Thames (NZ): Early Gymnastic Sports at the Thames

Sport played an important part in the life of the settlers on the Thames Goldfield. Times may have been hard but as a community, both young and old, Thamesites relished coming together and participating in the wide range of sports that were on offer.

Introduction:
One of these sports was Gymnastics. Below is an excerpt from Playing Sports on the Thames Goldfield.

"In 1889 a group got together and formed an athletics class which was known as the Thames Amateur Gymnasium Club. By December 1890 the membership was 100, Mr H Cordes was club secretary. The leader/instructor was Mr Daldy McWilliams.

On 3rd December 1890, the club gave their first private exhibition in the Volunteer Hall at Shortland, which was then followed by a social. The exhibition included: dumbbell exercises to music, roman rings, horizontal bar, trapeze, Indian clubs and boxing. A highlight was the performance by Mr A Gubb when he, “did a most daring performance, making a flying leap from the single and landing in a sitting position on the double trapeze, which was received with great applause.”

Daldy McWilliams

March 1891, the Thames Amateur Gymnasium Club had a large athletic sports gathering at Mr Manning’s Paddock. As previously mentioned, the early disciplines of Gymnastics and Athletics, overlapped considerably.

In January 1893 there was a social to open the Thames Amateur Gymnasium Club’s season at their Richmond Street clubrooms, and a benefit night was planned for Mr Daldy McWilliams, as a thank-you for his services as instructor. There was also a Ladies’ Calisthenics Class, giving a performance of Indian clubs. The junior boys (8-14) were a junior division of dumb-bellists. Mention is made of the delight that the children had for this sport, noting that this education was lacking in the schools. “Apart from the value of the instruction imparted and its importance to health, the club also exercises a great moral influence, in as much as it cannot fail to keep many lads off the streets at night time, and consequently out of mischief.”
Advertisements for the club cease July 1894; did they become part of the Athletic Club or disband? There was another gym group, operating out of the Naval Hall in February 1891, run by Mr Wm Connon, with the aim of helping their members to become very efficient gymnasts.      

Then in 1897 Messrs Von Rotter and Meehan opened a gymnasium in the Hibernian Hall, Shortland. The gymnasium catered for: Indian clubs, dumbells, horizontal bar, roman rings, trapeze, tumbling, marching and boxing.

Other clubs in the town, such as rowing were also advertising gymnasium facilities. In May 1900 there was mention of another new club, the Thames Gymnasium & Athletic Club (Grahamstown), to be run by W Woodward and T Tasker.

The Thames Young Men’s Club opened next to the Post and Telegraph Office in Queen Street in 1904, and they also had a gymnasium.

Later in 1915, the Thames High School Gymnasium, which was part of the new school in Sealey Street, provided much needed gymnastic facilities for the community. Over the years a wide range of gymnastic disciplines were undertaken in Thames, at multiple venues. It would appear this was very popular sport, with many Thamesites."

Children holding the Indian Clubs - Presumably part of a display team.
Source: Thames Museum

Indian Clubs:
Now to the real reason for the post! When I first researched the sports on offer in the town it was hard to find accompanying photographs of early events. Now thanks to some treasures emerging in the Thames Museum Collection, one of the disciplines mentioned now has an accompanying photograph.

The gymnastic discipline featured is Indian clubs. This was one of the most popular display performances at the Thames; and regularly practiced at schools and clubs.

The photograph shows children proudly posed with their 'Indian Clubs'. Were they a display team, members if a group? Are the older girls the leaders, or instructors?

While we have talked about Gymnastics, for women the term Calisthenics was more often used. In the Thames Advertiser 25 August 1892 women from the local Calisthenic class wielded the clubs with great skill.

Thames Advertiser 25 August 1892. Paperspast.

Closing:

The importance of exercise was an early part of our school curriculum, in Thames and throughout New Zealand. In 1884, it was noted that Indian Clubs were to be added to the apparatus used in schools in the Auckland District. Mr Sullivan, the school Inspector noted, "I become everyday more and more impressed with the value of gymnastic exercises, especially for girls."

Thames (NZ): First Caledonian Games at the Thames 150 years ago

The town of Shortland was ready for a good party by the time the 31 December 1867 rolled around. The miners, their families and associated businesses had already had their ups and downs. For many mostly downs!

