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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Rhodes, George

Rhodes, George, General Builder Office and Yard, 14 Customs Street West, Auckland; private residence, “Fernbank,” Collingwood Street. Mr. Rhodes was born in the City of York, England, in 1849. The business now carried on by him was founded by his father, the late Mr. George Rhodes, in 1862. Two years later Mr. John Gunn (formerly an apprentice to Mr Rhodes in Launceston, Tasmania) became a partner, under the style of Rhodes and Gunn, and the partnership continued until 1867. The firm constructed the major portion of the main sewer, the warehouses of Mr. Thomas Short, and Messrs Owen and Graham, Queen Street; the law offices of Mr. James Hill, Shortland Street, and other buildings. It was also under its supervision that the Bank of New Zealand buildings were erected while Auckland was the headquarters of the Bank; and for massiveness of construction, chasteness in design and boldness of relief, those buildings are said, by good critics, to be second to none in New Zealand. The front wall is 7 feet thick at the bottom, and 3 feet 6 inches thick at the top, in solid bluestone and sandstone respectively. There is probably no nobler banking chamber in the
Hanna, photo.The Late Mr. G. Rhodes.

Hanna, photo.
The Late Mr. G. Rhodes.

page 339 colonies than that of this bank. The chamber is 90 feet long by 30 feet broad, and over 30 feet in height. Its cornices and pediments are bold, and the immense segment of ceiling plaster in a series of deep square panels, with enrichments, throws the whole into bold relief. The floor of this chamber and of the long vestibule is of marble, and the fittings of cedar. With the opening of the Thames goldfield the firm dissolved partnership, and in 1873 the present principal joined his father under the style of Rhodes and Son; after which such buildings as the Theatre Royal (now City Hall), the New Zealand Loan Company's block; Somerville's Buildings, and others were erected. This union continued, with slight intermission, until the death of Mr. George Rhodes, senior, in 1883, shortly after the firm had commenced a large contract for an extensive addition to, and internal alterations of, the Bank of New Zealand block, at a cost of about £15,000. After the completion of this intricate under-taking—which lasted about sixteen months—Mr. Rhodes's health necessitated a change; and this he took in a visit to Australia, Tasmania, and the southern part of New Zealand, in company with his widowed mother. On his return Mr Rhodes resumed contracting, and in 1886 erected the large three-storey block in Newton for Dr. Purchas (in conjunction with Mr. J. W. Jones); also the factory buildings of Messrs F. and W. Fowler; a warehouse for Sargood and Co., and other buildings. When the great depression of 1888 set in Mr. Rhodes commenced to devote his attention to a private order trade (in lieu of public tendering), which has since steadily grown out of the character he has established for neatness and thoroughness of workmanship, and for the general satisfaction given by him. Mr. Rhodes keeps for his own use and for hire an extensive builder's plant; supplies the trade with mill-mortar, etc., and is sole agent for the expanded-metal (steel) lathing, etc. He has also established as a side industry, the manufacture of “Rough on Slugs” and “Poultry Grit,” which are placed on the market in a handy form, and supply a felt want. Mr. Rhodes keeps a permanent staff of skilled workers, and takes private contracts in the city and suburbs.
Hanna, photo.Mr. G. Rhodes.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. G. Rhodes.

The Crater of Mount Eden, Showing Ponsonby.

The Crater of Mount Eden, Showing Ponsonby.