View to the North from Stafford, Church and Strathallan corner. Robert Bowie Collection
In 1871, Timaru Borough Council introduced early taxi and delivery rules, regulating and licensing passenger vehicles “plying for hire” so those using the town’s roads could contribute towards the upkeep.
By 1874, James King’s Timaru Horse Repository hired out horses and buggies, provided livery and feed, and broke horses for saddle or harness. W. W. Wade’s saddlery advertised its business over the road. In 1877, George Sneath’s Lynwood Hotel offered an express wagon, a hansom cab, a horse-drawn taxi, and stables where the Timaru District Council is today.
The early CBD evolved around horses. Motor vehicles reshaped the town and businesses adapted. In 1902, Frank Brown and Duncan Scott bought some of Timaru’s earliest Oldsmobiles; by 1909, Miss Durand owned a 14–20 h.p. Siddeley, making her one of South Canterbury’s early women motorists. The South Canterbury Automobile Club formed in 1905, followed by the Automobile Association in 1913.