The Strand - Early Days

The Strand, with wooden seawall and beach, c. 1883 (photographer unknown)
Collection of Tauranga City Library, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-214

In the early days of Tauranga’s European settlement the foreshore extended from about the present Harbourside Restaurant building to the foot of the cliff on which Monmouth Redoubt was built and was known as “The Beach.” Later, when a rough track was formed along the frontage, it became known as Beach Road and, later still, Beach Street. Finally, after the construction of the first wooden seawall plus other improvements, it became The Strand. In 1872 the building of the seawall began. It was built using 3 inch, well cured, kauri planks and extended from Spring Street to Harington Street.

The Strand with wooden seawall, from the Town wharf, probably 1886
Mounted print, photographed by A.A. Ryan, The National Photographic Company
Tauranga Heritage Collection Ref. 0431/08

A letter to the editor of the Bay of Plenty Times 18 May 1891 pointed out the dangerous state of the seawall, especially if an easterly wind was blowing when the sea was washing the earth from between the planks and causing a chain of holes on the outer edge of the Strand immediately behind the seawall and possibly scouring out the soil under the Strand itself.

The Strand, with concrete seawall and reclamation, c. 1902 (photographer unknown)
Collection of Tauranga City Library, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-214

In 1902 a new concrete seawall, built by Joseph Brain extended the Strand further into the harbour and the wooden wall was buried in the process.

The Strand (southern end) with shipping, c. 1910s
Postcard view, photographer (attributed) Mary Humphreys
Collection of Tauranga City Library, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-574

Early streets were made using the materials at hand, shell and shingle from the Mount beaches was barged across the harbour to be put on the roads. In 1906 there was a change in road making with preliminary arrangements being made for the asphalting of the Strand. In 1902 the Borough received a Coronation grant of 200 pounds which enabled the go ahead and completion of the King Edward VII Esplanade and on 8 August the foundation stone was laid by the Mayoress, Mrs Jordan. The new footpath ran along the harbour side of the Strand reclamation and soon became as simply “The Esplanade.” In March 1905 there was great excitement in the town when, with great ceremony, Prime Minister Seddon declared The Esplanade open. The mayor had first invited Seddon to attend and open the completed work in 1902 but the pressure of other work had kept him away till then.

The Strand from the Wharf, Tauranga, c. 1910s
Postcard, photographed by F.G. Radcliffe
Tauranga Heritage Collection Ref. 0147/09

Apparently plane trees were growing along the Strand before the well known palm trees of today. On 8 August 1906 The Bay of Plenty Times reported that at that evenings Borough Council meeting the question of the removal of the plane trees was brought forward by Councillor Bull. His suggestion was that the plane trees should be dug up and planted on the reserve called the police paddock, and palms or other suitable trees to replace the plane trees on The Strand. He also suggested that each councillor donate a palm tree for the purpose mentioned. Votes were even for and against, so the Mayor used his casting vote against the motion. By 1910 the palm trees in cages were featuring in photos of the day.

The Strand with palm trees, c. 1918
Postcard, photographed by W.T. Wilson
Collection of Justine Neal

By 1909 parts of the Strand were lit by gas lamps and in 1936 an ornamental lighting system consisting of twelve lamps was installed in time for Christmas. The Strand was a desirable place to have a business because the coastal ships bringing passengers and freight came in there. On the days the ships berthed the wharf was an incredibly busy place. In the early days cows had the freedom of the borough and at various times could be seen leisurely ambling along the Strand or sunning themselves on the Esplanade. They even occasionally helped themselves to the vegetables displayed outside the greengrocers. In return they efficiently mowed the grass on the streets and kept the trees (perhaps the aforementioned planes) trimmed to a convenient height.

The Strand, Tauranga. c 1920s
Postcard photograph by McLaren
Collection of Justine Neal

Where else could a shop owner hang a “Gone Fishing” sign on the shop door, stroll across the Strand to one of the two wharves for a spot of fishing, and be back behind the counter in minutes if they were really needed. A couple of entrepreneurs set up a business on the Strand selling fresh fish from barrows, snapper at 6d each! When they ran out of fish they’d row out into the harbour to replenish their stock.

In 1924, with the railway bridge linking Matapihi and Tauranga completed, the citizens’ interest turned towards the railway line’s track through the town. Business people wanted it along the Strand but the King Edward VII Esplanade  with its seats, grass, shrubs and the tide lapping the edges was a pleasant place to be and many townspeople did not want it spoilt. They wanted the line to run along Elizabeth Street, but business interests had their way, so the railway embankment along the Strand was built in 1925.

A new era in the life of this ever-changing part of Tauranga was about to begin.

References

Papers Past: Bay of Plenty Times, 18 May 1891 & 8 August 1926
Tauranga Historical Society Journals. No. 17, 28, 59, 78
D. Kahotea, K. Phillips, S. Arabin, Archaeological Survey, Tauranga City Central Business District, Te Papa
Tauranga Heritage Collection
Tauranga City Libraries