Bewley and Griffiths Building (1903-04)

History                       

This row of shops was constructed for (from East to West) Messrs Bewley & Griffiths (auctioneers, sharebrokers and produce merchants), Mr Grayson, Willie Dingle, and William Courtney - in stages between 1903 and 1904. The buildings were designed by prominent New Plymouth architect James Sanderson, with the building permit register listing an estimated cost of £2700.

In November 1903 Bewley and Griffiths moved into their new premises - the eastern-most  shop in the row (36-38 Devon Street East) - and held their first auction in the new building on 28 November 1903 at 1:30pm (Taranaki Herald 28 November 1903 p.4). Bewley and Griffiths is thought to have occupied the premises for some time. Later the building was occupied by another auction firm L. A. Nolan, who occupied the store for several decades; to many New Plymouth residents the store became affectionately known as "The Mart".

34 Devon Street East was constructed for Mr Grayson, and the first occupants of the premises were thought to have been W. W. Murton - Ironmongers (moved in early 1904)

32 Devon Street East was constructed for Willie Dingle, and he was the first occupant - furniture maker (moved in April/May 1904)

30 Devon Street East was constructed for William Courtney and the first occupant of the premises is thought to have been H. Cocker - Tea Merchant (moved in November/October 1904)

Design and current condition

30-38 Devon Street East is divided into 4 main sections of differing sizes - possibly in response to the sloping ground of the Devon Street hill. Masonry walls divide each section, and the façade is constructed from timber. 

When constructed, the façades were all of a similar style: clad in horizontal ship-lap weatherboards with sash windows (three in the eastern section, two each in the middle sections, and one in the western section). The facades were highly detailed - probably to give the impression of stone.

In their current condition the facades retain very little of their original detailing, no original windows, and are clad in a range of materials.

History of Town Section 910

Town Section 910 was advertised for sale by auction in April-May 1899 (Taranaki Herald 14 April 1899 p.3) as part of J. C. Sharland's estate - the section had two houses on it at this time.