Preparations had been weeks in the making for the 'first' New Year's Day on the Thames, a four-day Caledonian Games had been planned with precision. Events to include horse racing, foot racing, canoe racing and boat racing; along with the more traditional games of quoits, greasy pole and cricket. (see Daily Southern Cross 25 December 1867 on right)

First was the drinking on New Year's Eve. There were ten hotels open and it was estimated in the Daily Southern Cross 6 January 1868, that there were 500 men at each establishment. First footing took place and the proceedings wound up without any noted problems, the men no doubt eager to save something for the sporting events to follow over the following days.

The sports were held on the flat ground near the Hape Creek, with Mr Mackay's grand new house looking proudly down upon those gathered.

ABOVE: This view looking east along Grey Street is later 1868-69, but shows the flat area where the sports were held. James Mackay's residence is on the hill (two gables) centre left. The building in the foreground is the Shortland Town Post Office at the corner of Grey and Mackay Streets. The Hape Creek and one of the many pedestrian bridges is in the centre.

Refreshment stands, temporary grandstands and marquees lined the sporting ground, ready to quench the thirsts and feed those attending. Extra ships brought extra spectators and competitors to the town. An interesting note made by the correspondent was that the Europeans were making an effort to prove to the 'natives' that they were friendly. One must not and should forget the impact that mining had on the tribal groups who were well established and content before the goldfield was flung open! Just five months previously this was Maori owned land, now in occupation of thousands of Europeans out to make money.

The sports started at 11 o'clock 1 January 1868. A 100 yard and 350 year running race started the day. The local Maori also took part and the latter race was won by Nikorima who was far too strong for his opposition. A full report appears in the Daily Southern Cross 6 January 1868, snippets are below.

There was a damp start to the second day of events, but eventually some did take place. These included throwing the Hammer competition and hack races. The stewards had to deal with some heated dispute over the running of several of these heats.

1864 view of the Waihou River

The third day of events, 3 January 1868, was also affected by the weather. Those entered in the boat races faced a difficult breeze blowing from the south-west.

The highlight of day for many was the magnificent canoe race between the Kirikiri and Parawai 'natives.' The men displayed their skill, not even an upturn into the sea delayed proceedings during the 4 mile event. Chief Taipari was standing in his canoe urging the crew on, but was just tipped at the end by the challenging crew. (Description below)

Partial details of the canoe race Day Three

After further events, Taipari gathered the natives present and they performed war dances and songs for the Europeans gathered. The exchange of cultures and activities appeared to have been the star of the days events.  Two groups finding their way with one another and appreciating what each group had to offer. Anyway, the day ended with Landlord Mulligan being carried back to his hotel by the local Maori, as an expression of thanks for the gracious way he accepted them and their customs. Joseph Mulligan was associated with several hotels at the Thames, the first was the Victoria Hotel, Pollen Street just north of the Grey Street intersect.

ABOVE: 1870s view of the Victoria Hotel, Pollen Street, Shortland Town.

Day Four, Saturday 4 January 1868, and the events just kept on happening! The 100 yard foot race was rerun and won again by Foster. Followed by miscellaneous events and horse races. The highland bagpipes sung out and delighted all those who were gathered. The day coming to a close with a great speech by Landlord Joseph Mulligan. Mulligan was well received by the crowd given that he had offered to share a hogshead of beer with his friends gathered before him! Plus he pledged money to hold a further event on St Patrick's Day next!

So ended the first New Year on the Thames Goldfield.

4 January 2018

As the town continues to celebrate 150 years since the goldfield opened, it is 150 years since those first horse races were held on Shortland Flat. The Thames Jockey Club will on 4 January 2018 celebrate 150 years of horse racing at The Thames, with a race meeting at the Parawai Racecourse.

  

ABOVE: 1930s views of the Parawai Racecourse, Thames.

Thames (NZ): Jack McLean Community Recreation Centre

Wowww!!! I was so thrilled to see this press release from the Thames Coromandel District Council this morning - giving details of the naming of the new recreation centre adjacent to the Thames High School Gymnasium.

The centre is to be called the JACK MCLEAN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTRE in honour of the late Jack McLean. Jack was a true Thamesite who went on to be an All Black and a rugby league star in England in the 1950s.

John Kenneth (Jack) McLean was All Black No 473, a wing three-quarter, he played five matches for the All Blacks (two Tests); a member of the Thames United Club, Jack played for the Auckland Rugby Union of which Thames was a sub-union.

