A quiet lockdown walk through Timaru Cemetery led to the discovery of a striking monument and the story of a remarkable man — Richard Turnbull. From his arrival in a fledgling settlement to shaping Timaru’s business, politics and port, his legacy spans over 160 years and still echoes in the buildings we stand in today. Discover how one family helped build a community.
During the long and uncertain days of lockdown, many of us turned to local places for a sense of connection. For me, that place was the cemetery. Walking among the headstones, reading the names, and researching the stories behind them became a quiet comfort.
One day, I came across a striking obelisk near the oldest part of the cemetery. It stood where the chapel used to be, directly facing what would once have been the entrance. At first, I assumed it was a headstone. But as I looked closer, I realised it was a monument, placed not by family, but by friends, in memory of a man named Richard Turnbull.
Behind that monument is the family grave where Richard lies today. I thought to myself, this must have been someone truly special, for friends to go to such lengths. Since then, I have learned a great deal about Richard’s life and legacy, and it is easy to see why he was so well regarded. In my view, he stands among the key colonial pioneers of Timaru.
His name is even on the building where we are gathered tonight. I would like to share some of what I have discovered since noticing Richard’s monument.
From Oxford to the Canterbury Plains
Richard Turnbull was born in Oxford, England in 1826. He spent eleven years farming near Christchurch before moving to Timaru in 1864 with his wife Mary and their six children. At the time, Timaru was still a very small settlement.
To place that in context:
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In 1851, the Rhodes brothers had arrived to set up a sheep station.
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In 1856, ‘Yankie Sam’ Williams was running a small accommodation house while working for the Rhodes.
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In 1857, Captain Cain had begun establishing a general store and a landing service for Henry Le Cren.
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That same year, Alfred Woollcombe arrived as the Government’s representative.
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In 1859, the Strathallan arrived from the United Kingdom, carrying 110 passengers. One woman aboard wrote that she would be content if Timaru were a quarter the size of London. Imagine her surprise on arrival, when she saw only five houses in sight.
By 1864, when Richard and Mary arrived, the population had grown to around 400 people, and the first wool bales were being shipped directly from Timaru to London.
Merchant, Councillor and Community Builder
Richard wasted no time in establishing himself. He opened a general store, Clarkson and Turnbull, with business partner David Clarkson. Their premises stood where The Oxford building is today.
The pair relied on the landing service for goods, and in 1867 became the first exporters of flour from Timaru to London. This marked the beginning of the Turnbull merchant story.
In 1865, Richard was elected to the first Municipal Council of Timaru. He combined his business work with public service, showing a strong commitment to the community.
The year 1868 was a turning point. Richard and Mary welcomed their tenth child, whom they named David Clarkson Turnbull in honour of Richard’s business partner. But the year also brought disaster. A fire, driven by a fierce north-westerly wind, swept through the business district. In just three hours, 38 wooden buildings were destroyed, including the Clarkson and Turnbull store and the Turnbull family home behind it.
The partnership ended, with Clarkson opening a shop in Christchurch and later selling it to the Ballantyne family. At age 43, Richard rebuilt on the corner site and ran the business for another year. He also constructed a warehouse up the hill for his merchant and auctioneering enterprise, which later became known as Turnbull’s Hall and eventually the Theatre Royal.
A Vision for the Port
In 1873, Richard hosted a public meeting in his warehouse. Seven hundred locals gathered to discuss the future of Timaru’s port. Richard had long recognised that the town’s growth depended on having a reliable and efficient port. Years earlier, he had minted a token to use as currency in his shop, which featured a dream image of a harbour, even before Timaru became an official port of entry.
The 1873 meeting led to the establishment of the Timaru Harbour Board. Work on the breakwater began in 1878, though not without opposition. Government marine engineer John Blackett warned that the new structure might disrupt coastal sediment flows. He even recommended the breakwater be destroyed.
Many locals were unconvinced by Blackett’s opinion. In protest, they constructed an effigy of him, paraded it through the town, filled it with fireworks and blew it up.
Over the years, around 30 ships were wrecked off Timaru’s coast. It is easy to understand why Richard and others considered the breakwater essential. Remarkably, Timaru’s was one of only two independently owned ports in the country, the other being Tauranga. Local ratepayers were both investors and owners of the port.
Wheat, Wool and Frozen Meat
Since the 1860s, wool had been Timaru’s primary export. Between 1870 and 1913, Canterbury held over half of New Zealand’s wheat land. Mills lined the port skyline. In 1885, freezing works were established, supporting the growing frozen meat trade.
