The 'Grog Shop' (c1850s - 1961)

This building was located on the corner of Powderham and Silver Streets - about where the entrance is to the present New Plymouth Courthouse. When it was demolished in 1961 it was described as one of the oldest houses in New Plymouth.

The name comes from its reputation gained during the Taranaki Wars, when it was apparently used as a 'grog shop' by the Imperial regiments. It was later occupied by the stonemason, Phillip Moon, grandfather of long-time Taranaki Herald employee, Hercules Moon.

For many years the Department of Justice had owned land in the area and as plans finally firmed toward the construction of a new courthouse for New Plymouth the old buildings in the area were demolished. Silver Street ran between Powderham and Devon Street West and was closed off when development began.  

Part of Town Section 675, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 456.

Related documents and plans:

Building may be 120 years old (Taranaki Herald 4 February 1960)

Old 'grog' shop being demolished (Taranaki Herald 1 December 1960)

The Last of the Colonials #25 (Taranaki Herald 10 June 1961)

Fireplace found below ground level (Taranaki Herald 16 December 1961)

Taranaki DP618 Sheet 1 Town Section 661 and part Town Section 675 (1894), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP5038 Sheet 1 (1928), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)