A building permit was issued on 27 March, 1946 for a workshop on Lot 5, DP 4784, 152 Devon Street West. The estimated cost was £2145.00 and the builders, Smith & Reesby.

Cabinetmaker, John Rogers, opened his new furniture factory on this site that year. His previous premises were at 198 Devon Street West.

A tornado caused minor damage to this and surrounding buildings in October 1947. 

Rogers was also a volunteer fireman with the New Plymouth Brigade for 42 years, receiving a Gold Star in 1964. He died on 26 September, 2003, aged 94.

The factory, still with his name on the facade, was demolished in March, 2014.

Documents

Sale of building and land, Taranaki Herald 23 August 1944

From a grandfather clock to a school desk, Taranaki Herald 26 November 1953

 

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