All these industries needed intermediaries. Richard’s business played a crucial role, connecting farmers with global markets.
In 1878, he was elected to Parliament as the Member for Timaru. He served on the Canterbury Provincial Council and continued his work on the Harbour Board. To support his growing responsibilities, Richard’s son David left school at 15 to help in the family business.
Richard died in 1890, aged 64, in Wellington while Parliament was sitting. Hundreds lined the streets for his funeral procession. The scale of the tribute reflected the deep impact he had made on the lives of South Cantabrians through his work, service and leadership.
The Turnbull Legacy Continues
In 1894, David Clarkson Turnbull started his own business, D. C. Turnbull and Co. In 1901, he purchased the Miles Archer and Co buildings on Strathallan Street and asked his architect brother James to design new offices at the front. These buildings, including the brick wool store, are now recognised by Heritage New Zealand as Category II historic places.
This was a prime location, directly connected to rail and shipping networks, and across the road from the Customs House. D. C. Turnbull and Co continued to grow, even acquiring a ship to help carry exports such as grain, wool and meat to overseas markets.
This same site has a rich commercial history. In the late 1850s, Henry Le Cren and Captain Cain had established Timaru’s first store and landing service here. Le Cren was the third person to set up business in the settlement, following encouragement from the Rhodes brothers.
Later, Le Cren sold his landing service to the Provincial Government and his merchant firm to Miles and Co Ltd in 1867. Richard Turnbull, along with others, built the blue stone landing service building on George Street, later selling it to Captain Cain.
Miles Archer and Co became a leading firm in wool and stock trading. They even constructed a tunnel under The Terrace in 1881 to connect their warehouses to the tramway network. In 1895, the business was liquidated, and the buildings passed to John Mee. In 1901, David Turnbull acquired the site and carried on the family tradition.
Service Through War and Change
During the First World War, David Turnbull loaned ships to the navy, which were converted for use as minesweepers. He also served as an ambulance driver with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force from 1916 to 1918. These were challenging times. The war, the Wall Street Crash, and the Great Depression sent agricultural prices tumbling. Farmers stopped spending, and businesses struggled to stay afloat. Despite all this, the Turnbull name endured. Today, that legacy is carried forward by Turnbull Grain and Seed, established in 2015.
Why Stories Like Richard's Matter
This story began with a quiet walk through a cemetery, a tall monument, and a sense of curiosity. It led to a remarkable tale of courage, enterprise and community spirit. From a handful of families, Timaru grew to become a centre of commerce, trade and innovation.
Richard Turnbull’s story shows us that businesses are often the foundations of a community. And the buildings we preserve are more than just bricks. They are containers of memory, meaning and identity.
I agree with Richard’s friends. He deserves to be remembered. His story reminds us that through our work, our families and our service, we can make a lasting difference.
Thank you to everyone involved in preserving and restoring this remarkable building. I cannot wait to see its next chapter unfold.
Richards Turnbull (1826-1890)
Richard was in the thick of local and national politics helping Timaru and wider area establish. From his 1864 corner store, to his auction and merchant company, Richard’s legacy is still felt today.
His family, political & business legacy. D.C. Turnbull & Co’s roots reach into Timaru’s first store, owned by Henry Le Cren, and the foundations laid by David’s father, Richard Turnbull. He was instrumental in family, business and politics, helping to establish the young Timaru township and region. His efforts still impact the opportunity and progress of South Canterbury, an important legacy.
1864
Richard Turnbull, along with his wife Mary, moved to Timaru and opened a general store with David Clarkson under the name Clarkson & Turnbull. They were the first to export flour to the UK. In 1865, they issued a penny token to promote the idea of a new harbour. Richard Turnbull was born in 1826 in Oxford, England, and arrived in Timaru in 1864 after farming for 11 years in Halswell, Christchurch. In 1851, he married Mary Hephzibah Watts (1829–1912). They had 14 children.
Mary 1852-1852
Thomas 1853-1933
Katherine 1855-1931
Charles 1856-1874
Ellen 1858-1936
Arthur 1860-1919 MERCHANT
Esther 1862-1898
James 1864-1947 ARCHITECT
Richard 1866-1867 MERCHANT
David 1868-1951
Saxby 1869-unknown
Ethel 1872-1947
Gerald 1874-1875
Wilfred 1875 - unknown
Timaru was declared a Port of Entry in 1861, making it still a young settlement when Richard, along with his business partner and relative by marriage, David Clarkson, opened Clarkson and Turnbull’s footwear and clothing store on the corner of George and Stafford Streets in 1864, with a later branch in Temuka. Elected to the Municipal Council 1865.
