Thames (NZ): Dalmatian Family History Resources

1. Have you explored the information in Kura Heritage Collections Online recently?

Several documents relate to settlers from Yugoslavia who came to the Thames area, in particular to the Kauaeranga Valley. The men worked in the bush and looked for gum; with some becoming well known farmers in the valley. Below are some links for information on these families:

• Kauaeranga Valley & Devcich Brothers is available to view online and download. The importance of the kauri logging is covered, along with invoices and paybook details for Dalmatian settlers such as the Devcich's. Mr Simun Devcich "came to New Zealand from Yugoslavia in 1902 and at the age of 17 years commenced work on the gumfields of the Coromandel Peninsula." Page 27.

Auckland Libraries DGHS_013

• Historic Information Boards for the 1979 Centenary Celebrations has details on Thamesite Antonio Sarich. Born: Near Janjina, Peljesac, 1847 Died: Thames, 1926. page 84

• Special Occasions has information on Simun Devcich and his family.

Auckland Libraries DGHS_043-1

There are 88 items from the Dalmatian Genealogical & Historical Society, from which you are sure to find a lot more information on families who lived (even for a short period) in the Thames - Kauaeranga Valley area.

2. Another source for names of settlers from Yugoslavia / Dalmatia is the 1917 Aliens Register. 

Notice of the Registration of Aliens Act (below), where "every alien is required to make application for registration in the prescribed form not later than 1st December, 1917. Alien means a person of either sex not less than fifteen years of ages who is not a British subject either by birth of by naturalization in New Zealand." Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Thames Area Names in 1917 Aliens Register
Source: New Zealand Register of Aliens 1917 : in 2 volumes, pages 120-124
Government Printing Office Publishing, Wellington, New Zealand Pub. Year: 1917

