FIFTY YEARS' CHANGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22519, 13 March 1935, Page 11

FIFTY YEARS' CHANGES

1885-1935 An examination of Stone's Directory for ISSS illustrates the changes and progress which have come about in parts of the business areas in Dunedin during the past 50 years. The only buildings still existing in Lower Stuart street that were then in existence are A. and T. Burt's and the Oddfellows' Hall. The Law Courts Hotel (formerly the Auld Scotland) was recorded as being in Cumberland street, while the Oban Hotel and the Unique Stores Building (formerly Martin and Watson's) arc described as, situated in the Octagon. All the other buildings in Stuart street have been erected during the past 50 years, and mostly sjnee the Railway Station was shifted to'its present position. The progress in Crawford street has been remarkable. In 1885 the only businesses recorded on the eastern side of Crawford street were those of Gibson and Smart (carters), Coulls, Culling, and Co., and Gibbs, Bright, and Co., while the remainder of that side of the 6treet from Rattray street to Anderson's Bay road was unoccupied. Old residents will remember the seas of mud which had to be negotiated in winter time in Crawford street. Lower High 6trcct, and Lower Rattray street. Between the railway line and the harbour the only streets which appear to be mentioned in the 1885 directory are Rattray street and Willis street. All the oilier streets in this locality and the buildings thereon have, therefore, come into existence during the past 50 years, and the revenue of the Harbour Board must have increased accordingly. In 1885 the only business premises recorded on the west side of Cumberland street (between Rattray street and Anderson's Bay road) were those of Alexander Mollison and Co., carters. From year to year the changes which take place.in the occupancy of business premises may not be very noticeable, but over a period of 50 years it is remarkable how few of the old names survive. On the western side of Princes street, between the Octagon and High street, the only businesses carried on in 1885 and still "going strong" are those of the New Zealand Clothing Factory: Stewart, Dawson, and Co.; and G. and T. Young; while on the eastern side Charles Begg and Co. and Wilkinson and Son (apart from the banks) alone survive. Fifty years ago the Arcade was a busy and prosperous centre. In those days Saturday was the late shopping night, and it was a late night, most of the shops remaining open till 11 o'clock. The favourite promenade of the Saturday night crowd was along Princes street, up Rattray street and Maclaggan streets, through the Arcade to. High street, and then down to Princes street. Sometimes between 8 and 9 o'clock the Arcade was so crowded that it was difficult to force one's way through. Times have changed. In those days George street was not nearly so popular as it is to-day._ It is interesting to note that in 1885 the annual value of the city was £310,206, while in 1935 it had increased to over £1,000,000, part of the increase being due, of course, to the absorption of .suburban boroughs. ____—_.