paling

The street looks narrow. I think that building on the far left is still there, but I don't recognise the others. Probably torn down and the street widened.

@ Japester68 - these old telephone poles are very helpful in dating old photos. The style changed often to cope with rapidly changing technology and increased demand. See www.telephonecollecting.org/lightpoles.htm . I reckon these were pre-1900.

Google Street view - maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&...

The WH Paling Music store at 356 George St. was demolished about 1891, see www.flickr.com/photos/state-records-nsw/3863063363/ So this photo is about 1890 (like a lot of the Henry King collection).

There is an almost identical Henry King photo taken five minutes later - www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=31273 .

" In 1883 he [William Henry Paling] bought large premises at 356 George Street for £45,000 and reorganized the [music] business as a limited liability company. In 1891 Paling moved to the company's present [1974] site at 338 George Street. " - from adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A050444b.htm This building was near the corner of Martin Place (or Moore St as it was), not in The Rocks.

The "Post Office Resumption" notice (see note) was due to the building of the GPO and widening Moore Street into Martin Place, c.1890. The top parapet of the GPO is seen at mid right, From another angle - www.flickr.com/photos/powerhouse_museum/2363485956/

Google street view - maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&...

Thanks for the info and the links, beachcomberaustralia. Will update our caption!

See 'next door' - www.flickr.com/photos/state-records-nsw/3863063363/

The stock of Thompson and Giles was purchased by Riley Brothers in early August 1890 (see Evening News, 6/8/1890, p6).