Morrison Residence, 341A Devon Street West (circa 1899)

This villa was may have been constructed around 1899 - although possibly earlier.

The section that the house is located on was originally part of New Plymouth's Town Belt. However, a shortage of land meant the Town Belt was either sold or leased, for farming, and later residential purposes. This area of Town Belt B was subdivided into smaller lots in the 1890s by the Runciman's.

341A Devon Street West is located on part of sections 2 and 3 of this subdivision - and was created in 1900 following further subdivision of the section. The front part of the subdivided section was purchased on 1 November 1900 by D. K. Morrison. 

However, rather confusingly, Donald Morrison is first listed as living near this part of Devon Street in the 1899 edition of Stone's Street Directory - before purchasing the section. It is thus possible the house was constructed prior to Morrison purchasing the section, and he may have rented it for a short time.  

Donald Morrison was the chief engineer for the Moturoa Freezing Works, opened in 1896. He remained with the works for a number of years and seems to have been well respected in his role. The main engine room of the 1904 freezing works, where Donald would have carried out much of his work, still exists at Moturoa (see linked topic). 

A White's Aviation aerial photograph taken in August 1958 appears to show the house situated closer to Devon Street, and it is suggested that the house may have been moved to the rear of the section to enable construction of the present houses on the Devon Street frontage. 

Related items:

Town Belt B, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 550 (Archives New Zealand)

Town Belt (Part) B, Taranaki Land Deed Index I14 page 812. (Archives New Zealand)

Town Belt (Part) B, Taranaki Land Deed Index I14 page 814. (Archives New Zealand)

Town Belt (Part) B, Taranaki Land Deed Index I14 page 825. (Archives New Zealand)

Taranaki DEED44 Sheet 1 (1927), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki DP6798 Sheet 1 (1950), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)

Taranaki (Lot 2) DP10487 Sheet 1 (1971), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)