N and E S Paterson

This is 130 Rattray Street

When I mentioned this building to someone recently they imediately broke into a little jingle that was used to advertise the Real Estate part of N & E S Paterson, so whatever the ultimate fortunes of the firm clearly the advertising had left its mark.

The firm of Paterson Pitts (http://www.pppgroup.co.nz/) is the name that is carrying on the N & E S Paterson line today. Their web site tells us that they are involved in land development professional services in the area of engineering and survey. The further go on to tell us that the original firm was founded in 1900.

The focus on land development would have very much made sense at that time of settlement and expansion in Dunedin's history. This area of work is now a little less certain in Dunedin and the Paterson Pitts group now boasts branches in Wanaka, Queenstown and Cromwell which again makes sense given where most land development is these days.

As mentioned above Real Estate was once an extension of the business and it is easy to see how this fits in with designing and supervising the construction of sub divisions.

I would not be surprised to discover that one of the real estate companies in town can also trace its roots back to this company.

Judging by the state of the building, perhaps it is not done with the services of Paterson Pitts as it looks like it could do with some redevelopment.

The following entry comes from the Cyclopedia of New Zealand
http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc04Cycl-t1-body1-d2-d30-d4.html

Paterson, N. And E. S. (Nathaniel and Edward S. Paterson), Licensed Surveyors, Land and Sharebrokers. Valuators, Estate and Financial Agents, and Accountants. Head office, Stafford Chambers, 73 Princes Street, Dunedin. Branch office, Mornington. Telephone: head office, 33; Mornington, 1712. Private addresses: Mr. N. Paterson, 363 Castle Street, Mr. E. Paterson. Wharenui, Roslyn. This business was established in 1899, and has already advanced to a leading position. The senior partner, who has had a large experience as a surveyor and civil engineer, has executed numerous large and important surveys throughout the South Island, and is at present (1904) engaged in the survey of the well known Acton estate, near Rakaia, Canterbury, for subdivision into farms for closer settlement. The firm collects rents, acts as attorneys for absentees, and advises as to properties for investment.