List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
4398
Date Entered
24th March 1988
Date of Effect
24th March 1988
City/District Council
Dunedin City
Region
Otago Region
Legal description
Lot 6 DP 21969
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
4398
Date Entered
24th March 1988
Date of Effect
24th March 1988
City/District Council
Dunedin City
Region
Otago Region
Legal description
Lot 6 DP 21969
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value This is the oldest existing gasholder in the Dunedin Gasworks, which was the first gasworks in the country to produce gas, opening in 1863. Presumably there was once an even older gasholder. The works were owned initially by the Dunedin Gaslight and Coke Company, operating under its manager and engineer, Stephen Stamp Hutchinson. After agitation from the customers, the works were bought by the Dunedin City Corporation in 1876. Upgrading of the works was badly needed and a new gasholder was installed in 1881 according to contemporary records (even though the holder has 1879 engraved on it). Hutchinson did build a rival gasworks at Caversham and had a contract to supply Caversham, Mornington, Roslyn and Maori Hill. This contract expired in 1907 and the city took over the Caversham works which have now been demolished.
Physical Significance
Architectural Significance: The holder is part of the important Victorian industrial complex of the gasworks. Townscape/Landmark Significance: Though this is the smaller of the two gasholders on Andersons Bay Road, it is an important entity in the gasworks complex.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value This is the oldest existing gasholder in the Dunedin Gasworks, which was the first gasworks in the country to produce gas, opening in 1863. Presumably there was once an even older gasholder. The works were owned initially by the Dunedin Gaslight and Coke Company, operating under its manager and engineer, Stephen Stamp Hutchinson. After agitation from the customers, the works were bought by the Dunedin City Corporation in 1876. Upgrading of the works was badly needed and a new gasholder was installed in 1881 according to contemporary records (even though the holder has 1879 engraved on it). Hutchinson did build a rival gasworks at Caversham and had a contract to supply Caversham, Mornington, Roslyn and Maori Hill. This contract expired in 1907 and the city took over the Caversham works which have now been demolished.
Physical Significance
Architectural Significance: The holder is part of the important Victorian industrial complex of the gasworks. Townscape/Landmark Significance: Though this is the smaller of the two gasholders on Andersons Bay Road, it is an important entity in the gasworks complex.
Construction Details
Start Year
1879
Type
Original Construction
Construction Materials
The gas bag is held up by round metal pillars set on square corniced and panelled bases. These in turn sit on low brick platforms. The pillars rise to lightly decorated square tops which support a ring of criss-cross lattice work to which the top of the bag is attached, The pillars are about 40 feet high and the bag sits in a basal ring of riveted plates about seven feet high. The holder is still in use.
Notable Features
The age of the structure.
Construction Details
Start Year
1879
Type
Original Construction
Construction Materials
The gas bag is held up by round metal pillars set on square corniced and panelled bases. These in turn sit on low brick platforms. The pillars rise to lightly decorated square tops which support a ring of criss-cross lattice work to which the top of the bag is attached, The pillars are about 40 feet high and the bag sits in a basal ring of riveted plates about seven feet high. The holder is still in use.
Notable Features
The age of the structure.
Architect/Engineer/Designer: The names 'E Genever' and 'Horseley Co Ltd, Tipley, Staffordshire, England' are engraved alternately on all the uprights of the holder. Significance of Architect/Engineer/ Designer: E Genever was the manager of the gas works from 1876 to 1882 when he was dismissed under a cloud. He had been dismissed previously in 1878 but re-appointed after the post was advertised. He had, however, made enemies among the councillors. In July 1882 he was accused of letting tar run to waste, resulting in a summons for causing a nuisance, and of buying dross instead of good coal, with hints of graver misdemeanours. He was given three months notice in July 1882 but presented in November with 100 guineas subscribed by a 'number of gentlemen'. Somehow in the course of this fracas he ordered a gasholder with his name in bas relief lettering on alternate pillars, which must have angered his opponents. Architectural Description (Style): A simple industrial structure with lightly decorated metal castings. Modifications: Apparently none.
Architect/Engineer/Designer: The names 'E Genever' and 'Horseley Co Ltd, Tipley, Staffordshire, England' are engraved alternately on all the uprights of the holder. Significance of Architect/Engineer/ Designer: E Genever was the manager of the gas works from 1876 to 1882 when he was dismissed under a cloud. He had been dismissed previously in 1878 but re-appointed after the post was advertised. He had, however, made enemies among the councillors. In July 1882 he was accused of letting tar run to waste, resulting in a summons for causing a nuisance, and of buying dross instead of good coal, with hints of graver misdemeanours. He was given three months notice in July 1882 but presented in November with 100 guineas subscribed by a 'number of gentlemen'. Somehow in the course of this fracas he ordered a gasholder with his name in bas relief lettering on alternate pillars, which must have angered his opponents. Architectural Description (Style): A simple industrial structure with lightly decorated metal castings. Modifications: Apparently none.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Web Links
description: Dunedin Gasworks Museum
description: Engineering NZ Heritage
url: https://www.engineeringnz.org/our-work/heritage/heritage-register/dunedin-gasworks/
Web Links
description: Dunedin Gasworks Museum
description: Engineering NZ Heritage
url: https://www.engineeringnz.org/our-work/heritage/heritage-register/dunedin-gasworks/
