Te Marae o Hine the Square. They opened a Hastings branch of the same in December of 1905.
In October of 1904 Mr A Giorgi married Miss Beatrice Cecilia Humphreys. Miss BC Humphreys was born in 1878 in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay. The couple had three children; Norma b.1905, Ronald Victor b.1907 and Zenda Beatrice b.1909.
Mr A Giorgi, a keen sportsman, was also in the Volunteer Corps and a member of the Linton Rifle Club during the couple’s time in Palmerston North.
Mr and Mrs A Giorgi lived at 7b Bourke Street (owning the properties at no. 7) until 1918, when they moved to the Hawkes Bay to manage the Hastings branch.
Mr Arthur Giorgi died in Hastings in December 1940, aged 67 years. Mrs Beatrice Cecilia Giorgi died in Hastings in August of 1950, aged 71 years.
Mrs Alice Giorgi died, aged 36 years, in December 1913. Mr U Giorgi remarried in 1920 to Mrs Evangelina May Tremewan, nee O’Connell. The couple resided at 4 Kairanga Road.
Mr Ulisse “Lou” Carlo Francesco Giorgi died in May 1959, aged 89 years, and is interred at Terrace End Cemetery. Evangeline May Giorgi died in Whanganui in May of 1961, at the age of 81 years. She is interred at Aramoho Cemetery.
Many short-term businesses, such as chimney sweeping, clairvoyant healing, eye specialist, landau cabs, and dressmaking, were operated from residents' homes. There was also a healthy trade in poultry.
Ward Bros., Painters and Paperhangers, operated from 22 Bourke Street from 1911 to 1919. At that stage the business had outgrown the site and they moved to a new premises in Cuba Street.
The Carow Ladies’ College, also known as Carow Girls Collegiate School, moved a number of times from its inception in 1891. From 1912 to 1914 the Carow School of music and painting ran at 47 Bourke Street. This was the residence of principal, Mrs Elizabeth von Blaramberg, and her husband Mr Cecil Augustus Victor Hortezzi de Cortando von Blaramberg.
From 1924 to 1928, Miss Ulu Hancock, provided tuition in elocution and dramatic art, from her parents’ house at 7b Bourke street. Her father, Mr Allen Hancock, was a motorcycle dealer. The property was sold in 1936. Miss Ulu Hancock then recommenced tuition in 1938 from 72 Bourke Street.
In 1929, the Boniface brothers, John and Amos, modernised their bakery and confectionery business (established 1916) with a purpose-built bakehouse near the corner of Cuba and Bourke Street. It had a frontage of 66 feet. Circa. 1936, the Boniface Brothers Bakery extended their business into Bourke Street, 70 feet, with the establishment of a small goods manufacturing department.
The addresses on Bourke Street were renumbered in 1937. See p.34 and p.35 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The name Greenwich acknowledges the importance of the Greenwich meridian which was used for worldwide time keeping and navigation from 1884 to 1974. This geographic reference line (0° longitude) passes through the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London.
Greenwich Way, for the Palmerston North community, suggests a base or grounding in time. December 2022.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
Oakley Street is named in honour of Mrs Sarah Oakley (1854-1938), nee Hanlon, one of the town's earliest residents and land owners.
The image is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923 by HR Farquar, Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor.
Mrs S Oakley's parents, Sarah and John Hanlon, emigrated from Warwickshire, England, in 1874 with their children Caroline, Sarah (then around 20 years old), Lawrence, Agnes and William; on the ship Euterpe. Mr John Hanlon is recorded as a mason on the passenger list. The family settled in Terrace End Palmerston North and Mr Hanlon took up work as a builder and mason.
Here their daughter, Miss Sarah Hanlon, met Mr Frederick Oakley, one of the first carpenters in Palmerston North. Mr F Oakley was born May 6 1846, in Walsall, England. He arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand with his parents in 1857, aboard the Indian Queen. He apprenticed into the building trade in Wellington, working for Mr Lockie.
After seven years’ experience he went to Foxton and built the first post office with Mr John Edmund Perrin. On moving to Palmerston North in May of 1871, he and Mr JE Perrin built the first store in the township – belonging to Mr George Mathew Snelson.