Many will have been taught at Thames High School by Mr McLean, and fittingly his 1970s classroom in A Block would have been close to where the new recreation centre is today. Jack took a keen interest in many sports, for instance he was a member of the Thames Athletics Club in 1973, when Mr M McPherson was presented with a life membership. (photo right) He also coached rugby while at Thames High School.

Further Information: Wikipedia

ABOVE: J K McLean, captain of the Thames Representative Rugby Team (middle row, centre)

The glory days of Thames Rugby, Thames was Peace Cup holders at the time!

Thames (NZ): 1930s Thames - a new book

Yet another booklet!!! This time the focus is on the Depression years of the 1930s at Thames.

Title: 1930s THAMES: The Goldfield town revisited

By Althea Barker

An A4 booklet, black and white print, 68 pages, ISBN 978-0-473-41067-4, published Nov 2017.
An overview of the town during the 1930s. Contents include: Businesses, Churches, Depression, Directories (street and telephone), Floods, Hospitals, Hotels, Lost Pioneers, Mining National and world news, occupations, parades, schools, shipping, sports, Trains and transport, and special visits. Plus a section on 'Then and Now' photographs around the town.

BELOW: Book cover front & back for 1930s Thames: The Goldfield town revisited

Thames was used to economic hard times, more so than many other towns around the country. The gold mining booms that mostly never eventuated - to the optimism that the next big 'find' was just around the corner. The town itself was deeply in debt, but businesses and residents alike worked tirelessly to ride out the storm and prepare for better times. Sound embellished? Not at all! Thamesites, as can be seen in the book were well used to supporting one another and meeting the challenges head on. Parades and fundraisers never stopped, despite the usual major flood or two.

Many will have grown up hearing of the hardships of the depression, this booklet looks at Thames during those years.

Thames (NZ): Thames Indoor Sports Complex

THAMES INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX
For several years, discussion has been underway regarding the need for further indoor sports facilities in the town. The Thames High School Gymnasium was currently used by a multitude of groups. This year has seen the planning come to fruition, as a new indoor sports complex is currently under construction - located at the southern end of the Thames High School Gymnasium. There is also a car park being built on the opposite side of Rolleston Street, below the Thames High School Swimming pool. The project is budgeted to coast 4.5 million dollars and is supported by many groups within the community.

The site where the indoor court is being built was in the 1900s the area where the Thames High School Tennis and Basketball courts were located. The asphalt area to the east of the A Block wing. Following the opening of the Thames Goldfield in August 1867, the area south of the Sealey Street intersect was lined with hotels and shops. The Globe Hotel on the corner where the Gym is today, with other businesses and houses to the south where the construction is now taking place.

In September 2016, work began demolishing excess buildings and relocating others. The views below taken from the eastern side of Rolleston Street, looking towards the Thames High School.

  

Timeline of Construction
 30 October 2016

20 November 2016:

  

The area where the car park is being built was once the site of the Deep Sinker Mine Shaft.

 4 December 2016 UPDATE:
Work is well underway having cleared the site and work now underway with the foundations. The view below looking north towards the present Thames High School Gym (corner Rolleston & Sealey Streets).

Above: Car park area has been dug out and levelled. A front brick block wall is under construction.
The school baths are to the upper right.
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Update 28 December 2016

Above: the carpark area, below the school baths, already for paving.

The foundations/block work looks complete. the TCDC site reports that progress will happen quickly now this work has been completed.

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 Above: View to South-west and Thames High School Field - 22 January 2017
Below: View North west to the construction and present day Thames High School Gym. The fences had been knocked over by very strong winds during the night - 22 January 2017.

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UPDATE 2 April 2017

Wow, how things have changed in the past months, the structure is now being closed in.

Above: View from Sealey and Rolleston Street intersect. The present Thames High School Gymnasium on the right. Once the site of the Thames Manual & Technical School and in the early goldfield days, the Globe Hotel.

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Sunday 9 April 2017

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The size of the complex is evident from this view across the grounds - north towards the Sealey Street and Rolleston Street intersect.

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Friday 16 February 2018 - Opening Day

Jack McLean Community Recreation Centre

Everyone pulled together and they made, the new recreation facilities were officially opened. The McLean Family, dignitaries, Thames High School staff and pupils, along with dozens from the community gathered to celebrate the opening of the hall and the man whom it was named after - Jack McLean.

The end of a journey watching the building being constructed, and the start of the life of a new facility for Thames and surrounding area. 