Surname, Firstname: Birthplace, Occupation, Address
Aab, Jacob: Russia, Cook, Kauaeranga Valley
Ah Lom, : China, Market Gardener, Parawai
Angjelinovic, Simun: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Tairua
Barkarich, Kuzina: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Barbalid, Josephine: Austria, Domestic Duties, Kauaeranga Valley
Barbalid, Tudor Nikola: Austria, Farmer, Kauaeranga Valley
Barbarich, Roko: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Barbarich, Thomas: Dalmatia, Farm labourer, Turua
Barbarich, Tony: Dalmatia, Drainer, Turua
Bartularich, Tane: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Tairua
Bartulovich, George: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Bartulovich, Jozepk: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Bartulovich, Toni: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Tairua
Basmalinavich, Albert: Dalmatia, Drainer, Turua
Bilcich, Toma: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Bitech, Petar: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Puriri
Bitech, Petar: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Puriri
Blank, Albert: Germany, Fisherman, Mackay St, Thames
Blumenthal, Kurt George: Germany, Farm labourer, Pipiroa
Boehmert, Alfred: Germany, Gum digger, Gumtown
Bonefacid, Nikola: Austria, Farmer, Kauaeranga Valley
Boravich, Thomas: Dalmatia, Drainer, Turua
Botica, Mijo: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Botica, Visko: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Bratlie, Ingvaed Johan Hanson: Norway, Farmer, Ngatea
Burich, Miho: Dalmatia, Farmer, Hikutaia
Ching, Wong: China, Market Gardener, Totara, Kopu
Claxton, Sarah Ann: United States, Domestic Duties, Parawai
Curin, John M: Dalmatia, Farmer, Kauaeranga Valley
Dazench, Ivan: Dalmatia, Sawyer, Gumtown
Devcich, Antonio: Austria, Domestic Duties, Puriri
Devcich, Grgo: Dalmatia, Dairy-farm hand, Kauaeranga Valley
Devcich, Matya: Dalmatia, Domestic Duties, Puriri
Devcich, Simun: Dalmatia, Farmer and Storekeeper, Puriri
Divich, Mate: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Edwardson, Anthony: Norway, Fisherman, Whangamata
Erceg, Anton: Dalmatia, Storekeeper, Gumtown
Erceg, Jozip: Dalmatia, Storekeeper, Gumtown
Erceg, Nicholas: Dalmatia, Labourer, Kauaeranga Valley
Exelsona, Olaf: Sweden, Old age pensioner, Tairua
Fagerstrom, Ernis Gabrial: Denmark, Farm assistant, Waitakaruru
Fisher, William: Holland, , Tararu Creek, Thames
Fog, Ah: China, Market Gardener, Warahoe
Foo, Ah: China, Market Gardener, Warahoe
Frantovich, Johan: Dalmatia, Farm labourer, Waitakaruri
Garmay, Fred: Dalmatia, Drainer, Turua
Garmay, Tony: Dalmatia, Drainer, Turua
Gin, Lee: China, Market Gardener, Warahoe
Gisler, Francis R: Switzerland, Dairy farmer, Turua
Godfrey, Olufine: Norway, Domestic Duties, Franklin St, Thames
Granville, John: Denmark, Fruitgrower, Kauaeranga Valley
Gundlock, Agnes Magdlene: Norway, Farm assistant, Puru, Waiomio
Gundlock, Johannes: Norway, Farm assistant, Puru, Waiomio
Hangard, Einar Thorvald Hofgard: Denmark, Butter factory assistant, Kopu
Hansen, John Emut: Denmark, Orchardist, Parawai
Hansen, Louise Elizabeth: Germany, Domestic Duties, Parawai
Hollstun, John August: Finland, Farm worker, Turua
Huljish, Andrew: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Huljish, Steave: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Janovich, Jack: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Puketui
Johns, Joseph Peter: France, , Tairua
Johnson, Charles: Denmark, Gardener, Sandes St, Thames
Jonquin, Paul: South America, , Puriri
Jordan, Rudolph: Switzerland, Chauffeur & Gardener, Thames
Juricevich, Ivan: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Juricevich, Nikola: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Kavich, Ivan: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Kavich, Jaze: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Knap, John: Germany, Dairy farmer, Pipiroa
Kon, Ah: China, Market Gardener, Warahoe
Koslich, Savo: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Tairua
Kriskoivich, Balri: Kosia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Kriskoivich, Mate: Kosia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Kristovich, Toni: Croatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Kristovich, Toni: Croatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Lee, Thomas: Norway, Gold miner, Tapu Creek, Tapu
Long, Ah: China, Market Gardener, Warahoe
Long, Ah: China, Market Gardener, Warahoe
Lopes, Ermine Jildo: Cape Verde Island, Labourer, Tairua
Lovrich, Mateo: Austria, Farm assistant, Kauaeranga Valley
Marelich, Toni: Dalmatia, Farm labourer, Puketui
Martin, Robert: Russia, House builder, Turua
Matijasevich, Andria: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Matijasevich, Ivan: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Matyoswich, Peter: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Meyenberg, Sophia Margaretta Anne: Germany, , Tairua
Mialjevic, Jose: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Mijaljevic, Stipe: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Tairua
Mog, Wong: China, Market Gardener, Totara, Kopu
Mood, George Henly: Germany, Old age pensioner, Matatoki
Nicholson, Alex: Sweden, Gum digger, Gumtown
Nielsen, Hans Valdemar: Denmark, Buttermaker, Kopu
Olsen, Fredrick: Sweden, Dairy farmer, Turua
Ostarich, Toni: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Pearson, Peter: Denmark, Dredge Engineer, Sealey St, Thames
Penseler, William: Germany, Fruit farmer, Thames Coast
Penzholz, Auguste: Germany, Domestic Duties, Pipiroa
Piacun, Dinko: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Piacun, Mate: Dalmatia, Farm labourer, Turua
Piacun, Tome: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Pinchs, Martin: Switzerland, Dairy farm Hand, Turua
Pizarun, Mirk: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Pizarun, Toni: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Printise, Nicholas: Chile, Gum digger, Tairua
Radich, Jack: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Puketui
Radovancich, Bartol: Dalmatia, Sawyer, Gumtown
Radovanich, Ivan: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Radovanovich, Antony: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Rangiou
Radovanovich, Frank: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Rolansen, Axel: Norway, Gold miner, Puketui
Ross, Charles: Sweden, Bushman, Hikuai
Ross, John: America, Old age pensioner, Omotui
Rouse, John: Sweden, Bushman, Whangamata
Ruzich, A J K: Austria, Gold miner, Waiomio
Sahor, Tony: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Utamahitai
Sale, Marin: Dalmatia, Labourer, Kauaeranga Valley
Sardelich, Frank: Austria, Farm labourer, Wharepoa
Schmidt, Joseph: Denmark, Farmer, Matatoki
Schwarz, Hermann : Germany, Dairy farmer, Pipiroa
Slavich, Steve: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Slavich, Toni: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Sokolich, Andria: Croatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Sokolich, Ivan: Croatia, Labourer, Kauaeranga Valley
Sokolich, Ivan: Croatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Sokolich, Philip: Croatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Solari, John: Italy, Pensioner, Hikuai
Song, George J: New Caledonia, Bushman, Te Mata, Tapu
Sorensen, Simes Anton: Norway, , Turua
Stewart, Annie: Sweden, Domestic Duties, Turua
Sukovich, August: Croatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Swanson, Alexander: Sweden, Bridge worker, Ngatea
Sylvia, Antonio: Portugal, , Puketui
Tvankovich, George: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Gumtown
Vicira, Manual: Portugal, Stamperman, Nevesville
Vinjovich, Mick: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Vitali, Domenick: Dalmatia, Store Assistant, Gumtown
Vitali, Michael D: Dalmatia, Storekeeper, Gumtown
Vujnovic, Toni: Dalmatia, Gum digger, Hikuai
Zimmerman, August: Germany, Farm labourer, Pipiroa