Later they partnered with Mr J Perrin's brother-in-law, carpenter and undertaker, Mr Frederick Meyrick. Advertising as carpenters, builders and undertakers, the firm Meyrick, Perrin and Oakley, built most of the early houses in Palmerston North.
A letter Mr J Hanlon wrote to the Manawatū Times was referenced, January 6th, 1877:
“… his daughter laid the “foundation brick” of the first brick cottage ever erected in Palmerston, on 28th December last.”
Mr Hanlon didn't actually specify which daughter.
Miss S Hanlon married Mr F Oakley on the 13th of June 1877, at Saint Patrick’s Church. In doing so they joined two of the earliest building families in Palmerston North.
The Oakley’s had nine children; Helen Agnes b.1878, Rachel Sarah b.1880, Mary Elizabeth Josephina b.1882, Frederick William John b.1884, Mabel Gertrude b.1886, Harold Sylvester b.1888, Francis Claud b.1891, Joseph Mary Francis Xavier b.1898 and Raymond Reginald Louis b.1895. They were predeceased by their youngest son, Raymond, in 1925.
The couple moved to 169 Church Street (later renumbered 457) in 1904, and remained there the rest of their lives. Mr Frederick Oakley died in December of 1930, aged 84 years, and Mrs Sarah Oakley died in July 1938, also aged 84 years. Both are interred at Terrace End Cemetery.
Oakley Street, then unnamed, was drawn into James Mitchell’s plan of 1866. It was surveyed all the way through to Cuba Street. However, the location of the Palmerston North Showgrounds, decided in 1886, altered the earlier plan. Once Oakley Street was formed, it ran from Featherston Street and ended a short way into, and adjoining, sections 295 and 296 of the showgrounds.
Water services were extended to Oakley Street in 1904, and concrete stormwater culverts were completed in 1907. The laying of the main sewer was completed in 1909. In 1910, the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association (A&P) requested that water mains and a fire plug be added to eastern end of Oakley Street. This was a fire precaution, given its vicinity to the showgrounds. The Borough Council approved the plan, providing the Association paid the full cost. After the A&P Association explored options with the Fire Board, a four-inch water main was constructed in Oakley Street in 1911.
Around 1896 the A&P Association rented land from Mr Christensen on, what was then, allotments 1 and 2 of section 295, Oakley Street. This property, described as a sort of island territory in the A&P Association grounds, was successfully claimed by Mrs Catherine C Peters. The Supreme Court allowed that she was the widow of the original grantee, Mr Carl Peters. She was an absentee owner and the land was used intermittently for grazing. The A&P Association repeatedly tried to purchase or lease the Oakley Street land from Mrs Peters.
In 1920 the government authorised taking possession of the land for public purposes, under the Public Works Amendment Act, 1910, and clause 50 of the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1919. As a result, the A&P Association publicly gazetted their intention to acquire the land and made payment based on government valuation. In 1922 this move was nationally criticised and became known as the "Peters Case" when Mrs Peter's son protested the actions – over twelve months after the fact. A detailed overview was provided in the Dominion, volume 16, issue 62, 6 December 1922, page 7.
The sale was finalised in April of 1921 and the A&P Association asked the council to close that portion of Oakley Street; 800 links, being lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 of section 295 southwest Oakley Street, and 100 links on the northwest. A meeting of local electors was called to make the decision in March of 1922. The citizens voted in favour of increasing the A&P Association grounds via this method. A special order was passed by the council in April 1922 and that portion of Oakley Street was closed for A&P Association use.
In May of 1922, Oakley Street residents requested that the footpath be tarred, sanded, kerbed and channelled. They were prepared to pay half the expense. The work was approved in June and completed in November. A second request to have the gas main extended was referred to the Gas Committee and Engineer. By July 1924, residents requested the installation of an electric street lamp to replace the gas lamp recently removed. This was referred to Electric Committee.
In November of 1926 a petition was received from Oakley Street ratepayers highlighting the deteriorating condition of street. The council responded with tidying and improvements. In 1933 the footpaths were reconditioned and top-dressed with tar and sand.
Mrs Thomasina Leigh, nee Collins, lived in Oakley Street from c. 1904. Miss Thomasina Collins was born in Cornwall, England, c. 1838. She came to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1874 on the ship Douglas, arriving in Wellington. Miss T Collins made Palmerston North her home, apart from three years spent in Marton.
