39 Young Street (now at 172 Rata Street, Inglewood)

The history of this cottage is largely unknown, and the ownership records are incomplete. Town Section 168 was granted to a Mr Hooker (by exchange) in 1858 - it is likely this was Henry Hooker. 

In 1879 (Taranaki Herald, 24 March 1879 p.3) Section 168 was advertised for sale by C. W. Govett 'with eight roomed house' - possibly the present building on the corner of Young Street and Water Lane. However, it is unclear if the section sold, as nothing is noted in the deed register, and in 1897 (Taranaki Herald, 22 May 1897 p.3) the section was subject to the Land Transfer Act - applicant Mrs Hooker, wife of Henry Hooker - so it still appears to be in Hooker's possession. In 1899, the owner of the small section on which the cottage is located is listed as being L. Callaghan, with the remainder of town section 168 still in the ownership of Henry Hooker.

The Hookers were also key witnesses in a court trial for an arson case in St Aubyn Street in the 1880s. At this time, they lived in Young Street, and owned a home, and also a cottage - which was let to the occupants of the home which was destroyed by the fire. It is suggested that the Hooker's may have lived in the corner house, whilst the cottage at 39 Young Street was the one let to the couple whose home was destroyed by arson (the wife was eventually convicted of the arson). 

Following the removal of the cottage, it could be seen that the cottage was built on large stone piles, and that the fireplace sat on large hewn andesite blocks, with another large block at the front door - presumably as a front step. Underneath the cottage was a large amount of rubbish, including broken crockery and bottle glass (including some embedded in cement) and other bottles with hand-applied tops.

Town Section 168, Taranaki Land Deed Index I3 page 248.

(The cottage was moved off the site in early June 2017 - now in Inglewood opposite the High School at 172 Rata Street)