They were the first to export flour from Timaru to London in 1867, expanding into wool and wheat. In 1867, Richard, Henry Le Cren, Capt. Henry Cain, and G.G. Russell established a landing service at George Street, with a bluestone Landing Services Building, and sold it a year later. Richard and Mary’s son, David, was born in 1868 and named after David Clarkson.
1869 Richard rebuilt the Corner Store and family home after the ‘Great Fire‘ of 1868, which destroyed 3/4 of the CBD, and constructed a warehouse a year later.
The "Great Fire of 1868" destroyed their wooden family home and store. They were only partially insured.
The fire started on Bank Street and, fueled by a nor’wester, swept through three blocks, reducing 38 buildings, (3/4 of the CBD) to ashes.
At 43 years old, Richard rebuilt his store on the
same site. David moved to Christchurch.
In 1870, Richard built a bluestone warehouse for his merchant business where the Theatre Royal stands today. In 1873, he became a councillor and used this warehouse as a town hall to host a historic public meeting that led to the formation of the Timaru Harbour Board. Richard successfully secured a £100,000 grant to build the Timaru breakwater. He joined Harbour Board in 1878 and served until 1883. 144 years later, his great-great-grandson Andrew helped secure the major Timaru and Tauranga Port deal in 2013 a new era for PrimePort with increased freight.
1883 David left school at 15, to work for his farther. David, his son, left school in 1883 aged 15 to work for his father. Richard focused on helping establish Timaru’s first public school and hospital. He also visited the local jail, assisting prisoners in writing letters. Richard's time on the Canterbury Provincial Council made a significant impact on Timaru's business sector, public services, and civic improvements.
1890 Richard aged 64,died in Wellington while Parliament was in session. He advanced his political career by serving as a Member of the House of Representatives for Timaru, holding a Liberal Party seat from 1878 until his death in 1890.
He was described as “... honest, outspoken, fearless, large-hearted & just during sixteen sessions 1878-1890.” - From a certificate presented to Turnbull's widow and family following his death in Wellington, while Parliament was in session, on 17 July 1890.
David Clarkson Turnbull (1868-1951)
Growth & support to locals. In October 1894 aged 26, David Clarkson started as a grain and seed merchant. His enterprise grew into one of South Canterbury’s important shipping owners, agents, and stevedores. D.C. Turnbull & Co is a multi-generational business with multi-generational clients. The company has evolved over 130+ years to stay competitive and service farmers in Otago, Mackenzie, South Canterbury, and Canterbury Districts.
1868 David was born in Timaru. His parents home and business burnt down in the Great 1868 fire. 1882, Aged 14, David Clarkson Turnbull (D.C.) left school to work for his father, Richard. That same year, he watched his family help rescue 40 men during the wreck of the Benvenue. This heightened his awareness of the need for improved harbour facilities. One of his most treasured possessions was the bell from the Benvenue, which he kept in his office before donating to the South Canterbury Historical Society.
1894 David aged 26, established D.C. Turnbull & Co. as a grain and seed merchant in Timaru. He was managing director until his death in 1951. He had managed United Farmers Alliance for two years, before starting his own business with one employee, Sid Shrimpton. D.C. used to take the Fairlie Flyer train and cycle to clients, often helping on the farms. Early sales included wheat, oats, barley, peas, beans, and grass seed. He was the first to import wool packs from Calcutta, and the first to ship direct from Timaru to the United Kingdom. In 1897, he married Agnes Roberts (1867–1959) and had two sons Russell (who became a Managing Director 1951-1966) and Richard T Turnbull (Dick).
1900 David purchased Miles Archer & Co site and section on Strathallan St. Expanded into exporting wool, grain, and frozen meat trading. D.C. joined the Timaru Harbour Board in 1900 and served for over 40 years. D.C. Turnbull & Co expanded into exporting wool, grain, and frozen meat trading. Then into shipping using their own ships, agents, and stevedores. A two story office was added to the Strathallan Street site, designed by his brother, architect James Turnbull. Grain and wool were stored at the Miles Archer & Co warehouse into the 1980s. D.C. served on the Timaru Borough Council in 1902. They loaded the bulk of the ships during the Boer War (1899–1902). Around this time the Port of Timaru was the third largest agricultural exporter in NZ, the area was referred to as the country’s food bowl.