NB. Spelling variants in translation and transcription efforts. List includes many nationalities.

1908. Kauaeranga Valley, during the logging years, and where many Dalmatian families settled.

Colourised version courtesy of MyHeritage.com

Original Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19080611-5-1

Thames (NZ): Miss Collard's Postcard Collection of Thames

Introduction:

WAIKATO TIMES,  21 JUNE 1919

The following post features a collection of postcards that were recently for sale on the Trade Me auction site. Rather than spread-out the postcards over multiple posts,its worthy to see them in total, while we learn a little about life in 1905.

The Collector:
While a few of the cards are not used, many have a message and are addressed to Miss Bretta Collard of Hikutaia.

In September 1898, Miss Collard was a pupil at the Hikutaia School and she performed a recitation. Bretta performed another recitation in 1900 at another social event at Hikutaia.

Then on 11 June 1919, Miss Breta [sic] Collard of Auckland married Mr George Ralph Howie of Morrinsville. (notice on right) 

Bretta Howie's death was registered in 1983 - her date of birth given as 29 March 1887.


The Postcards:

Posted 5 October 1905 Thames and received at Hikutaia 6 October

 

View of the Kauaeranga River

Message: Dear Bretta, Hope you like this view. Does it not put you in mind of the Hikutaia River. Kind Regards D.

Posted 5 October 1905 Thames and received at Hikutaia 6 October

 

View of the Kauaeranga River

Message: Dear Bretta, one more for the collection. This is not a bad picture of the Thames. Best wishes from D.

Posted 17 October 1905 Thames and received at Hikutaia 17 October 1905

 

Message: ? ? many thanks for sending will return jar by next week. A Symes

This postcard was sent to Bretta's sister Lillian (Lil).

Posted 21 October 1905 Thames

 

The Thames Public Library

Message: Dear Lil, Wishing you many happy returns of today. This is a photo of our new library. Kia Ora, Mot.

Posted 23 October 1905 Thames-Auckland

 

The Fishing Rocks at Tararu

Message: Best wishes ?? (is this Syms)

Posted 23 October 1905 Thames-Auckland

 

Looking over Thames Hospital

Message: May you never have any use for this place, Symes

Posted 23 October 1905 Thames-Auckland

 

Victoria Park

Message: How would a short time here go. Fred.

