State Lane

This entrance to this lane is on Gover Street and runs beside and behind what was once the Red House Hotel and more recently, Cobb and Co and Joe's Garage, it exits on Courtney Street. The lane is used as a service lane for surrounding businesses.

In 1937 the hotel was renamed the State Hotel and this is where this service lane derives its name, though it was not until 1980 the lane was given this title.

Prior to 1937, the Red House Hotel had a strong association with a local rugby club who adopted this name as a title for its club. The Red House Club grew in popularity but those concerned with the social stigma of being associated with a hotel, pressed to have the name changed. So it became the Star Rugby Club in 1889. In the early 1900’s, practices for the Star Rugby Club were held in a shed located in the hotel grounds.  Despite the clubs name change it is quite likely club members enjoyed a well-earned beer or two after a strenuous practice at the Red House.  

Interestingly the title “State” was given to many entities including cinemas, hotels, insurance companies, housing projects and streets in New Zealand.  The name reflects a sense of pride in New Zealand society and the welfare state that was instrumental in New Zealand’s recovery from the depression in the mid 30’s. Many New Zealanders enjoyed a high standard of living at the time and attributed it to the New Zealand’s early adoptions of the welfare state.

It might therefore be concluded that our association with welfare and state, was as ingrained in our psyche as beer and rugby. You would never guess that this innocuous service lane could provide such valuable social commentary.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.