1901. He established wool dumping using a water-powered hydraulic ram to double-bale the wool. Bought first sailng ship 'La Bella' to export. He purchased the 'La Bella' and in 1905 it wrecked at Victoria, Australia now known as the La Bella reef. D.C. with his brother Arthur H Turnbull and Capt. Hugh Monro, founded The Colonial Sailing Ship Company Ltd which operated the vessels Rona, Wai-iti, and Lutterworth, transporting coal and timber cargoes. In 1978, the Rona was renamed Polly Woodside and opened to the public in Melbourne’s maritime museum. This was the forerunner for the Canterbury Steam Shipping Co. The ships Calm, Breeze, Gale, Squall, and Storm regularly frequented Timaru’s Port until the 1960s when State Highway One and the Main Trunk Line of the railway were linked by ferry. The ships were named after Hymn 592: “The calm, the breeze, the gale, the storm, That pass from land to land, All are Thine – and held within The Hollow of Thy hand.” The Breeze and the Gale were converted to auxiliary anti-submarine mine sweepers for the Royal NZ Navy and used in South West Pacific. The Gale rescued a USA crew. The vessels rejoined the company fleet in 1946 after war service. D.C. was involved with the Crown Milling Company in Dunedin, serving as chairman of directors from 1916. D.C. voluntarily drove an ambulance with First NZ Expeditionary Force 1916-1918. D.C. was a partner in Mount White Station 1924 and in the same year started building The Oxford Buildings, designed by his architect brother James from Turnbull and Rule. The Gabites family occupied the corner shop. They had taken over his father Richard’s business in 1871 and sold menswear there for over 100 years.
1951 David Clarkson Turnbull died, after 57 years of running his business. D.C. died in 1951 and was survived by his wife Agnes (1867-1959), two sons (including Richard "Dick" Turnbull, 1898-1972), six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. His son Russell who had joined the family firm in 1941, became managing director after his father’s death.
High country farming, without the capacity to diversify, struggled through the depression. By 1939, the world was at war again. D.C. endured these challenging years, passing away just as wool growers experienced a boom due to the U.S. stockpiling wool for uniforms in the Korean War. Hugh Turnbull joined the family business aged 17 and became managing director in 1981, retiring after 48 years. He was one of the last Harbour Board members until the 1980s when the Port became a company. In 1990, Andrew became D.C. Turnbull's director and was the last of the Turnbull’s to run the family business. The companies legacy still services the area through its subsidiaries - owned by the Turnbull family as shareholders. He had the complete confidence of a large section of the agricultural community. He was respected by waterfront workers for his fair minded approach and kindness.
With roots dating back to 1857, D.C. Turnbull & Co. has evolved and diversified to continue serving farmers through its subsidiaries.
Timeline
1851 George Rhodes builds Timaru’s first European house and with brothers establishes Levels sheep station.
1856 Whaler Samuel Williams fathers first European baby, William Williams, in Rhodes house.
1857 Captain Woolcombe arrives as government representative and Captain Cain establishes a general store and landing service for Henry Le Cren.
1859 The Strathallan immigrant ship drops off 110 people.
1864 Wool was shipped direct from Timaru to London with Le Cren’s help. Richard Turnbull, after 11 years farming in Christchurch, moves to Timaru.
1865 Opens Clarkson & Turnbull General Store. Mints Penny Token.
1866 Le Cren sells store business to Miles & Co. Ltd.
1869 Rebuilds the Corner Store after 1868 fire and a year later builds Turnbull Warehouse.
1883 Son leaves school aged 15 to work for Richards merchant and auction business.
1890 Richard dies in Wellington while Parliament is in session. Huge street procession and funeral.
1894 David Turnbull, with what he learned from his father, starts D.C. Turnbull & Co.
1895 John Mee buys Miles Archer & Co when they liquidate.
1900 La Bella Barquentine Ship is purchased (3 masted) ship to carry cargo to strategic locations between Australia and the Pacific Islands. Wrecked 1905, 7 of the 12 died
1901 David buys Miles Archer Co Sites & 1877 Brick Warehouse. Builds new offices designed by his older brother James Turnbull. Site was est in 1857 by Henry Le Cren, bought by Miles & Co 1860s, then John Mee 1895 who traded wool, grain, and coal. 3/4 Acre section. Store capacity: 150,000 bu / 40,000 sacks of grain / 4,050 t.
