James Hooker Residence, 236 St Aubyn Street (circa 1886-87)

This house was likely constructed by/for expressman James Hooker about 1886-87.

No house is indicated on Skinner's 1880 map as being present on Town Section 77, however, by at least the 1887-88 rating year (the earliest known surviving rates book covering Hooker's ownership), a house (almost certainly the present dwelling) and stables is noted as being present on the property. Hooker first appears in street directories for the area about 1887-88; he previously appears to have resided in Young Street. 

The property was purchased about 1895-96 by lawyer John Wilson, who retained ownership until July 1900 when it was purchased by T. Sole. 

SO739, surveyed in November 1896, notes the position of the stables at the rear of the present dwelling, partially extending across the rear Town Section 51; John Wilson is noted as the occupier of both Sections 77 & 51 at this time.

This style of home is now very uncommon in New Plymouth, with only a few examples remaining. Whilst the home has been re-clad, and its original windows altered, it does seem to retain its original front door.  

The front western gable was probably added around 1944, at which time the present plaster cladding may have been added.

Related items:

Town Section 77, Taranaki Land Deeds Index I1 page 272. (Archives New Zealand)

Taranaki SO739 Sheet 1 (1896), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki (Lot 2) DP6310 (1946), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)