12 Ronald Street (1902 - 1905)

This villa was constructed sometime between the formation of Ronald Street in 1902, and the property being advertised for sale by auction as part of Francis William Richmond's bankrupt estate in November 1905 - the home was occupied by E. Wastney at the time of the mortgagee sale. 

In 1909, it was reported that Mrs Thos Blanchard was leaving Pukearuhe to start a private hospital in New Plymouth – it seems the Blanchard's moved to 12 Ronald Street at this time, and the hospital probably operated from the house. Thomas Blanchard became a traveling salesman for J. B. McEwen. 

The Wises Street Directory for 1913 confirms the Blanchard's were still living at this address, although they appear to have moved in late 1913 or early 1914, as the occupier of the property in the 1914 Wises Street Directory is George Gordon Grover. The Grover's occupied the home until about 1916, when they shifted to Rimu Street, purchasing the house now numbered 4 Leatham Avenue. 

The 1916 edition of Wises Street Directory lists William Henry Drinkwater as the occupier. Drinkwater operated a billiard room and was later involved in a court case regarding illegal betting on horses.

Related items:

Town Belt H (Part), Taranaki Land Deed Index I4 Page 343. (Archives New Zealand)

Taranaki DP1567 Sheet 1 (1900), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP1928 Sheet 1 (1902), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki SO2837 Sheet 2 (1906), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki (Lot 1) DP7972 Sheet 1 (1956), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)