Looking East to the harbour from the foot of Strathallan St. Strathallan St was named after the Strathallan, the first immigrant ship to sail from the UK to Timaru. It arrived in 1859 with 110 immigrants. Te Papa (C.014801)
Timaru was a centre of exchange, linking South Canterbury farms with local businesses and overseas markets through its port and railway.
At the foot of Strathallan St, the first landing service, known as the Government Landing Service and established by Henry Le Cren and Captain Henry Cain, moved people and cargo between ships and shore from 1858. Timaru became an official Port of Entry in 1861, with Customs recording trade and collecting duties. Breakwater construction began in 1878 to create a safer and more efficient harbour.
As trade grew, warehouses, offices and shops were built nearby. Farmers came to town for seed and supplies. In 1901, D. C. Turnbull & Co took over the former Miles, Archer & Co complex and established its offices there, linking farms with merchants, rail and shipping.