Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Thames (NZ): Thames Motor Camp 1954

A delightful envelope on an auction site with a stamp of Prince Charles on the cover. Timely, given the announcement in New Zealand today that Prince Charles will again be a grandfather in the months to follow.
A popular camp and meeting area from the time the Thames Goldfields opened. Names have changed over the years from Tararu Gardens, Thames Motor Camp and Dickson Park.

In 1930 the Thames Council made the decision to provide cooking facilities at the grounds. "At a meeting of the Borough Council last evening, it was decided that further conveniences be installed at the Tararu Domain for motorists, who freely used the camping ground last year. A shed is to be erected to house electric grills, which are to be made available for cooking at a small cost."

For further information:
The Treasury: Pre 1930 Business Folders, Street Directories, Oral History recordings
Paperspast for early information on Tararu Gardens
1972 Whites Aviation view of Tararu - Dickson Camp middle left
Source: Tararu, Thames. Ref: WA-70459-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23208396