Government Buildings, Tauranga, 1874-1902 (Place)

SummaryDesigned in the Italianate style by Colonial Architect William Henry Clayton and built by Auckland contractors Bennett & Kaye. The foundation block was laid on 25 April 1874 in a public ceremony led by Mrs Thomas Wrigley, with a time capsule of coins and a Bay of Plenty Times issue placed beneath. The site had previously been occupied by the Mission Institute (1862), later used as commissariat, hospital, and public offices.

At the time it was the second-largest wooden structure in New Zealand. It housed the Post and Telegraph Department, the Resident Magistrate’s Court, and other government offices, and was used for public meetings and community events.

Destroyed by fire, 16 November 1902 resulting in loss of all council and government records; only the chimney stacks remained. Government offices were dispersed around the town until John Campbell’s Edwardian Baroque replacement was completed on the site in 1906.SourcesRorke, J. (1988). Government Buildings, Tauranga. Pp. 1-8.The Old Post Office, TaurangaBay of Plenty Times: 1873, March 01. Editorial regarding lack of.Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, February 04. Article about new Government Buildings.Bay of Plenty Times: 1877, March 28Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, April 04Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, April 11Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, April 15. Erection commenced.Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, April 25. Laying of first block.Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, May 30. Editorial – Problems with drainage for foundations.Bay of Plenty Times: 1874, October 16 Tenders will be received for fitting up the Court HouseBay of Plenty Times: 1902, November 17. The Government Buildings in Tauranga were destroyed by fireBay of Plenty Times: 1904, June 24. "New Post Office and Court House for Tauranga"

Photographs

Stories - Articles

Our People (authority)

Stories - Events

Supporting PDF

Our Places (authority)

The Government Buildings circa 1900. Photo 99-340

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Government Buildings, Tauranga, 1874-1902 (Place)

Known Date/s

Date Built1874Date Demolished1902

Location

Map Address51, Willow Street, Tauranga, 3110, New ZealandLocationCorner of Willow Street and Harrington Street51 Willow Street (current)41 Harrington Street (previous)Latitude/Longitude^[1]

Relates To

Start here:Government Buildings, Tauranga, 1906- (Place)

Admin

AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | Place

Start typing here to find a location	Latitude	Longitude	Zoom	Actions

loading google map....

Save Cancel

Menu

Government Buildings, Tauranga, 1874-1902 (Place)