From Timber Mills to Landmarks: The Story of SPND in Cambridge
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For more than fifty years, the headquarters of building firm Speight Pearce Nicoll & Davys (SPND) was sited on the corner of Queen and Lake Street. Its founders Harold Speight, Arthur Pearce, Arthur Nicoll and Henry Davys were all key Cambridge personalities who played a major part in community and town issues. Over time, several of their family members also worked for the SPND alongside a team of highly-skilled craftsmen. Their quality workmanship can still be seen in businesses and houses throughout the district.
SPND on the corner of Queen & Lakes Streets in Cambridge, early 1900s
The story begins in 1908
Harold Speight bought out the timber department of Souter & Co in 1908 and shortly after went into partnership with his brother-in-law Arthur WG Pearce (also a timber merchant). In 1910 accountant Arthur Nicoll joined the firm and then in 1913 they amalgamated with builders Davys and Co. In 1916 the firm was described as one of the most progressive firms in the district with the site a,
“hive of activity comprising a large timber mill, coal and firewood yard. It is one of the largest business assets that Cambridge possesses with wages alone of 3000 pounds per annum”. (Source: “Ready for Xmas: Waikato Independent, 16 December 1916, Page 4)
Over the years the business grew, and large building contracts were undertaken in all parts of the province. Wood and coal stores were established and a new hardware department opened in 1928. In 1922 the firm secured the cutting rights over an area of some 1500 acres of milling country – a portion of the crown lands at Te Miro, some 11 miles from Cambridge, the supply estimated at more than 2 million feet. The firm shifted its sawmilling plant there. Output was estimated to be around half a million feet of timber annually and employing a dozen men.
Staff of the SPND mill at Te Miro in the 1920s.
In 1954 SPND erected a new shop and office on Lake St.
“It’s a Good House If Built with SPND Timber”
Staff of the joinery department of SPND in the 1920s.
A Family Tradition
For decades, SPND was shaped by generations of its founding families. In 1964 the firm was taken over by the Taupo Totara Timber Company (TTT) with Mr Bob Pearce (son of Harold) and his co-directors Henry E Davys (son of Henry J) and John Nicoll (grandson of Arthur) carrying on in the firm. By 1981 when he retired Bob Pearce had been a member of the firm for 47 years. Henry Davys was Cambridge Manager and had been there for 48 years and John Nicoll was Chief Purchasing Officer.
“There have been many changes, but we have always flowed along as a team” said Mr Pearce in 1981. “The firm has had many long serving and faithful employees”.
At one point there were 98 staff members but by 1981 this had nearly halved to 54.
“Everything is pre-fitted and hung today, the old hand joiners working with wood have gone, it’s all easily fitted hardboard or aluminium”, said Mr Pearce. (Cambridge Edition 27 November 1981).
Full page advertisement from the Waikato Independent 17 December 1931.
A lasting legacy
The reputation of Speight Pearce Nicoll & Davys was built on quality workmanship, family commitment, and strong ties to the Cambridge community. Many of their buildings remain standing, a tribute to their craftsmanship and vision, including the following:
- The Clock Tower
- The Anglican parish hall
- The fire station
- Davies Building
- Cambridge Electric Power Board
- Calvert Chambers in Victoria Street
- Farmer’s Meat Company
- The Nixon Building
- St Peter’s Catholic Church
- The Veale Buildings
- As well as various houses in the town and country including state houses and ‘Summerleas’ in Leamington.
Cambridge state homes and also 32 state houses in Hayes Paddock.
SPND staff outside the new premises, built in 1952.
Timeline:
1900: Henry J. Davys and Son (Henry E.) builders building a workshop on the corner of corner of Queen and Lake Streets, near the Cambridge Railway Station.
1908: H. H. Speight bought out the timber department of Souter and Co and started up as a timber merchant. Shortly after Speight joined with rival timber merchant Arthur Pearce.
1910: Accountant A. H. Nicoll joins Speight and Nicoll.
1913: The two Davys joins creating Speight, Pearce, Nicoll and Davys (SPND).
1921: Sawmill built at Te Miro which supplied the company with timber for houses and joinery, mostly rimu.
1965: Ownership transferred to Taupo Totara Timber Company.
1972: Taupo Totara Timber Company taken over by Forest Products.
1987: Forest Products taken over by Benchmark.
2008: Benchmark becomes Bunnings.
2020: Bunnings closes in Cambridge. (Source: Cambridge News)
2023: The land is purchased by Inghams (Source: Cambridge News)