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Thames (NZ): Whaleboat Racing at The Thames

WHALEBOAT RACING & THAMES ROWING CLUBS

**The following are research notes that I prepared in 2009 -  there is a 'Heritage Rescue' programme on Kawhia Museum screening 18 September 2016 on Choice TV**

 

BACKGROUND

Whaleboats were a means of transport in early New Zealand and were also raced in regatta’s around the country. Whaleboat teams travelled long distances to race in these events; one can only imagine the difficulty in getting the crew to events, let alone the large boats. One such regatta was the Auckland Regatta held on Anniversary day (as it is today) where Thames would enter in the sailing and rowing races. One report states “It was not until more recent years about 1884 that Thames Crews entered for the “Whale boat events” (2) but Papers Past (1) have details of Thames entering races as early as 1877. The 1884 date appears to relate to the first official entry by The Hauraki Rowing Club from Thames, that formed in 1884. 

THAMES BOATBUILDERS

Mr Hammond (2) names the ROBINSON brothers, who built a 4 oared gig racing boat and raced it. Also Mr Valentine (Tine) SAVAGE, who had a boat building business at the Hape Creek end of Fenton Street. Mr Savage is described as “a first class craftsman, and built many boats for the local fishing men, and racing boats.” In 1877 he built two whale boats for the New Plymouth Club (30 foot & built to go in the surf) and one for the Waitara Club (35 foot). The HAURAKI was a famous racing boat built by Mr Savage; and he also “acted as steer oar in the big whaleboat race” which they won against Waitemata. Other Whaleboats built in Thames included the OUTSIDER, the TOTAL and the JUBILEE by Mr Val Brown & Mr Charles May. (2)

In Thames Street Directories, four men are listed as boat builders, their names and years are as follows. (5) Robert FIELDER, Boat builder, Beach Road,  Thames (1878, 1880, 1883 & 1885), Horace NORGROVE, Boat builder, Grey Street, Thames (1909), Samuel SMARDON, Boat builder, Thames (1890) and Valentine SAVAGE, Boat builder, Thames (1883, 1885, 1887).

 ROWING CLUBS

Papers Past has references to two rowing clubs from Thames; The Thames Rowing Club and the Hauraki Rowing Club. The Club that formed 1884 (2) is not named, but should be the Hauraki Club, given they raced in a boat called HAURAKI and the base was at Shortland Wharf. A further report in 1887 has crews from Hauraki and Thames competing at the Auckland Regatta. (1) There is further contradiction when the Observer Newspaper 1888 announces the formation of the HAURAKI ROWING CLUB,  earlier in the article it announces that “Thames Rowing Club intends joining the Auckland Rowing Association. (1) Could some of the confusion be based on amateur and professional status, or the affiliation to the larger Association. Until clarification can be sourced it would appear that the earlier racing events were entered under different criteria and formal registration of the Thames and/or Hauraki Rowing Clubs occurred in 1884/1888.

The following paragraph is on the Rowing club (assumed to be HAURAKI ROWING CLUB) from Mr Hammond’s notes.(2)   The Club stored it’s boats in PARKERS Stables (between Mitchell St and Shortland Wharf), later they built a rowing shed at the western end of Shortland Wharf (with it’s own slip). The Rowing club would hold races on Saturday afternoons (when the tide permitted) and these included whaleboat, four oared gigs and swimming races. Sometime in the 1890’s the club bought a 4 oared gig; the coach was Mr HOSKING, crew: W HAMMOND, Vivian MORGAN, Tom MULLINS and Jack CRAWFORD. They raced unsuccessfully at the Ngaruawahia Regatta and an Auckland race.  Mr Hammond describes one race day about 1894 when two four oared gigs were racing, got swamped by waves and required rescuing.  The crew members that day included: WGANLEY, T FINLAYSON, W HAMMOND, J MCLEAN, G DALTON (cox) & G RYAN, R RUNCIMAN, F MULLINS, Tom SOMMERVILLE and Geo GORDON (cox). The same day there was a whaleboat race between the Hauraki and the Total boats. “The Hauraki was steered by E Gibbon, among the crew was Alf BILLING, Harvey CURTIS, Chas LLOYD & Bob INGLIS.” (2) The Total was steered by Tom ROLTON. The race remembered as the day the Total crashed into the Hauraki, causing considerable damage, which was thankfully able to be repaired.

