Rainy Day
Willis Street 1910
This photograph was taken on the eastern side of Willis Street, looking north towards the intersection of Lambton Quay (to the left) and Willeston Street to the right (both out of view).
The Bank of New Zealand building dominates the frame. The building was designed by Thomas Turnbull in 1901 and purpose built for the bank’s requirements – the Wellington branch was located on the ground floor and the head office on the upper two floors.
In the distance, the clock tower of the Post Office can be seen. Built in 1888, this building was demolished in 1974.
The canopy in the middle of the photo belonged to the King’s Chambers building. This building was designed by William Chatfield and completed in 1902. Chatfield also designed the Stewart Dawson’s Building opposite. King’s Chambers was demolished in the mid-1970s to make way for the new Bank of New Zealand building.
The photographer is sheltering under the entrance canopy of the Empire Hotel. This first opened on the site in 1865 and was rebuilt in 1902. The proprietor at its re-opening was Joseph Mandel and the architect was Guido Schwartz. Described by the newspaper in opulent terms, the hotel was fitted with electric lighting, electric bells to summon staff and a telephone on every landing. ‘State apartments’ were available for distinguished guests. The hotel also catered to commercial travellers, with what we would consider a business suite today, a writing room with cabinets to store their materials.
‘Mr Mandel has given indication of a well-stocked larder, of a first class staff of cooks, and of a wine cellar, containing the most delectable vintages.’ (New Zealand Times, 31 January 1902, p3)
The Empire Hotel was demolished in 1973, to also make way for the new Bank of New Zealand building.
References:
Primary
(1902, January 31). A Palatial Building. New Zealand Times, 3.
Secondary
Cox, E. (2025). Mr Ward’s Map. Massey University Press
Willis Street, Wellington, on a rainy day, circa 1910. Photograph taken by J N Taylor.
Willis Street, Wellington, on a rainy day. Taylor, J N fl 1900s :Photographs of Wellington. Ref: 1/2-104824-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23202252
The view in reverse, looking back at the King’s Chambers and Empire Hotel portico middle centre.
Willis Street, Wellington, in 1904. Willis Street, Wellington. Creator unknown : Photographs of Wellington. Ref: 1/2-008002-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22886826
Detail from above image showing the portico.