Thames (NZ): Mr Whitehead's Grahamstown Postcard featuring the Waiotahi Aqueduct

Another challenge - let us take a second look at a Postcard sent from Thames to Auckland. The goal as always to try and find out a) who the sender was and b) who was the person receiving the card.

The Card & Message

The Message reads:

"Dear Bert,

I am enjoying myself. Hoping you are also! (I might go to Rotorua if Annie can get away).

Love to all. Send me some writing paper ?next ?.W"

Addressed to: Mr A D Whitehead, C/- Abel & Dykes, Shortland Street, Auckland.

The year the card was sent is unclear, but postage is a half penny of Mitre Peak, similar to the one in the 1900 Pictorial set.

Who was Mr A D Whitehead?

It is likely that this was Albert David (Bert) Whitehead, born at Thames 22 December 1882 to William and Eleanor Whitehead. William was the brother of Mathias Whitehead, an early arrival on the goldfield who owned a bootmaker's business for many years.

     In 1905, Bert  Whitehead lived in Lichfield Street Auckland East and was working as a stationer. He married Agatha Garland in 1911 and they lived at 33 Grosvenor Street, New Lynn.

     The occupation of Stationer, completes the picture, for Bert's postcard was addressed to his place of work - Abel & Dykes, Shortland Street, Auckland. Abel, Dykes & Co were a general bookbinding and stationery manufacturing business located in Shortland Street.

     Albert David Whitehead died 16 September 1966 in Auckland.

The Waiotahi Aqueduct

The view in the postcard will be familiar to most readers. On the right is the site of present day A G Price Ltd, while in the lower left corner, is the site of the Hauraki Prospectors' Goldmine Experience.

For those of us less knowledgeable on mining matters, it is often confusing to look at the overhead structures that scattered the Thames Goldfield landscape. Were the structures carrying water from diverted creeks, or from or to a mining site. Or were they tramways carrying ore and waste away from a mine.

     An description of an early overhead structure at the Thames is provided for the Moanataiari Aqueduct in 1872. The culvert from the Moanataiari creek was causing problems, the solution was to take the water overhead, rather than underground. Starting at a point in the creek above the Caledonian Mine, the structure had a 1-in-40 gradient, down Coromandel Street to the beach. The aqueduct was five and half feet deep and built with supports to allow for deepening of the structure as required.

     The Waiotahi Aqueduct (in the photograph above) was another well known overhead structure - the following are snippets on its history.

• 1882 May 18, a special Borough Council meeting was held to discuss the building of the Waiotahi aqueduct. The contract was awarded to Mr McDermott the tender price was 1170 Pounds.
• 1882 July 10, concern was raised regarding the engineers plans for the aqueduct, as a set of the legs were located right in the middle of Owen Street.
• 1882 October 6, Thames Borough Council meeting discussed the delays in completion of the Waiotahi aqueduct and the lack of engineer supervision. Within a couple of weeks the contractors advertised for 20 pick and shovel men to work on the aqueduct project - wages were eight shillings a day.
• 1882 November 27, culvert work was underway in Owen Street by the Golden Crown Battery, water had flowed along the channel, "instead of wending its way across the flat to the beach as heretofore."
• 1883, talk continued in the newspapers regarding the completion of the aqueduct.
• 1884 March 7, the Waiotahi Aqueduct overflowed at the head, which led to a considerable run-off into the lower culvert.
• 1885 August 14, Mr Climo was given permission to cut into the aqueduct and take water for a nearby sluice.
• 1886 February 12, repairs had been needed to the aqueduct as the boards had deteriorated. Sadly heavy rain  had resulted in 500 to 600 feet of additional lining boards being washed away.
• 1894 February 10, tenders were called for extension work to the aqueduct.
• 1894 June 6, the Waiotahi Aqueduct was causing problems at the wharf end. Water, debris and tailings were running off - the harbourmaster had to organise clearing otherwise ships would not be able to access the wharf.
• 1896 November 20, there was a proposal to link the Waiotahi Aqueduct to the Cambria Battery tail race for the purposes of flushing.
• 1897 February 1, heavy rain resulted in a considerable amount of boulders going down the aqueduct resulting in damage to the structure along with considerable flooding on the land below. The following year in 1898, it was estimated after one heavy period of rainfall that 4000 tonnes of debris went down the aqueduct. Reports such as these were common, with the structure often damaged during heavy rainfall.
• 1898 February 11, urgent repairs were needed along the entire 1122 foot length of the viaduct. This work was completed by November of 1898.
• 1909 April 23, 2100 feet of planking was repaired and aqueduct's supports were strengthened. The ongoing repairs to the aqueduct were a regular necessity!
• 1915 November 13, yet again the need for repairs to the structure were needed, this time the cost was 1870 Pounds. Most of the structure was 22 years old, with parts considerably older.
• 1917 March 3, the great flood of 1917, was too much for the Waiotahi Aqueduct - it completely collapsed at the eastern end causing considerable flooding. Worst hit was the Governor Bowen Hotel, water rushed through the building, until urgent diversions completed.
• 1922 August 16, tenders were called to remove the Waiotahi Aqueduct structure. (copy below left) By October, there were still no takers for the demolition, so it was decided to sell the timber by auction. (Copy below right)
    
• 1923 June 20, news that the Waiotahi Aqueduct had been demolished.

