Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Thames (NZ): Then & Now - Northern Queen Street Fishery

Northern Queen Street, Thames - the roof structure still evident in the lower photo, although the front façade has been altered. The Thames Fishermen's Co-operative Society opened their new building on 29 September 1911, at Thames. Built by: Harvey & Kidd, Niven & Co installed the plant, J Pratt laid the foundations. The power was installed by Judd & Co and A Diamond installed the freezing room.

The building was 65 foot by 45 foot and a full description was provided in the next edition of the Thames Star newspaper. The Society had nine Directors: "Messrs Hool (chairman), Choat, Reddish, Howe (2), G Reid, Penno, Cook, and Bateman... There are 17 supply boats."  The object "of  the fishermen connected with the works was to co-operate for their mutual advantage, provide a regular supply of fish to the public at reasonable rates, and to show by their enterprise, by securing regular supplies, and by attention to the requirements of the public, that the project was worthy of support." 
Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19111005-16-6