Weston Street

When Henry Weston bought the Taranaki Herald in 1867 he secured a family interest in the paper that was to last just short of 100 years. His father, John James Weston, emigrated from England with the intention of establishing a paper, but was deterred by Charles Hursthouse, who misleadingly stated that plans were afoot for a local paper.

The Weston family arrived in 1850 and set up the family farm at Ōmatā. The First Taranaki War of 1860 led four of the five sons to leave the province, but Henry stayed. He spent a few years gaining experience and resources before buying the Taranaki Herald for £750. A colleague of the time expounded "Weston ever cast (through the Herald) upon the side of what he deemed to be just and in the truest interest of the town".

Henry was a member of the Harbours Board, vice-president of the New Plymouth Savings Bank, a justice of the peace and was influential in campaigning for the establishment of the mountain house. Throughout his life his chief concern was the Herald.

It is said there was seldom a working day when he did not appear at the desk, "his invariable kindness and thoughtfulness, especially in time of trouble, earned the affectionate regard of those who were fortunate enough to be in his service". Even Mr Weston's looks were worthy of comment and to his staff he was "a tall, handsome, full-bearded man and a considerate employer".

Weston Street, the cul-de-sac near Port Taranaki, is on land Henry developed. His family home was an extensive garden property on lower Carrington St on the present site of the New Plymouth District Council building. Henry never had children of his own and died in 1920 at the age of 82. He is buried alongside family members in the churchyard at The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.