Name

Joseph E. White and Son

Type

Builder

Biography

Joseph Eli White was a Dunedin contractor working in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. English-born White was a brick layer by trade. White was born in 1853 at Southampton, England, and learned his trade with Messrs Bull and Son, builders of the Law Courts, London. He came to New Zealand in 1875. As a master builder and sub-contractor, he helped to erect many large and important buildings in Dunedin. His projects included the new centre portion of the D.I.C.; large additions to Donaghy's Rope Works at South Dunedin and Auckland; the hospital ward of the Benevolent Institution; the contract for the brick work in John Roberts' mansion at Littlebourne; the contract for the brick work in Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co.'s wool and grain stores in Cumberland Street, Dunedin; the contract for Messrs Stronach and Morris' wool and grain stores in Crawford street, Dunedin; the contract for the St. Kilda Hotel, Dunedin; Galt's residence and stables at Marairua, Mataura; the reinstatement of the Bruce Woollen Mills after their destruction by fire; the Nurse's Home at the Dunedin Hospital; the Wesleyan Church, South Dunedin; Moritzson's large grain and wool stores in Crawford Street; Cossens and Black's factory; Dr. McKellar's residence in Pitt Street; additions to the Telegraph Office; Jamieson's building in Moray Place; extensive additions to Messrs A. and T. Burt's engine house, and to Messrs Reid and Gray's premises; the Presbyterian manse at Mornington; the Eastabrook's residence, Stuart Street, Dunedin; the Denton Hat Factory, King Street, Dunedin; Bagley's shops in George Street, Dunedin; the Leviathan Hotel, Cumberland Street; North East Valley tram sheds and stables; North East Valley school gymnasium building; the brick work of Ross and Glendining's warehouse, High Street; the Roman Catholic presbytery, Milton; the large mansion, manager's house and stables for John McLean Buckley, of Redcastle, Oamaru, with a power house for electrical lighting. White was sub-contractor of the Grand Hotel, Butterworth Brothers' warehouse, the New Zealand Insurance Company's building, and the large wing to Seacliff Asylum. Among his later projects were the Kaiapoi Building (1915-1917 designed by Salmond and Vanes); Sweeting’s (1907-1908, designed by Walden and Barton); and Andersons Bay Presbyterian Church (1914, designed by E.W. Walden). Joseph Eli White died on 2 December 1917 aged 64 years and is buried in Dunedin’s Northern Cemetery. Source: List entry report for Andersons Bay Presbyterian Church (Former), DUNEDIN, List No. 9695, 23 Nov 2016.

Name

Burnside, John Arthur

Type

Architect

Biography

Burnside (1856-1920) was born in Dunedin and is believed to be one of the first professional architects who were born and trained in New Zealand. He was articled to the architectural firm of Mason and Wales, remaining with them for two or three years. During this time he won important prizes for designs which he exhibited at international exhibitions. In 1880 he established his own practice at Dunedin. His buildings include Transit House (1880s), Philips Hotel (now Gresham Hotel, 1882) and the Otago Early Settlers' Museum (1908).