ABOVE: The Waiotahi Aqueduct running left to right from the Waiotahi over Owen Street / Pollen Street intersect.

BELOW: The 1917 Flood - extensive damage to the aqueduct at the lower end of the Waiotahi Creek Road.

     Changes continued in the town as old mining structures were removed. In 1924 one old Thamesite returned and couldn't believe that the old overhead structures had been removed. 

Challenge

Keep looking at the old photographs and spot the landmarks, or rather look for the 'lost' landmarks.

     When you see an empty space or allotment, step back and identify what structure once stood on the land. 

     Its also an activity that you can do as you travel around the town today, stop and test yourself - do you know the locations of the old goldmining landmarks?

UPDATE 30 June 2020: Further photo of the Aqueduct

Thames (NZ): Looking for photos of Thames?

In the past, I have always recommended that people look first at Auckland Libraries, Sir George Grey Collection. While the hundreds of photos of Thames remain at that site, I have been wondering why no new ones have been uploaded over the last month.

The answer is that the Kura site is now where you will find new photo uploads.
There are interesting new views of Thames, although not accurately labelled. Remember, staff appreciate comments and corrections.

Photos of Thames 1960s

Houses and farmland on Thames coast, c1962
Jack Gyde Collection at Kura, Auckland Council Libraries Record ID 931-083

A great view over Totara subdivision during the the 1960s - yes and not Thames Coast as the main caption states on the Kura website. The picture description does give the correct description.

Another view in this series looks north-east towards Parawai.

Houses and farmland, c1962
Jack Gyde Collection at Kura, Auckland Council Libraries Record ID 931-082

Now, the above photo is a hidden gem, as it shows clearly the beginnings of all the subdivisions and roads at Parawai, from Herewaka Street to the Booms subdivision. Look at the close-up view below, (or go to the website and zoom in) and spot all the earthworks in process. While the age is given as c1962, Parawai School is already established, so the photo was taken from 1967 onwards.

View towards Parawai, and developing subdivisions late 1960s.

In the photograph below, there are still more 'treasures'. The Herewaka Street subdivision is underway; while there is yet another flood - the Parawai Flat around the Kauaeranga River are underwater late 1960s.

Muddy Road and floods, Thames, c1962.
Jack Gyde Collection at Kura, Auckland Council Libraries Record ID 931-084

Guess Where this is?
We will finish with this beauty! The area is almost unrecognisable today? Have you realised where it is?

The District Homes at Tararu 1960s.

The Thames Hospital Board Farm takes up most of the photo, with the District Home lower left.

A closer look below of the District Home.

Here is the full view of Tararu in the 1960s - looking over Victoria Street.

Coastal Housing at Tararu near Thames.
Jack Gyde Collection at Kura, Auckland Council Libraries Record ID 931-114

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): Serious flooding 1938 Hauraki Plains

Introduction.

Was the King Tide 5th January 2018 a big event? Well it appears so! "As a guide, this is one of the biggest events that have occurred in the Firth of Thames in recorded history," said Waikato Regional Council's Rick Liefting. The water level was a metre higher than a normal high tide, combined with the high waves it really was an extraordinary occurrence. (If you missed the significance of the day a collage of photographs has been prepared by Denis Tegg.)

It was reported that the last time the water levels were so high was in 1938, when the Hauraki Plains were flooded. What happened back in 1938, and was it really as bad as the recent event of 5th January 2018. 

1938 Flood Event on the Hauraki Plains.

On the evening 4th May 1938, residents became concerned about the water that was gathering on the Hauraki Plains. Mr C Walsh warned his neighbour at 10pm that the water was becoming a problem. Mr McQuoid and his family took heed but almost immediately the water started to flow into his house, which soon was over three feet deep. Objects floated around the room and the family could not escape. Mr and Mrs McQuoid placed their four small children onto a bed and attempted to hold it all night until flood waters started to recede in the early morning hours. With much relief the family were rescued at daylight and taken to the Pipiroa Hall. Press 7 May 1938. 

Flood waters around Mr C Walsh's home at Pipiroa. The family (right) spent the night in the ceiling.

