Corney Building (1927)

This building, along with the building on its left in the photograph, were built in 1927 by Boon Bros. Building permits were issued for both buildings on 8 September, 1927; the one for this building was issued to George Arthur Corney. The estimated cost was £2,000 as opposed to £1,700 for the smaller building next door. 

Although owned by different businesses the two buildings were obviously built at the same time and the external facades complement each other. The architect is unknown although some features indicate they may have been designed by the firm Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor.

Corney, a draper, had opened a business - Excelsior Drapery Co. - in Devon Street East in 1891 (Taranaki Herald 27 June 1891). On 27 January 1897 the Taranaki Herald reported that Corney had moved next door to the Herald's premises in Devon Street East, which had been extensively renovated and were now "one of the most commodious in town". This building was demolished to make way for the new two-storey concrete building erected in 1927.

In 1936 George Corney sold the business to his stepson, Victor Hugh Beal. 

George Corney died on 13 July 1939, after a lengthy spell of ill-health. He maintained a keen interest in the business, calling in each afternoon up until his death.  (Taranaki Herald 14 July 1939)

Related item:

Town Section 908, Taranaki Land Deed Index I3 page 347. (Archives New Zealand