Miss Collins had a daughter, Miss Elizabeth Catherine Collins, in 1879.
Mr John James Leigh was born in Somerset, England in 1820. He emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1876 with his wife, Mrs Rebecca Leigh, nee Hayward, and one of their sons. They arrived in 1877 on the ship Marlborough. Mr J Leigh is recorded as a lawyer on the passenger list. Mrs R Leigh died in 1884, at 65 years of age.
Miss Collins married Mr Leigh in 1885. They spent their married life in Palmerston North, where Mr Leigh was caretaker of the Palmerston North Cemetery. Mr John James Leigh died at 76 years of age in 1895.
Mrs Leigh took in boarders and ran livestock for sale from her property. Mrs Thomasina Leigh died in 1924, aged 86 years. She is interred with her husband at Terrace End Cemetery.
Mr and Mrs H Rowland lived in the Manawatū for many years. Mr Herbert Rowland was born in 1853, Worcestershire, England. He followed his older brother, Mr David Rowland, to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1877. His brother was an early settler of Tiakitahuna (also known as Jackey Town). Arriving on the ship Wairoa, Mr H Rowland is recorded as a platelayer on the passenger list.
He moved to the Manawatū and took up land in Pohangina.
Miss Mary Demler (alternatively, Damler and Dammler) was born in 1867 in Rheinland-Palatinate, Germany. She emigrated with her parents and siblings to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1875, on the ship Terpsichore. They arrived in Wellington in 1876.
Mr H Rowland and Miss M Demler married in 1885. They had six children; John b.1886, William Herbert b.1888, Mary Sarah b.1890, Mabel Maria b.1892, Arthur August b.1894 and Grace Eileen b.1906.
In 1889 Mr Rowland sold his Pohangina property to Mr Vallley Calleson, and purchased land from the estate of Mrs Mary Elizabeth Hughey, in Motuiti, Foxton. The family farmed this land until moving to Palmerston North in 1900.
Mr Herbert Rowland died at the family’s Oakley Street residence in September 1911. He was 59 years old and is interred at Terrace End Cemetery. After his death, Mrs Mary Rowland moved to Upper Hutt, where she resided until her death in March of 1963. She was 95 years of age, and is interred at Akatārawa Cemetery.
Mr and Mrs J Hansen lived in Oakley Street from the time of their marriage in 1905. Mr Jorgen Hansen was born in 1878, in Denmark, and Miss Laura Marie Jensen Frost in 1879. Both were immigrants to Aotearoa New Zealand from Scandinavia.
The couple had six children; Paul Carlos b.1906, Carlos Jonathan b.1908, Viggo Daniel b.1910, Axel Josva b.1911, Jens Jorgen Ezra b.1914 and Andreas Frost b.1916.
Mr Hansen sold gravel and dairy livestock, predominantly jersey cows, from their residence on Oakley Street.
Mrs Laura Marie Jensen Hansen died in July of 1943, aged 64 years, and is interred at the Terrace End Cemetery. Mr Jorgen Hansen died in August of 1951, at the age of 73, and is interred at Kelvin Grove Cemetery.
Oakley was predominantly a residential street with some small businesses operating from homes. Mrs Leigh of 4 Oakley Street sold dairy livestock, for example, or Mr J Hansen of 12 Oakley Street sold gravel and dairy livestock. There was also a poultry farm at 6 Oakley Street.
There was a steady trade in the let and sale of property and renting of rooms. In 1905, Mr Ludolph Georg West designed two cottages for Mrs McCartney on the street.
From 1871, Sir James Prendergast owned a large holding directly across the Manawatū River from Palmerston North. The lane is named for the three paddocks, that comprised the homestead block of this Tiritea estate (later known asTuritea). Three Paddock Lane is a private right-of-way accessed off Springdale Grove. April 2019.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
In January 1900 Sir James Prendergast sold his Fitzherbert property at public auction. The autioneers were Messrs Abraham and Williams. This plan of the property was released to the public prior to sale. The orginal homestead block was on sections 186 and 209, and the auction information reads,
“Sections 209 & 186.–Together containing 129 acres 3 roods 25 perches, and fenced on three sides ; fronts a good metalled road, and contains the Manager’s cottage, stable, whare, and dip out-houses, with three small home paddocks, also shearers’ whare on the Southerh [sic] boundary, a small clump of shelter bush, and watered by the Turitea Stream.”
