James Rielly's Cottage (1895-1896)

Whilst this small cottage doesn't feature on Skinner's 1880 Map of New Plymouth, it is clearly present (along with neighbouring 106 Young Street), in the background of a photograph held by Puke Ariki dated 1896 (PHO2005-059). No persons are listed as living in this location on Young Street in the 1895 edition of Stones Street Directory, but two persons are listed as living in this location in the 1896 edition. It is thus suggested that this cottage, and also neighbouring 106 Young Street, were both constructed in either late 1895 or early 1896.

James Rielly is the presumed builder of this cottage. He purchased Town Section 127 from the 'Father of New Plymouth', Frederick Alonzo Carrington, in June 1897, although he is already listed as living at 102 Young Street in the 1896 edition of Stones Street Directory.

The 1894-95 NPBC rates book makes no mention of a house on Town Section 127, however by the 1896-97 rating year a house (almost certainly the present dwelling) is noted as being present, with the property valued at £10.

Rielly sold Town Section 127 to John William Alldridge in 1901, with Alldridge residing in the cottage himself. The section was sold by Alldridge to Truman (?) in 1903, and then again in 1905 to J. West. The cottage seems to have been rented out by West to a number of different people during his period of ownership. 

In 1920 the section was subdivided and the cottage at 106 Young Street was sold to 'Easthope'. In 1923, this cottage was sold by J. West to J. H. Inch, who retained ownership until at least 1927, when the property title was issued under the Land Transfer Act.

This cottage has rarity value as a late nineteenth century workers cottage now uncommon in New Plymouth; its significance is enhanced by the presence of 106 Young Street. The cottage has had its original windows replaced, with the stone piles a particular feature. 

See Taranaki Land Deeds Index I5, page 8, and I12, page 137