Building in Tauranga

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 901, 19 February 1930, Page 6

Building in Tauranga

TOWN’S SPEEDY PROGRESS Suited for Spanish Style DULL DING contractors in Tauranga are finding plenty to do. U The town is growing rapidly and there is a pleasing activity in both commercial and residential building. The causes of this expansion are varied, but the quiet Bay of Plenty township is becoming known for reasons other than, that it is an attractive seaside resort.

During the past six months commercial buildings valued at about £25,000 have been completed. Chief among these are the Bank Chambers, the Devonport Chambers, and the Regent Theatre. The Bank Chambers, which are carried out in a pleasing Spanish style, particularly suited to Tauranga, were designed by Mr. F. N. Hornibrook, a Bay of Plenty architect whose influence may be clearly seen in the town’s later buildings. Other large contracts contemplated are the public library, which is to cost about £5,600, and new premises for the Bank of New Zealand. In the course of a week or so tenders will close for the erection of new swimming baths also. At the Mount there is considerable activity in commercial building. Residential building shows plenty of life both at Tauranga and at the Mount, The general class of house going up is said to be considerably superior to the average house erected in Auckland. There was a time when Tauranga was populated by only two main classes of people farmers who had retired there from other parts of the bay, and summer holiday-makers. With the growing importance of the town commercially there has grown up a class of business men who set new standards, and it is for them that most of the new attractive homes are being built. Probably the chief reason for Tauranga’s speedy progress is the extension of the Taneatua railway. Country that had been lying practically dormant has been opened up, and Tauranga is reaping the benefit. Roads leading to the town have been vastly improved, and this, as many motorists will affirm, was not done before time. The Te Puke - Tauranga road, which has been the worst of all the bad

roads in the Bay district, is at present in the hands of the Main Highways Board. The Katikati Road is nearing completion, and the Kaimai direct route from Matamata has been put in order.

Then Tauranga will always be popular for its superlative attractions as a seaside resort. In addition to the usual swimming and beach sports, there are the delights of deep-sea fishing, and the startling features of White Island, which puffs up its white fume? away out on the horizon.