Boats provided the only way to move about the flooded Hauraki Plains.

 The New Zealand Herald 6 May 1938, stated it was the worst flood in the history of the Hauraki Plains. There had been heavy rain and northerly winds all day, when the high tide occurred around 10pm, the stop-banks broke at Pipiroa and Hopai. Residents such as Mr Keane of Pipiroa also remarked on the suddenness of the flood event and reported levels of four feet around his property, which resulted in loss of farm animals. A beekeeper lost all his hives, the list of losses was large.

The Pipiroa Public Hall, where many people sought refuge during the flood. The stopbank in the foreground had broken.

The Pipiroa Store, which had three feet of water during the height of the flood.
Photographs from the Auckland Weekly News, 11 May 1938, page 46.Source: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19380511-46-1

Flooding also occurred at Turua and Kopuarahi.  Only the main road at Kopuarahi was above the water, and stock took shelter on this higher ground. Everyone stressed the flood was far worse than the 1936 event, the last great flood. New Zealand Herald 6 May 1938.

Flooding at Thames May 1938.
Thames suffered a similar sudden 'tida'l flood to the recent 5 January 2018 King Tide Event; the water inundated the Grahamstown end of town, but quickly dispersed with the outgoing tide. The Park Hotel for instance had four feet of water and debris, and a car parked outside was submerged to the roof. (full report below)

 Floods at the Thames, in some ways the common denominator in the history of the town and area. Many Thamesites have fought for better flood management since the goldfield opened, while others have chosen to seek reassurance that it is just 'normal' for the town.

Further Reading:
1917 Flood and 1936 Flood

Thames (NZ): The fury of the King Tide

By now, everyone will have seen images of the damaging King Tide that occurred yesterday morning, Friday 5 January 2018. (The Thames Coromandel District Council has a gallery of photos in their news releases)

While Thamesites are well used to heavy rain and floods, this event was somewhat different given the speed it happened, and with virtually no rain. The sea prior to the high tide was literally roaring south down the firth, the waves like grand breakers at the best surf beach. Still, one could not be prepared for what happened as the high tide approached. There were breaches of the sea wall all along the Thames Foreshore, and the stormwater drains spewed out tidal water. Along Queen Street, Goldfield Mall, to Moanataiari and north, the waters covered the verges and roads. Within minutes of taking the photo below of the Lady Bowen(Albert and Brown Street intersect), the roads were flooded and closed.

The Waiotahi Creek along Burke Street was a raging torrent as the huge waves swept along towards the bridge to the refuse station. The wind was at times horrendous. At the south end of town the old Shortland Wharf took a beating, while the carpark and boat marina were inundated.

 Victoria Park was soon inundated with water and the waves crashed over further south at the Bridge Club and Miniature Railway.

The list goes on, but what happened along the Thames Coast is beyond belief. The roads were taken over by the sea, giant waves literally lifted and broke the road surface. The damage will take months to repair, and affect Thames Coasters' lives, day in and day out.

It is one hundred and fifty years since the goldfield opened, and once again the settlers of the Thames are reminded of the fury of the sea.

Further photographs and video:
Stuff: Thames Coast Road and NZ Herald Thames Coast Road.
TCDC: Mayor Sandra Goudie video update.

**Update 7 1 2018, excellent article on Stuff "In a Town near Thames, the summer storm felt like a 'mini Tsunami'." Showing devastation of the road and impact on the seaside village of Te Puru.**

***Update 16 1 2018, Denis Tegg has compiled information on the King Tide event - a MUST Watch!! On Youtube. ***

Thames (NZ): 1936 Flood

Even by Thames standards, this was a major flood. Described as a cyclonic storm, which resulted in three deaths, which included a man an Waiomo on the Thames Coast. The street in the photo is Albert Street, looking towards Queen Street at the far right.

New Zealand Herald 3 February 1936

Thames Floods

One of the most frequent event for Thamesites over the years was dealing with regular floods. The principal creeks and rivers often overflowing in times of heavy rain eg. Kauaeranga River, Hape and Karaka Creeks, plus many of the smaller normally minor streams.

1917 Flood - Pollen Street (between Mary and Walter Street intersects)

YES that is a building in the middle of Pollen Street!!! (Photo above). There are photos from the other angle in Postcards taken by E Dunnage.  Also several of the recorded oral histories at The Treasury remembered the time the building next to present Browns 100% was 'moved' by the flood waters.

The Thames Star newspaper is full of accounts of minor and major damage from floods in the area. On 23 February 1917 one such report where a reader is disappointed about the third major flood since Thames was settled and the amount of debris in the Karaka creek that lead to severe flooding in central Pollen Street.