Coronation Building

Built in 1901 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward V11. A drapery business operated here until 1920 and since then a number of different businesses have occupied the building, including a bakery, a colour centre and from 1977 a chemist. In 2019 the chemist relocated and now the building is awaiting restoration.

Among the latest improvements to the town in the way of new buildings is a very imposing structure erected in Queen Street for Messrs Arthur Jones and Co. drapers, which is to be known as Coronation House. The building has a frontage of 33 feet and a depth of 75 feet. From the dimensions it will at once be seen that the floor space is enormous. The ornamental work on the front of the building is very striking and as soon as the verandah is completed, which is by the way to be built of glass and iron, with a curved roof, will stand out as one of the attractions of the town.

The Dressmakers’ Workroom deserves special notice, as unfortunately in many buildings of a similar kind, the comfort of the employees is much neglected, but not so in this instance. The room measures 45 X 16 with lofty ceiling, specially ventilated, and two large windows and a skylight provides the room with plenty of light, even in the most remote corner. For a bright cheerful room where young girls are kept hard at work for several hours a day, the arrangements under which they are asked to labour are of the most cheerful and healthful kind and reflect credit upon the firm.

The massive front plate glass windows, measuring 10ft 6in X 8ft, are specially constructed to show the goods off to the best advantage, a similar design being adopted by one of the largest drapery firms in Dunedin. Those who are entitled to credit in connection with the erection of the building are – woodwork, Mr. R L Wilson, Waimate; brickwork, Mr. H Miles Dunedin; plastering Mr. H Jackson, Christchurch; plumbing Mr. V R Wilson, Waimate; painting and decorating, Mr. A Baker. The work of erecting the verandah has been entrusted to Mr. F J Maindonald. The architect for the building was Mr. A Walker of Waimate.

All those who were engaged in the work have carried out their part to the entire satisfaction of Messrs Jones and Co., who desire to state so. We trust that the enterprising firm will receive a reward for the confidence they have placed in the future of the town by erecting such a substantial and costly building in our midst.

Extract from Waimate Centennial Times.