Clinton Street

This cul-de-sac in Fitzroy acknowledges the remarkable contribution of Robert Clinton Hughes to the city of New Plymouth.

From sport to the arts, religion and politics, Hughes was deeply involved with almost every aspect of community life in New Plymouth.

Hughes was born in Auckland in 1847 and the family moved to Taranaki when he was a young boy. It was here that he developed his love of the outdoors, along with a fascination for the history and culture of Taranaki Māori.

On leaving school Hughes was apprenticed to the well respected lawyer, William Halse, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. After going out on his own account, he established his premises at 43 Brougham Street. Designed by W.F. Brooking, construction was completed in June 1896. The building, presently home to L'Escargot restaurant, was recently registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

His most lasting gift to New Plymouth is undoubtedly Pukekura Park.  The keen sportsman and swimmer had a vision of a recreation ground and a lake for public bathing. As a member of the Taranaki Provincial Council, the young lawyer also had the influence to enlist support for the project from notable businessmen.

The park was officially opened by Frederic Carrington on 29 May 1876.  A founding member of the park board, Hughes was to remain a member for nearly sixty years, devoting countless hours to the development of the park. The Hughes walk, alongside the main lake, is named as a tribute.

However the street named after him curiously uses his middle name. He signed his letters to the newspaper, "R. Clinton Hughes", so we assume Clinton was his christian name of preference.

Hughes died in 1935 at the age of 87 and was said at the time to be the oldest practising solicitor in New Zealand.  

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.