At the time of development in 2019, it was noted that the homestead garden was surrounded by an established macrocarpa hedge. Adjacent to the garden was the 'first paddock’, containing the outline of a barn. Next, was the enclosed ‘second paddock’, with the outline of a structure believed to be a whare for farm staff. Beyond the second paddock was the ‘third paddock’, which extended to, what is now, Springdale Grove.
Three Paddock Lane therefore runs from Springdale Grove to Barber’s Bush Reserve and is situated in the ‘third paddock’.
The grove is named to honour the contribution of the Macpherson family to commerce in Palmerston North. April 2018.
From the late 1890s, Macpherson family businesses have included: grocery, apparel, hospitality and a garden centre. The grove is adjacent to the former retail garden centre, Macphersons Bulk Bins.
The aerial image is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
Mr David Macpherson was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland c. 1855. He emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in October 1877 on the ship Oamaru. Disembarking at Bluff in January of 1878, he pursued business and community interests in Ashburton for 20 years.
In 1880 Mr D Macpherson married Miss Margaret Jane McNutt. Miss MJ McNutt emigrated with her parents to Aotearoa New Zealand c. 1877. She was 21 years of age. Her family settled in Drury, Waikato and she stayed there until her marriage. The couple had six children, Andrew David b.1881, John Norman b.1883, William Leslie b.1886, Joseph Alexander b.1890, Vida Rebecca b.1895 and Fanny Mary b.1904.
In the late 1890s the family came to Palmerston North. Mr D Macpherson managed a grocery department in the United Farmers Co-operative Association, before starting his own business. In 1901, Macpherson the Cash Grocer, opened in premises formerly occupied by Messrs R&E Tingey, next to Mr GH Bennett on the Square. He sold his store in October 1903 to Messrs S Clare and Co., to become secretary to the Licensed Victuallers’ Association.
In 1912 Mr D Macpherson purchased Mr E Anstis’ interest in the Princess Hotel, which provided public accommodation of fifteen rooms. He transferred the publican’s license to Mr Michael O’Reilly in 1914.
Mr D Macpherson remained secretary of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association until his retirement at Manawatū Heads, Foxton Beach, c. 1921.
Mr David Macpherson died May 1927 aged 72 years. Mrs Margaret Jane Macpherson died almost a year later, in April of 1928, aged 72.
Mr and Mrs D Macpherson’s son, Mr William Leslie Macpherson, married Miss Hilda Mary Godwin in 1908. They had four children, Irene Hilda b.1912, Leslie Norman James b.1914, Margaret Betty b.1915 and Lucy Mabel b.1920.
Mr WL Macpherson started out his professional career working for the Premier Drapery Company (PDC), which he left in 1915. He then took a position with Collinson & Cunninghame as Head of Department – Furnishings, and remained there for a decade.
In May 1925, Messers Donald & Macpherson bought out Garner’s on the Square. Mr RC Donald also had had ten-years’ experience at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame. They sold clothes and Manchester.
One of Mr W Macpherson's sisters, Miss Vida or Miss Fanny, may have also been in the clothing business. From July of 1923 Tres Bon, millinery and lingerie, was advertised in local newspapers by Misses Macpherson and Randle. The store was located in the Union Buildings in Coleman Place. In January of 1924 the partnership was dissolved, and Miss Macpherson continued the business until June of 1924, when the closing down sale was advertised.
By August of 1932 Mr W Macpherson went out on his own, becoming an incorporated company. He opened a clothier and mercer store, WL Macpherson Ltd., at 4 Rangitikei Street (two doors down from the Bank of New Zealand). Within two years WL Macpherson Ltd., men’s outfitters, was relocated to 126 the Square, late Mr ED Wycherley’s premises next to McKenzies, where it operated for many years.
Macpherson's Menswear was sold to the Millers Group. It remained a registered company until 1987. Millers Fashion eventually moved into the Plaza, until closing in 2017.
Mr W Macpherson was also well-known for his commitment and service to education, like his father Mr D Macpherson, who was elected to the Ashburton School Committee in 1893 and served as chairman from 1896 to 1898. Mr W Macpherson served on the Terrace End School Committee for ten years from 1924. He became treasurer in 1926 and took over as chairman in 1933.