 The Thames Museum (7) has the original photographs of two winning Whaleboat crew’s, copies are provided here, 1894 (lower left) and 1902 (Lower right) Hauraki Rowing Club Whaleboat Teams. (names listed in Timeline section below)

 

 

 The Hauraki Rowing Club is mentioned in Street Directories (5) 1899-1903 (T E MULLINS, Sec) and 1906 (A E HOSKING (Sec).  It would appear that interest in the club decreased over later years, in 1901 an article (see Newspapers below) suggested the club was under going a revival. Following this it appears the club tried to get it’s “best” event reinstated at the Auckland Regatta, but this was declined. Despite this in 1902 a Whaleboat race was held in the Regatta and Hauraki (Thames) did win!

In 1904 and 1905 the Thames teams won the championship race and Banner at the Auckland Anniversary Regattas. " In 1904 their boat was The Total (built by Val Brown)." Details in The Thaames Star 28 September 1948 (Copy at end of page). Crew members were: Dunlop T & J, Irwin, scott, and Rolton C & B.

Nationally Whaleboat racing appears to have over the years been involved in controversy, gambling has been suggested; for whatever reason more regatta’s moved to promote sail events. Maybe this then led to the decline of the club’s at Thames, or could it have been the falling population?  The Rowing club went out of existence sometime after1906 and their boats found new homes. “Mr Fred GIBBON, on the staff of the Thames Post Office was a keen yachtsman, and rower, and on leaving Thames became Post Master at Kawhia, and was responsible for the coming of two Thames whaleboats to Kawhia.” (2)



Old Thames Whaleboat Trophy

The Hauraki Rowing Club is recorded in the 1902 Cyclopedia (4). The 1900 officers were; Commodore: Mr A M MYERS; President: Mr J M FOY; Captain: Mr T SOMERVILLE, Secretary & Treasurer: Mr H G GILLESPIE. “It owns a large shed at the Shortland wharf, and has a fair plant, chiefly whaleboats.” (4)

 Whaleboat racing may have ended at Thames but it lives on at Kawhia, who in 2010 celebrated 100 years of Whaleboat racing at their Regatta. In 2008 a cup was discovered that reminded everyone that Thames once were Whaleboat champions. (Photo left)


Whaleboat racing and Thames Rowing clubs’ just another golden era in the history of the Thames.

