Stainton Lane

When a narrow lane was developed in Fitzroy in 1974 to provide access off Clinton Street to the shops, the Fitzroy Businessmen's Association suggested the roadway be called Stainton Lane.

Percy Vernon Edmond Stainton was born and educated in Auckland. He fell in love with New Plymouth girl Olive Ambury and, around 1917, they moved here to live. He became a successful businessman owning the firm Stainton and Co., land valuers and stock-brokers. But it is his contribution to the community that was the most remarkable.

Stainton was chairman of the Hospital Board for 33 years. He was secretary of the Pukekura Park Committee for 44 years and president of New Plymouth's Crippled Children Society for 27 years. There were also roles in a myriad other organisations. In fact, it is probable that no one in New Plymouth's history has held more positions in local organisations than Stainton. The Taranaki Herald editorial said of him on his death that "with him community service was a passion. The range of his interests was remarkable."

He was also a borough councillor for 13 years including time as deputy mayor. Stainton had a keen interested in local sport. He was president of the New Plymouth Cricket Club and patron of both the Fitzroy Surf Club and the Taranaki Boxing Association.

These roles were not merely sinecures however. He was a ring announcer at boxing association events and played a prominent role in the early development of Sanders Park as a cricket ground. He was a cricket umpire to minor association level and donated the Stainton Cup to Taranaki cricket, the awarding of which acknowledges outstanding contributions by an individual to the local game.

The trophy, Stainton Lane and Stainton Dell in Pukekura Park are some of the last vestiges of his considerable presence in New Plymouth as the Stainton Block (previously wards 1-5) was demolished as part of the recent reconstruction work at the hospital.

Percy Stainton, MBE and OBE, died aged 74 in 1968.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.