4 Octavius Place (1903-2017)

In March 1901 Frank Messenger purchased Town Section 1285 from land agent William Courtney - however, just a year later in April 1902, Messenger sold the section back to Courtney. 

In October 1902 Messenger placed several advertisements in the Taranaki Herald calling for tenders for "building a pair of houses in Octavius Place for Mr Wm. Courtney". Later, in April 1903, plans for two semi-detached villas in Octavius place were deposited with the council - although Messenger seems to be listed as the client and architect in the council records, this almost certainly refers to the building at 4 Octavius Place; they had an estimated cost of £590. 

Few photos exist of the building; however, a 1958 White's Aviation aerial image reveals that the building originally had a slightly different roof profile - two gables on each side above the top floor windows - typical of Messenger villas. There were also two chimney's - one on each side of the structure.

The building was originally designed as two residential dwellings - a rarity in New Plymouth buildings of this age, and uncommon in Messenger designed buildings. One of the only other surviving semi-detached residential buildings of this age in New Plymouth is the pair of cottages at 84 and 86 Buller Street, which are separated by a brick wall. 

The building was left to deteriorate in the harsh coastal location and was demolished in July 2017.

Related items:

Town Section 1285, Taranaki Land Deed Index I5 page 386. (Archives New Zealand)

Taranaki SO7204 Sheet 1, ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)