 TIMELINE of EVENTS

· 1877: Mr Savage built whaleboats for New Plymouth & Waitara (2)
· 1877: Thames Whaleboat DANGER won Nelson Regatta’s Champion Whaleboat race (1)
· 1884 January: Auckland Regatta, in the Champion Whaleboat race there were 6 entries, Hauraki finished 5^th and Thames 6^th; although Hauraki were at times looking like they could win. (1) (See Newspaper reports below)
· 1884 September: Meeting held Exchange Hotel to form a Rowing Club in Thames . Mr Val BROWN elected Secretary and 50 people wanted to be members, subs £1. (2)
· 1884 October: A new 35ft whaleboat, called the Hauraki was built and launched, in readiness for the January 1885 Auckland Regatta; thus allowing the crew time for practice. (2)
· 1885 January: Both The Hauraki & Thames Rowing Club had an entry in the Auckland Regatta Champion Whaleboat race.(1)
· 1886 January: Thames entries in the Auckland Regatta covered several events, including the the Champion Whaleboat race, the Junior Whaleboat Race and the Naval Brigades’ Cutter Race (1) (See Newspaper reports below) Hauraki were 2^nd  in the Champion event.
· 1888 December: Newspaper reports formation of The Hauraki Rowing Club and that Thames Rowing Club became affiliated with the Auckland Association (1)
· 1889 January: Auckland anniversary regatta “the sensation of the day was the Champion Whaleboat race between, essentially Nelson, the Waitemata Rowing Club boat and OUTSIDER from the Thames Rowing Club. This developed into a running battle of oars, oaths, and fisticuffs between the two crews with the result that the Auckland boat was disqualified. There were all sort of charges, of professionalism and corruption, but was obvious that this particular “sport” had got right out of hand. Never again would the whaleboat racing take the regatta limelight in Auckland.”(3) (See Newspaper reports below)
· 1889 January: Thames was declared the winner of the Champion Whaleboat race following Waitemata’s disqualification (1)
· 1889 March 11^th: Hauraki Rowing club held series of club races (1)
· 1890’s: Whaleboat racing continued to have a place at the Auckland Regatta, then interest declined. (3)
· 1891: Hauraki Rowing Club won champion and amateur races at the Auckland and Thames Regatta’s (1)
· 1894: Winning Crew of the Champion & Amateur Whaleboat Race at the Thames Regatta were; E GIBBONS (Steer oar), A OTTER (Strike), Jas TOWHILL (No 1), H FISHER (No 2), H WOODS (No 3), P WILSON (No 4),  A NEWDICK (Coach) & Jas LOUGHLIN (Captain H R C) (7) (photo above)
· 1895: Hauraki Rowing Club purchased four-oared gigs from the Star Rowing Club. (1)
· 1901: The Hauraki Rowing Club asked that Whaleboat rowing place be placed on the programme; the request was declined. (1)
· 1901 November: Report in papers that the Hauraki Rowing Club was again doing well (1)
· 1902: Hauraki Rowing Club were winners of the Whaleboat race at the Auckland anniversary Regatta held 29^th January 1902. Crew: G A HUDDLESTON (Stroke), T SOMMERVILLE (Steer oar), H T A STEPHENSON (No 1), J CROSBIE (No 2), T A MULLINS (No 3, Hon Decy & Treas), D ADAMSON (No 4), A NEWDICK (Vice Captain, Coach), A A KIVELL (Captain). (7) (photo above)
· 1903 January: Hauraki Rowing Club entered three whaleboats in the Auckland Regatta. (1)
· 1903: Hauraki Rowing Club, Thames purchased a new four-oared racing clinker (1)
· 1904 & 1905: Thames team were winners of the Auckland Anniversary Whaleboat race. (10)
· 1906-1910: Thames Rowing Clubs ceased to exist
· Two Thames Whaleboats went to Kawhia in the late 1900’s. (2) There is a whaleboat at the Kawhia museum and two in a rowing shed, whether they are the original Thames boats can’t be confirmed. (6) **The Heritage Rescue programme on TV 18 September 2016 confirmed the boats were at Kawhia thanks to Mr Gibbons, but said they came from AUCKLAND!!!** Article below Thames Star 28 September 1942 states five boats went to Kawhia.

 NEWSPAPER ARTICLES RELATED TO ROWING & WHALEBOATS

1877:

“..Nothing daunted by their want of success last year, the Thames crew have had a new boat built by their coxswain, Mr Savage. They pulled well last year, though their boat, being a local production, was not up to the standard of the English boats. If they win the race more credit will be due to them from the fact of their having had pluck enough to build a boat to contest the race…”

Full report in: Nelson Evening Mail, 9 January 1877(1)

“The whaleboat for the Thames and Auckland crew at Nelson will go per Wellington tomorrow” Reported in multiple papers including Otago Witness Issue 1312 20/1/1877 page 14 (1)

 The Interprovincial Regatta at Nelson was held 17-18/1/1877. The champion whaleboat race was won by Danger of Thames; the prize was £50. BOP Times, Volume 5, Issue 454 20/1/1877 page 3 (1)

 1884:

“..directly the boats heads were turned homeward, then the Hauraki’s crew put on a game spurt, and passing the Thames closed up on the Manukaus and Nelsons.” “When about half way from home it was evident, bar accidents, that the race was the Waitemata’s, and consequently some little attention was now given to the other competitors.  The North Shore were second, and pulling a determined stroke, Nelson came third, and they were pulling such a race as to merit frequent and most hardy applause, and the same may be said of the Manukaus, who came fourth. The Hauraki crew were close upon the Manukaus, while the Thames were obviously fated to bring up the rear.”

Full report see Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 28, 3 February 1887, page 3(1)

 1886:

Champion Whaleboat Crews for the Auckland Annual Regatta

“Outsider (Thames Rowing Club): W PAYNE (11st 12lbs), stroke; G FISHER (13st 3lbs), No 4; S FISHER (14st 8lbs), No 3; A FISHER (15st 2 ½ lbs), No 2; D FISHER (12st 12lbs), No1; J A BROWN (10st 11lbs), coxswain. Hauraki (Hauraki Rowing Club): S LAURIE (12st 8lbs), stroke; T JOHNSTON (14st), No 4; R LAURIE (12st 8lbs), No 3; C ROLTON (11st), No 2; C MCPIKE (11st 7lbs), No 1; V Savage, coxswain.” The Hauraki Club also had an entry in the Junior Whaleboat Race and the Thames Naval Brigade had an entry in the Naval Brigades’ Cutter Race. “The junior crew is as follows: A ROE (9st 13lb), stroke; P LEITCH (11st 1lb), No 4; A KENRICK (10st 7lbs), No 3; W MORRISON (11st 4lbs), No 2; T DUNLOP (10st 8lbs), No 1; C MAY, Cockswain.”

