St Kilda : Charles Burgess Residence (1897)

Constructed in 1897 for Charles Burgess, this two-storey Frank Messenger designed villa is one of New Plymouth's most admired homes, located on one of the city's most prestigious streets. Plans for the original house and various alterations are held by Puke Ariki.

ON 13 April 1897 the Taranaki Herald (p.2) reported that the council had agreed to a cutting in Gilbert Street to allow timber to be moved to Burgess' new house. In May (Taranaki Herald 26 May 1897 p.3)  the architect, Frank Messenger, called for tenders. 

The property was put up for auction by the Burgess' in February 1906, as well as much of their furniture - which was to be sold without reserve. (Taranaki Herald 22 February 1906 p.4). The same newspaper reported the following day that 'St Kilda' failed to attract a bid higher that £1600 and was "knocked down" to Mr A.R. Standish, acting as an agent for another party. 

Charles was a partner in the prominent local firm Burgess Fraser & Co, and mayor of New Plymouth from 1915-1919. Both Charles and his wife Ann were heavily involved in patriotic work - for which they both received an MBE. 

During the First World War, Mrs Burgess formed the Women's Patriotic Committee, held fundraisers for food parcels for soldiers leaving for war, and made her home available for returned soldiers' various functions.

She is credited with organising the first Anzac Day gathering of returned soldiers and relief workers in 1918, which she continued to do until ill-health forced her to hand it to the RSA in 1947.

Mrs Burgess organised the afternoon teas held after each Anzac Day reunion, but when these became too large to be accommodated in the Burgesses' home in Mangorei (then named Hapurunui, now known as Burgess Park), they were held in the Army Drill Hall in the town.

About 1000 people would attend these teas, after the small beginnings of just a few and, after the death of Mrs Burgess, they continued as a memorial to the woman lovingly known as "Mother" to so many returned servicemen.

The RSA acknowledged her efforts with a Gold Star award, their highest honour, and life membership.

As members of the War Graves Committee, the couple helped set up the Soldiers' Plot in Te Hēnui Cemetery, and donated the Cross of Sacrifice (also located at Te Hēnui Cemetery) in 1927.

The Burgess' lived in the house until 1919, when they shifted to "Hapurunui" or Burgess House, at Burgess Park.

The home's exterior is in largely original condition, being clad in plain weatherboards with several verandahs. 

The residence has a Heritage New Zealand Category II listing.