Charles Rielly's Cottage (1895-1896)

Whilst this small cottage doesn't feature on Skinner's 1880 Map of New Plymouth, it is clearly present (along with neighbouring 102 Young Street), in the background of a photograph held by Puke Ariki dated 1896 (PHO2005-059). No persons are listed as living in this location on Young Street in the 1895 edition of Stones Street Directory, but two persons are listed as living in this location in the 1896 edition. It is thus suggested that this cottage, and also neighbouring 102 Young Street, were both constructed in either late 1895 or early 1896.

Charles Rielly purchased Town Sections 125 & 126 on Young Street (along with adjacent Sections 99, 100 & 101 on St Aubyn Street) from the 'Father of New Plymouth', Frederick Alonzo Carrington, in March 1896. Charles is listed as a carpenter in street directories and very likely constructed this house and also three other houses in St Aubyn Street (of which numbers 245 and 251 survive) during 1895-96. 

The 1894-95 NPBC rates book makes no mention of a house on Town Sections 125 & 126, however by the 1896-97 rating year at least one house (likely the present dwelling) is noted as being present with the property valued at £20.

This cottage has rarity value as a late-nineteenth century workers cottage now uncommon in New Plymouth; its significance is enhanced by the presence of 102 Young Street and nearby 245 and 251 St Aubyn Street. The cottage has been re-clad in fibrolite (although the original cladding may be underneath this) and has had its original windows replaced. The original chimney is a particular feature.

See Taranaki Land Deeds Index I3, page 9