Smith's Grain Store (Former)

As well as playing and important part of the streetscape as Heritage New Zealand tells us: The opulence of this building (Smith's Grain Store) is symbolic of the importance of North Otago as a grain producing region. The building could hold 30,000 sacks of grain. From 1906-1970 the building was used as the Oamaru Mail office. It has also served as a dance hall and skating rink and more importantly the first home of the North Otago Farmers' Co-op.
Opening in March 1882 as more of a ‘temple of art than a grain store.’ It is an outstanding example of the ornate Victorian architecture for which Oamaru is renowned. James Johnston designed the two storey grain store in Italianate style and it was built by stonemasons Messrs Hamilton and Co. The Store could hold 30,000 sacks of grain.