1904 The Canterbury Steam Ship Co. Co-Founded by Capt. Hugh Monro, D.C. and brother Arthur H Turnbull to establish a shipping line to trade between Canterbury and the lower North Island. D.C. Turnbull & Co. were agents in Timaru. Their ships were; The Calm, The Breeze, The Gale, and The Storm. Until 1969. Also were Local Shipping Sub-Agencies. Principal agents for Federal Line, Africa Steam Ship Co and the Tysler Line (now Port Line), as a main shipping agent D.C. could better negotiate freight rates.
1924 Mt White Station & Riversdale. The largest high country station in Canterbury 40,000 ha near Arthurs Pass. D.C. bought the leases of Mt White and Riversdale and Lochinvar. Subsequent generations of Turnbull’s were involved in the management and ownership until 2018.
1924 The Oxford Buildings. Architects Turnbull & Rule. Sold to Government Life Insurance early 1950s. Replaced building built by Richard Turnbull and occupied by Arthur Gabites’ drapery and clothing co est 1872. Was four storeys high, the tallest in town when built.
1934 Blue Star Line Entered the NZ Trade. D.C became an agent for Blue Star Line, using refrigerated ships to carry frozen meat from Australia and NZ to the UK.
1955 Tapley Swift Shipping Agency Until 2014 when privatised. Acquired 90% ownership in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, and become a 100% subsidiary in 1970.
1969 Bulk Grain Trimming Equipment. The Greek Vessle Atticon Bulk Cargo Ship. Acquired from Australia, enabling the start of bulk grain handling at Timaru’s Port. This extended to a 25 year association with bulk grain exporters and cargos extended to barley, wheat, peas, linseed, lucerne, and rape. The Harbour Board established silos storage for export via ships. Hugh Turnbull (David’s grandson) was on the Harbour Board.
1977 Timaru Wool Dumpers Ltd. Renamed to Timaru Wool Storage Ltd in 2011. Formed with 50% ownership; later became a wholly owned subsidiary in wool storage and processing.
1986 Triple DumpWool Press. Computerized equipment installed at Timaru Wool Dumpers, to press three bales of wool into the size of one.
1989 Turnbull Stevedoring Ltd. Amalgamated with D.C Turnbull 2016. Established after the restructuring of the Waterfront Industry Commission to handling cargo moving in and out of Timaru.
2001 Central Grain Ltd. Amalgamated with D.C Turnbull 2021. Acquired, in 2002 re-named to The Central Stockfeed Co, providing feed for Cattle, Horses, Pigs, Poultry, Sheep and more.
2015 Turnbull Grain & Seed Ltd Timaru Location. Separate division of D.C. Turnbull & Co formed, enabling Murray Duff and Hamish Holland to become minority shareholders.
2016 North Otago Pastoral Services. Acquired 25 year old company est. 1991 based in Oamaru to provide agronomy, grain, seed and farm supplies.
2020 Turnbull Grain and Seed Ltd Fairlie Location. Acquired Harrison Grain and Seed to expand the grain and seed business (Turnbull Grain and Seed).
2021 Agrispray & Equipment Ltd. Acquired agrichemical and equipment business, in East Taieri,expanded to Milton and Alexandra with grain and seed.
As of 2025, D.C. Turnbull & Co Ltd was still associated with grain and seed and wool storage today through its subsidiaries: Timaru Wool Storage, Turnbull Grain and Seet Ltd, Central Stockfeed, North Otago Pastoral Services. Agrispray and Equipemt Ltd.
Five-Roomed House Damaged by Fire - Timaru Herald, Volume C, Issue 15321, 15 April 1914, Page 3
At 4 a.m. yesterday, a five-roomed house on Nelson Terrace, owned by Mr. R. C. Macfarlane of Wanganui and occupied by Mr. T. Turnbull—auctioneer for the New Zealand and Australian Land Company—was partially destroyed by fire.
Mr. Turnbull, who was alone in the house at the time, awoke to find his bedroom filled with smoke. Upon escaping, he discovered that the rear portion of the house was ablaze. He roused a neighbour, who quickly contacted the Fire Brigade by telephone.
The Brigade responded promptly, but the fire had already taken a strong hold and was clearly visible throughout the neighbourhood. Two leads of hose were deployed to bring the main fire under control, but as the flames had spread above the ceilings, firefighters had to remove sheets of roofing iron to extinguish the final embers.
The back of the house was almost completely destroyed. However, the two front rooms and their contents were saved—though they suffered considerable damage from heat, smoke, and water.
Mrs. Turnbull and the family were away in Dunedin at the time. Mr. Turnbull is unable to determine the cause of the fire, noting that no fires had been lit in the house since the previous Thursday. He believes it may have started in the kitchen.
