Whites Limited Building (1922/1934)

This building, constructed in two stages during 1922 and 1934 betwen Currie and Brougham Streets, was occupied by well-known New Plymouth drapery firm Whites Ltd for much of the twentieth century. 

Whites was founded by Stephen Boothby White, who was born at Luborough England and educated at Lowth. He immigrated to New Zealand in 1880 and after a short time farming at Ōmata, took a position with businessman Newton King, and later with lawyer Mr Henry R. Richmond. In 1888 he started in business on his own account, first taking over Mr Handy’s general store in Eliot Street, before opening a drapery shop under the name S. B. White in Devon Street during 1896. His two sons, Percy J. H. White and George S. White, became partners in the Devon Street business in April 1904. The firm then traded under the name S. B. White & Sons, which it retained until 1920, when the firm became a limited liability company under the name Whites Ltd. 

The wide eastern bay of this building was constructed in 1922 and was designed by noted New Plymouth architect Thomas Herbert Bates. The narrower western bay was added in 1934 in a similar style, this time with Griffiths and Stephenson the architects (although replicating Bates' original design on the façade).

1922 Reconstruction

A permit was granted to White & Son on 6 January 1922 for 'alterations to shop' on Town Section 905, Devon Street - J. T Julian & Son were the contractors, and the estimated construction cost was £3000. A newspaper report noted that these alterations included the construction of new side walls in brick and reinforced concrete, for which the foundations were sunk to a depth of 21ft 6in to enable the construction of a further two floors at a later date if required. The front façade was also erected at this time, with its modern appearance testament to the skill of architect Thomas Herbert Bates who designed the additions. 

1934 Extension

A permit was granted to Whites Ltd on 4 January 1934 for the construction of business premises (replacing wooden building) on Part Town Sections 905 and 906, Devon Street West - Boon Bros. were the contractors, and the estimated construction cost was £4600. 

New Plymouth architects Griffiths and Stephenson designed the building. The original plans, dated September 1933, are held by Puke Ariki: ARC2005-120

In February 1935, soon after the addition opened, the store experienced a major flood and suffered significant stock losses. Another flood in 1971 also caused considerable damage. 

Shortly after celebrating a 100 years of business in 1988 it was announced that the store would close and the site was to be redeveloped. These ambitious plans for a "mall-type complex" did not eventuate and the building remains intact on the south-side of Devon Street West. 

Related documents:

First occasion of direct telephone communication between New Plymouth and London (Taranaki Herald 16 March 1932)

A New Store with New Merchandise (Taranaki Herald 23 October 1934)

Growing with New Plymouth (Taranaki Herald 5 November 1934)

Whites Limited Jubilee Supplement (Taranaki Daily News 5 March 1938)

P.J.H. White Obituary (Taranaki Daily News 17 December 1942)

Whites 60th birthday (Taranaki Herald 28 February 1948)

Store plans year of celebration (Taranaki Herald 23 April 1988)

Big Central City Store To Close (Taranaki Herald 18 May 1988)

A Family Legacy Set In Concrete (Daily News 31 August 1992)