Posted 28 October 1905 Thames-Auckland

 

Thames Hauraki Pumping Plant

Posted 20 November 1905 Thames

 

Block 27

Message: My last resting place, Amen. (Shortland Cemetery is circled top left) FRONT

Dear Bret, Many thanks for can ? Symes BACK

Posted 20 November 1905 Thames

 

View along Pollen Street

Message: Will see you next week Mrs S passing through to Hamilton one day next week. Bring the mail down that morning + see the ? mail. ?Symes

Several other postcards appear to be from the same collection but have been "unused".

  

Left: The Fishing Rocks at Tararu.  Right: Looking down Grey Street from top Jacob's Ladder.

Do you believe everything you see on old postcards?

What first captured my attention with these postcards was the following two of the pumping plant at Thames.  Spot anything???

Well, did you guess where the Thames Orakei Plant was??? 

The photographer obviously interpreting the word HAURAKI as ORAKEI!!!

So you guessed it, these two magnificent photographs are of the Thames Hauraki Pumping plant.

A special collection of postcards, I hope the 'future buyers' enjoy them as much as Miss Collard obviously did.

Thames (NZ): The Kauaeranga from Parawai - Then & Now

Its always nice to see a 'new' postcard not seen before (by me at least!). The usual views out over the Kauaeranga River and Parawai are taken from Mount Sea Road, but this one is south near where Herewaka Street is today.

 ]

ABOVE: Left, the view from the intersection of Herewaka Street and Parawai Road.

 Right, further north along Parawai Road.

BELOW: This old postcard below, looks back towards Parawai Road and where the old two-storey house was located (centre right).

The Kauaeranga River from the bridge:

View from The Kauaeranga Bridge looking east.

Source: Then & Now 150 Years by A Barker

Thames (NZ): Thamesites' 'Memorial for Naturalisation'

There are many new digitised files (relating to Thames) that are available for viewing at Archives New Zealand. A literal goldfield awaits the genealogist and history researcher.

In the past it was necessary to pay for copies of 'Naturalisation' but now many can be viewed and downloaded.

At the search box, for instance enter "Kauaeranga Naturalisation".
The are are seven 'results' - people who were granted naturalisation while living up the Kauaeranga.

• Ivan Nikolas Curin, Kauaeranga - Thames Date (received): 22 June 1906 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. Native of Austria.
• Jorgine E [Emile] Lundberg, Kauaeranga, Thames Date: 22 March 1907 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. A midwife from Norway.
• George Curin, Kauaeranga Date: 19 May 1908 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. A bushman from Austria.
• Stephan Jerkovich, Kauaeranga Date: 11 September 1908 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. A Gumdigger originally from Austria.
• Nicholas Fistonich, Kauaeranga Date: 11 September 1908 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. A Gumdigger originally from Austria.
• Nicholas Vojkovich, Kauaeranga Date: 11 September 1908 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. A Gumdigger originally from Austria.
• Nikola Barbalich, Kauaeranga [Thames] Date: 5 October 1908 Subject: Memorial for Naturalisation. A farmer originally from Austria.

Repeat this process using search words "Thames Naturalisation" and you will find further Memorial statements and documents.

What do the forms look like?

The contents of each file varies, some examples follow. It relates to George Curin and includes his 'Oath of Allegiance', and Application for Naturalisation. Others give details of age, how long in New Zealand, occupation, place of birth and other relevant information.

  

Above the forms were approved by the local Magistrate.

Background Reading

Citizenship in New Zealand. Includes full details on changes to naturalisation over the years.

Thames (NZ): The Booms, Kauaeranga, Thames

If you grew up in Thames, you probably went swimming at the 'Booms' - an area of the Kauaeranga River just past the Thames Racecourse, as you proceed up the Kauaeranga Valley. In more recent years a new housing development was named 'The Booms' located on the hill above the Thames Parawai Racecourse.

