2 Strathallan St
LN:324 C:1
1902
Architect Daniel West / Forrester and Lemon
Builder T Pringle
Plasterwork Emil Hall
At the time of it's opening the Timaru Herald described it as "a building which, for convenience in design and first class execution is equal to the very best government building in the colony. The most commanding view, as it should be, is from the harbour."
In 1857, Timaru’s first Government agent Belfield Woolcombe arrived. Often referred to as the grandfather of Timaru, he was the government rep, beach master, health officer, registrar, coroner, returning officer and over seer of public works and magistrate. (That’s a lot of multi-tasking!) He built Timaru’s third house at Ashbury Park beside the kindergarten there today.
1861 Timaru was declared a legal quay and Alexander Rose came to Timaru as the first Customs agent opening offices in Le Crens store.
The railway helped accelerate progress after the first sod for the Temuka to Timaru railway was turned by the Mayoress, Mrs Cain in 1871. The office was in the way of the new railway, so they moved to the Post Office building in 1880 before this neoclassical building was completed in 1902.
Local carpenter turned architect Daniel West designed the building which opened in August 1902. It is Neoclassical in style. The construction material is brick covered in cement plaster and features much classic detailing. It has a square footprint and gabled roof concealed by a parapet. The entrance to the building is through the arched entrance portico which is framed by pairs of fluted Doric columns. Each of the windows has a pediment bead. It is a well balanced and organized design, enhanced by its position at the junction of three streets which results in its being seen from many aspects. The fence and iron railing, climbing as it comes around the building, gives a finishing touch of dignity. Only the south side elevation is plain. At some stage (unknown) the chimneys were removed and a flagpole added. Learn more here
The building was purchased by the Timau rCivic Trust in 2018.
Significant elements include Doric order, columns, heavy entablature and pediments, pilasters, pediments, antefixae, acroterion, sweeping fence with ornamental ironwork.
Did you know? Customs operated here until 1970’s.
Cains Terrace is name after Captain Henry Cain (1816-1886)
Customs House, Timaru. Ref: 1/2-044242-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22314180
At the foot of Strathallan Street, Timaru 1873. Duke of Edinburgh, ashore at Timaru, August 1873 (1873). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/25783 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.