15 Cracroft Street (circa 1882)

Whilst the history of this home is not certain, it was probably constructed by/for William Gribbon in 1882.

Section 10 of Block 93, Raleigh West, was granted to 'Hamiria' in June 1872. Then, in February 1882, whilst still owned by Hamiria, a mortgage was taken out by Gribbon against the property; this is thought to relate to the construction of the present home, and aligns with the first mention of Gribbon residing in Waitara.

In February 1885, it was reported in the Taranaki Herald that the property title for section 10 of Block 93 was to be issued under The Land Transfer Act - Hamiria, living at Pungarehu, was still the owner, and William Gribbon the occupier of the section. 

Nothing is currently known about Hamiria, although William Gribbon appears to have been a fisherman, and then a shopkeeper, before later moving to Mokau. William died in 1905 at New Plymouth Hospital. 

The present house at 15 Cracroft Street can be clearly seen in the background of two pre-1900 photographs of Waitara; one taken in the 1880s, and the other in 1895. 

The home has a distinctive return gable roof, and front veranda - it has been re-clad, and the original windows replaced. 

See: Taranaki Land Deeds Index I10, page 286. A copy of the property title is required to confirm history from 1885 onwards.