He was an Instructor in Salesmanship at the Palmerston North Technical College from 1929, and a staff member of the Commercial Department for some years following.
Mr W Macpherson was also involved in the Palmerston North Girls’ High School Parents Association in the 1930s. He served on the Intermediate School Committee from 1943 to 1944.
From the 1940s Mr W Macpherson was president of the Manawatu Wairarapa Drapers’, Clothiers’ and Boot Retailers’ Association. He was also vice-president of the Manawatu-Wairarapa Employers’ Association and president of the Palmerston North Retailer’s Association. It is in the latter role that this image appeared in the Manawatū Times of November 1944, and is accessed on Papers Past.
Mr William Leslie Macpherson died in June 1963 at 77 years of age. Mrs Hilda Mary Macpherson died a month later, aged 78.
Mr and Mrs WL Macpherson’s son, Mr Leslie Norman James Macpherson, married Miss Amy Adelaide Saunders in 1937. They they had four children, David William b.1937, Neal Ivan b.1943, Ruth Ellen b.1945 and Peter Leslie.
Mr Peter Leslie Macpherson was to return to the hospitality business first entered by his great grandfather, Mr D Macpherson, almost sixty years earlier. The Coachman Motel was built at 134, 136 and 138 Fitzherbert Avenue by PL Macpherson Holdings Ltd., in 1971.
In the Manawatū Standard, 2nd June 1984, Mr PL Macpherson announced the extension of the motel over the following twelve months, with a three storey 42-room hotel complex at 140, 142 and 144 Fitzherbert Avenue. Once completed, the strikingly stone-clad Coachman comprised 80 rooms with 220 beds, conference rooms, lecture rooms, a library, restaurant, lounge and bar, gymnasium, sauna, spa and swimming pools. The basement carpark could accommodate over 60 vehicles. The architect was Jack Canlon.
PL Macpherson Holdings Ltd., owned the hotel until 2006, when it was sold to Mr Brendan Hapeta, Mrs Leonie Hapeta and Mrs Ali McLean. At the present time it is in the hands of Distinction Hotels, who took ownership in 2018.
Mr and Mrs LNJ Macpherson’s son, Mr Peter Leslie Macpherson, was married to Mrs Cynthia Anne Macpherson. Mr Colin Peter Macpherson is their son, and he is married to Mrs Wendy Macpherson.
Mr CP Macpherson is a Palmerston North native, who attended Awatapu College in his youth.
Colin Macpherson’s Garden Centre was established at 261 Napier Road in 1993. It expanded into the retail trade in 1994 with the addition of a shop on site. The gift shop was updated in 2001. As well as the nursery, Mr C Macpherson specialised in bulk mixes such as vegetable or lawn mix. From 2020 this became the sole focus of the business, Macphersons Bulk Bins. Customers also commented on the excellent selection of succulents in the gift store.
Macphersons Bulk Bins closed in 2024. Combined with Colin Macpherson’s Garden Centre – a business endeavour of over thirty years.
The Macpherson family have been contributing to commerce and community in Palmerston North for over 125 years.
In 1953 Arthur Hopwood gifted the city of Palmerston North £10,000 for the construction of a clock tower, to house the clock and chimes removed from the Post Office after the 1942 earthquake. It was completed in 1957. Originally it included a sound shell (stage) at the base, but this was removed c1990. In 2007 the clock tower was refurbished and the structure now includes a lantern style cross at the top.
A cross was first affixed to the top of the Clock Tower in The Square, Palmerston North, in December 1960. Although intended to be temporary it became permanant. In 1981 local Christians paid for a new, permanant cross, with the Palmerston North City Council paying for installation and maintenance. The 'new' cross subsequently blew down in 2006 and was replaced by a lantern style cross in 2007. Having a cross on top of the Clock Tower has been debated throughout the years.
At 6.30am, 26 March 2006, a gust of wind felled the controversial cross on the top of Palmerston North's clock tower. In 1981 a permanant cross was erected by the Palmerston North City Council, relacing the temporary cross erected each Christmas. The cross on the Clock Tower has generated strong debate in the city over the years as evidenced by frequent letters to the editor and Council debates. At the time of the felling, plans had already been made, and hotly debated, to refurbish the clock tower and to replace the cross with a lantern style cross. This subsequently went ahead in 2007.