While transport for the general public was of course imperative, the need to provide industrial transport was vital if the Thames Goldfield was to succeed. For those wanting to research the reports on the roadways and tramways, the Appendix to the Journals of House of Representatives provide an excellent overview.
Imagine you are mining high up in the hills above Thames, how do you get your 'rock' processed, how do you get rid of mining waste? The Tramways provided a vital access link. Some were privately built, while others were built or subsidised by the provincial government.
The 1869 Mining Map (below) had an overlay of railway and tramway plans drawn by Engineer Charles O'Neill.
1869 THAMES GOLDFIELD Map with overlay of Railways and Tramways
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| ABOVE: A map of Thames and the surrounding area showing gold claims. It also has manuscript annotations by Charles O'Neill, showing the position of planned railways and stations. Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZ Map 7012 BELOW: Enlargement of Tararu Area - Plan of Tramways marked in red.  |
News on the Thames Tramways as reported in the local and National Newspapers:
1869 January 26, New Zealand Herald: Reports on the Thames Tramway Petition to the Provincial Council. Those who had signed - urgently wanted money spent on the erection of the Tararu Wharf and a tramway to be constructed from Tararu to Shortland. There was a new tramway under construction on the Waiotahi Creek from the Nolan's Claim to the Duke of Edinburgh Machine.
1869 December 8 Daily Southern Cross: Dignitaries had visited the Moanataiari Tramway. Chief Engineer Charles O'Neill was praised for accomplishing such a difficult task. The eighth level of the Moanataiari Tramway was said to be specifically spectacular, "built across the Moanataiari ravine." (part right)
These sections of the tramway provided a vital link for the mines that were scattered high up in the hills. The 'wire tramways' were said to be a great means to deal with the rugged ground around the Thames Goldfield and could carry large amounts.
1874, the Newspapers reported the passing of the Borough of Thames Tramways Act 1874. The Act allowed for improvement of transportation in many areas related to movement of mining material in particular. The Council had the power to do things such: Put down or give approval for tramways to be placed down over borough streets. These could be for passengers or mining activities, could be horse drawn or propelled. The Council could also approve overhead structures / trestles over the town streets, for things such flumes. The Act also stated that the Council could "permit any quartz mullock earth or water carried thereon or thereby to be discharged into the sea, or to be deposited in any other suitable place to be fixed by the Council."
1879, an example of the application process is shown below when William Souter applied for permission to build a line of tramway from Burke Street to Beach Road.,
The need for tramways to aid accessibility and transportation continued, and those up the Kauaeranga in relation to the Timber Industry are a topic in their own right.
1869 December 8 Daily Southern Cross: Dignitaries had visited the Moanataiari Tramway. Chief Engineer Charles O'Neill was praised for accomplishing such a difficult task. The eighth level of the Moanataiari Tramway was said to be specifically spectacular, "built across the Moanataiari ravine." (part right)These sections of the tramway provided a vital link for the mines that were scattered high up in the hills. The 'wire tramways' were said to be a great means to deal with the rugged ground around the Thames Goldfield and could carry large amounts.
1874, the Newspapers reported the passing of the Borough of Thames Tramways Act 1874. The Act allowed for improvement of transportation in many areas related to movement of mining material in particular. The Council had the power to do things such: Put down or give approval for tramways to be placed down over borough streets. These could be for passengers or mining activities, could be horse drawn or propelled. The Council could also approve overhead structures / trestles over the town streets, for things such flumes. The Act also stated that the Council could "permit any quartz mullock earth or water carried thereon or thereby to be discharged into the sea, or to be deposited in any other suitable place to be fixed by the Council."
1879, an example of the application process is shown below when William Souter applied for permission to build a line of tramway from Burke Street to Beach Road.,
Thames Star 21 February 1879.
EXAMPLES OF TRAMWAYS on the Thames Goldfield |
| ABOVE: Supposedly a view of the Long Drive Claim, but actually the Waiotahi Valley. Water race on the left running down from the dammed stream, and a tramway up to the middle of the valley. Messenger Hill is at the extreme top left. Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 536-Album-285-8-1  ABOVE: View at the south end of Tararu Bay, the tramway on the waters edge. |
ABOVE: Moanataiari Tramway.
ABOVE: In the Auckland Goldfields District, Trucking from the Hauraki Mine at the Thames to the Tip-Head.
Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19100811-4-4
Closing:
The tramways of Thames provided an important transportation link on the Goldfield. While the emphasis has been on tramways, the use of horses came into their own as the town was developed - their worth in moving heavy machinery was essential.
Stop and think of all the machinery, timber and other items that had to be moved - and be in awe of what these pioneers achieved. The last photographs look at how the Hauraki Pump boilers were transported from Owen Street to Waiokaraka Road. Everyone working as a team, especially the horses! Next time we will look at Thamesites favourite project - moving buildings!
ABOVE: Closeup of the team of horses and their handlers - about to start the big move!
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Background / Further Information:
Previous Transportation Posts
Background / Further Information:
Previous Transportation Posts
- Getting around the Thames pre 1867
- Getting around the Thames from 1867
AJHRS with reference to Railway and Tramways:
- GOLDFIELDS ROADS, WATER-RACES, AND OTHER WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH MINING (REPORT ON). 1 Jan 1886 , 1 Jan 1887 , 1 Jan 1888 , 1 Jan 1890 , 1 Jan 1891 , 1 Jan 1892 (more years available)
**UPDATE 3 March 2019** BACKGROUND on CHARLES O'NEILL:
A previous blog post featured Engineer Charles O'Neill, had how his name could possibly still feature in one of our streets. For many years a long section of Tararu Road, was known as O'Neill's Esplanade in recognition of the work done by Mr O'Neill at The Thames.