There is a new article by David Wilton in the Treasury Journal on the "BOOMS FLAT" which reveals there is much more to the name, and what took place in order to bring the Kauri logs down the river to the sea.

"This article describes sites identified and recorded around the Booms Flat area (the name 'Booms Flat' now applying to a DoC campground near the old Main Booms)."

The logs were collected in the Parawai Booms until they could be prepared and taken to Auckland. The logs were typically tied together and towed to Auckland.

~ Check out the article on "Boom Flat" by D Wilton ~

Showing kauri logs collected by the Kauri Timber Company's booms across the Kauaeranga River at Parawai.
Auckland Weekly News 23 July 1898 p002 
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-18980723-2-1

AUCKLAND'S KAURI TIMBER INDUSTRY: A CORNER OF THE BOOMS ON THE KAUAERANGA RIVER.
Auckland Weekly News 28 SEPTEMBER 1905 p004 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19050928-4-1 

PREPARING A RAFT OF LOGS IN THE KAUAERANGA RIVER, THAMES, FOR TOWING TO AUCKLAND.
Auckland Weekly News 22 AUGUST 1907 p004 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19070822-4-4

AUCKLAND'S GREAT KAURI TIMBER INDUSTRY. WHICH IS RAPIDLY BEING WORKED OUT: LOGS IN THE BOOMS AT KAUAERANGA. NEAR THAMES.
Auckland Weekly News 28 June 1923 p049 
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19230628-49-4

Further information:

Booms Flat Campsite, Kauaeranga Valley.

Historic Kauri Dams, Kauaeranga Valley.

Kauri Timber Industry - Kauaeranga Valley by Gary Staples. Ohinemuri Journal.

Thames (NZ): Kauaeranga River Postcard

Views of Thames.
What a joy it is to find a new postcard of Thames, and at a reasonable cost!
This postcard of the Kauaeranga River is taken from the area below present day Herewaka Street.

 

A young boy poses for the camera near the Kauaeranga River. It a high tide or maybe the river is in flood. In the distance (lower photo), are the houses and businesses on Bank Street.  There were stables, abattoir and stock yard in the earlier days.

Thames (NZ): Kauaeranga River Sports

Do we appreciate the Kauaeranga River today?
In the past sports and related swimming activities were held on the river. Thamesites loved a trip up the river in a boat. To go swimming. Yes and even to fish for trout. Today maybe best known for the walks and the facilities offered by DOC. Below are some images of the past.

Description Right: A GLIMPSE OF THE KAUAERANGA RIVER, THAMES.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 28 SEPTEMBER 1905  ' Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19050928-3-2 ' 

Description: THE TROUT-FISHING SEASON IN NEW ZEALAND: ONE OF THE FIRST TROUT CAUGHT IN THE KAUAERANGA RIVER, THAMES,AUCKLAND.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 12 MARCH 1908 ' Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19080312-2-5

Description: NEW ZEALAND'S BEAUTIFUL RIVER SCENERY: VIEW ON THE KAUAERANGA RIVER, THAMES AUCKLAND.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 04 JULY 1907 ' Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19070704-1-2 '

Thames (NZ): Kauaeranga Camp conditions

 
It often said how hard the life of the miners was, often miles back in the bush via barely accessible tracks. Spare a thought also for the bushmen, who worked in the rugged conditions up the Kauaeranga, and other bush areas around the Coromandel Peninsula. The work was hard, days long and injuries frequent.

On the right is a typical camp. The description reads: The main camp of the workers in the Kauaeranga Bush.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 20 October 1921
' Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19211020-32-4 '

Below left: Description
BUILDING A BUSH-WORKER'S SPLIT-PALING SHANTY: A SCENE IN THE KAUAERANGA BUSH AT THAMES.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 17 November 1921' Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19211117-40-3 '

 

Above right: Description
ONE OF THE BUSH CAMPS IN THE KAUAERANGA KAURI BUSH WORKING AT THAMES.
Source: Auckland Weekly News 20 October 1921 ' Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19211020-40-3 '