G. Syme & Co. Showrooms (1927)

This building at 109 High Street was built in 1927 for G. Syme & Co. as furnishing showrooms and caused the Hawera Star to declare that the commercial hub of Hawera deserved to be seen, "architecturally, at least - as one of the brightest provincial centres".   

The showrooms were designed by the well-known local architects, Duffill & Gibson. The contactor was Arthur Brown, with other work carried out as follows: W.A. Adams (plastering), C. Kneebone (plumbing), C.H. Brough (painting). Syme & Co.'s own staff fitted out the building. 

The building is now located next to the new Hāwera library and cultural centre, Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, after the demolition of neighbouring buildings. While the building is currently in poor condition, there are features from the original plan that can still be seen above the verandah.

Related items:

Hawera Crown Grant Map (1899), Archives New Zealand. 

Taranaki (Lots 1 & 3) DP3822 Sheet 1 (1919), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Tender Advertisement (Hawera Star 5 April 1927)