Mr. Turnbull held insurance of £225 on his belongings with the National Insurance Company. Mr. Macfarlane carried a policy of £450 on the building with the South British Insurance Company.
Timeline thanks to Christopher Templeton's research
28 August 1877
Tenders were invited for the excavation of approximately 8,000 yards in Strathallan Street. Architect F. J. Wilson oversaw the project, and tenders were to be addressed to Miles, Archer & Co.
31 August 1877
The contract for the excavation was awarded to Aston and Harvey. This acceptance was announced in the Timaru Herald on 1 September 1877.
1 September 1877
It was reported that Miles, Archer & Co. would soon commence construction of new and commodious offices in Strathallan Street.
11, 12, and 3 November 1877
Tenders were invited for the erection of new brick offices and warehouses for Miles, Archer & Co. Plans and specifications were available at the office of architect F. J. Wilson. Tenders were due by 3 November.
24 October 1877
An additional tender notice appeared in the Lyttelton Times, advertising to builders and contractors in Christchurch. Plans could be viewed at the office of Messrs Miles, Hassal & Co., Hereford Street.
20 November and 11 December 1877
Detailed architectural descriptions were published of the planned Miles, Archer & Co. buildings. The front would be two storeys and the rear one storey, featuring spacious offices, a bonded store, wine and spirit store, and a large warehouse. The building would have an 80-foot frontage and a depth of 40 feet. Contractors were Breadley and Berry, and the total cost was over £3,000.
14 December 1878
A new auction mart and horse bazaar began construction next door to Miles, Archer & Co., for Maclean and Stewart. The architect was F. J. Wilson.
27 December 1878
LeCren’s Terrace, behind Miles, Archer & Co.’s old store, was being cut away to make room for a new block of warehouses.
27 September 1879
Tenders were again invited for excavation work, with details available from P. Cunningham & Co., Strathallan Street.
5 November 1879
Tenders were called for the erection of a large grain store in stone or brick for Miles, Archer & Co., under architect F. J. Wilson. Tenders were due by 15 November.
27 November 1879
Concern was raised in the Timaru Herald about the unsafe condition of LeCren’s Terrace due to the ongoing excavations for the grain store. A sheer 20-foot drop created a hazard for pedestrians and vehicles.
9 October 1880
New tenders were advertised for the erection of a warehouse. Architect: F. J. Wilson.
19 October 1880
Plans were announced for a large three-storeyed warehouse to be built on an already excavated site off Strathallan Street. It was expected to be a landmark structure and elevate the architectural standard of Timaru’s business district.
3 and 9 December 1880
Plans were revealed for a new building for George Gabites on the old Post Office site, also on Strathallan Street. The architect was D. T. N. Upton, and tenders closed on 15 December.
21 February 1881
The Timaru Herald listed recent commercial improvements, noting Miles, Archer & Co.’s new Strathallan Street premises as a standout development.
12 March 1881
The new grain store, though still under construction, was already receiving wheat. The middle floor alone had taken in 4,000 sacks.
11 April 1881
Miles, Archer & Co. applied to the Timaru Borough Council to construct a tunnel under LeCren’s Terrace. This would allow their new upper grain store to connect to the railway siding. The request was approved, subject to compliance with safety and public works standards.
21 April 1881
Tenders were invited for the erection of the tunnel, with plans available from architect F. J. Wilson.
9 May 1881
Traffic along LeCren’s Terrace was suspended due to the tunnel construction under the street, designed to connect the new warehouse with the railway by tramway.
8 February 1883
Miles, Archer & Co. advertised available storage capacity for 12,000 tons at their wool and grain stores, now directly connected with the Harbour Board’s landing service and railway sidings.
17 April 1885
An advertisement promoted the storage capacity for 50,000 sacks, noting the brick-built stores were close to the wharf, dry and well-lit, with free fire insurance and bulk handling efficiencies.
17 and 19 June 1889
Tenders were called for the removal of the old warehouse at the foot of Strathallan Street. The South Canterbury Times noted the building, dating from around 1858, was originally erected by Captain Cain and H. J. LeCren. A significant addition made in 1864 was reportedly inspired by the design of the Crystal Palace.
1 August 1889
A 30-foot addition to the main grain store was underway, bringing visible activity back to the struggling local building trade.
3 July 1895
John Mee announced that he had taken over the wool and grain stores previously occupied by Miles & Co. Ltd. and was now accepting produce for storage or shipment.
Unknown, Timaru (c.1880s). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 10/09/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/58448