In 1864, architects Taylor and Marchant were hired to construct a hall for the local Masonic guild. The building was known as Southern Cross Lodge no. 997, its façade originally showing a square and compass to represent the Masonic order. From 1866 until 1870, the building was used by the Southland Provincial Council, then from 1871 by its successor, the Invercargill Borough Council. During this time, the building was also occupied by Invercargill’s District and Supreme Courts, until a dedicated courthouse was established in 1878. When the building became too small for its civic purpose, the council relocated to the Town Hall. It remained in use for the traffic and gas departments until 1963, when it came under private ownership. In 1979 the structure came under the ownership of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, who currently leases it to a retail business.

Source: ‘Centenary of Invercargill Municipality 1871 – 1971’ by J.O.P. Watt, REF: 993.98 WAT; ‘Heritage New Zealand’ online.