(Formerly National Bank Building)
Family Restaurant
129 Stafford St
LN:2074. C:2
1882
Significant elements include Doric columns, window detailing and cornice. The building had a banking chamber, managers office, stationery and strong rooms. There were also 3 rooms on the first floor used for residential purposes by some of the staff. Much of the interior has been destroyed by fire.
On the corner of George and Stafford street was the Club Hotel and nearby was the Flockton well.
Did you know? New Zealand experienced a series of major events during the period 1853-1870, which boosted our population. Firstly, the New Zealand Wars brought military settlers. Secondly, the new self-government structure made the Canterbury province responsible for encouraging immigration. And thirdly, there were new economic opportunities of pastoralism and the discovery of gold. Otago’s first gold rush was in 1861 when Gabriel Read found gold. Only a lucky few found riches, and although Timaru was on the fringes, the collective value of the gold kick-started our young New Zealand’s economy.
Next door on the corner of George and Stafford Streets used to be the Club Hotel. This was originally called "The New Hotel" and was established by Samuel Williams (father of Timaru's first European child William Williams whose mother was Anne Williams). "Yankie Sam" had first arrived in Timaru with the Weller Brothers whaling gang, he farmed with the Rhodes before going to Australia and returning to Timaru in 1856. Rhodes built him a lean-to served as the local pub in 1857 and Sam took out the first publican's license in the area. The Timaru Hotel was built for him by the Rhodes in 1860s. He moved to "The Timaru New Hotel" but in 1862 it was destroyed by fire. Hugh Williams who had apparently been refused service started a fire in the early hours of the morning and was sentenced to death. A new hotel was built and remained until a new restaurant building took its place. Some of Yankie Sam's friends were Long John Coffin and Bily the Bull.
The same year this building was built, the first shipment of frozen meat left for England.
The treasury can be seen on the left beside the Club Hotel. Rejoicing at Timaru - Surrender of Austria by William Ferrier. Hocken Snapshop. hocken.recollect.co.nz/24087