Full report see Observer, 30 January 1886 (1)

 Full Regatta Results in Te Aroha News, 6 February 1886 (1)

Hauraki 2^nd in Champion Whaleboat race, Hauraki did not start in the Junior Whaleboat and the Naval Brigade finished 3^rd.

 1888:

“The Thames people are to have a rowing club at last, thanks to the energy of Jack POLAND and one or two others. It has been decided to call the club the Hauraki Rowing Club, and blue and white are the colours chosen. The election of officers resulted as follows: M W PAYNE; Hon Sec S ASHER; and Treasurer , M P MCGREGOR. The club now consists of 60 members.”
Observer, 8 December 1888 (1)

1889:

“THE CHAMPION WHALEBOAT RACE. Extraordinary Fracas. (By Telegraph) AUCKLAND, THIS DAY.

In the Champion Whaleboat Race yesterday, when the foul occurred at the buoys, the Waitemata and Thames crews excitedly seized hold of each others boats’ oars, &c. A member of the Thames crew received a violent blow on the head from an oar. He tried to retaliate, and a general fracas was only averted by the approach of the third competing boat. It is expected that the race will be awarded by the umpire to the Thames crew.”

“THE WAITEMATAS DISQUALIFIED. AUCKLAND, THIS DAY.

In the whaleboat race the Waitemata crew has been disqualified, and the umpire has awarded the first prize to the Thames crew and the second to the Auckland Navals.”
Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 25, 30 January 1889, page 3(1)

“LATEST FROM THAMES. ROWING MATCH – THAMES V AUCKLAND. THAMES, last night.

The Thames whaleboat crew, who won the Champion race at the recent Auckland Regatta, have challenged the Waitematas to row a match in Auckland for £300 within six weeks; or for £250 within a fortnight if the Waitemata crew will come to Thames.”
Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 339, 2 February 1889, page 2(1)

 “Hauraki Rowing Club intend holding a series of club races on the 11^th of next month.”

Observer, 13 April 1889 (1)

OUR THAMES LETTER:

“Messrs J POLAND and R ASHER, Captain and Secretary respectively of the Hauraki Rowing Club, tendered their resignations at a committee meeting last night. The former leaves for Auckland at the end of the present month, while Mr ASHER contemplates proceeding to either Sydney or Melbourne. General regret was expressed by members at the loss of such popular officers, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded them for the valuable services they have rendered to the Hauraki Club.”
Observer, 22 June 1889 (1)

 OUR THAMES LETTER:

“Mr Ralph ASHER has been presented with a gold pencil case by the members of the Hauraki Bowling Club, as a slight recognition of the valuable services he rendered as secretary. He intends leaving for Melbourne at an early daye, and will be greatly missed in athletic circles.”
Observer, Volume 9, Issue 550, 13 July 1889, page 12 (1)

1891:

OUTDOOR SPORTS.

“The Hauraki Rowing Club has just had its annual meeting, and the balance sheet and report show the club to be in a most flourishing condition. Mr Jas LOUGHLIN has been elected captain and Mr T ROLTON, vice-captain. The receipts for the year amounted to £100 12s 3d and the expenditure to £93 12s 2d leaving a cash balance in hand of £7 0s 1d. the assets are valued at £190 18s 6d, and the club have been most successful in rowing this year, having won the champion and amateur whaleboat races at the Auckland Regatta. At the Thames Regatta on the 17^th March they also won the champion and amateur races.”
Observer, 17 October 1891 (1)

1892:

NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION

A meeting was held and one of the clubs elected was “Hauraki Rowing Club, Thames”
Full report in Evening Post, Volume XLIII, Issue 50, 29 February 1892, page 4 (1)

NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION

“The secretary was instructed to write to the Hauraki Rowing Club with reference to the reinstatement of the crew which won a whaleboat race in 1891.” (1)
Full report in Evening Post, Volume XLIII, Issue 50, 29 February 1892, page 4 (1)

 1895:

‘The Star Boating Club has sold the whole of its four-oared batswing gigs to the Hauraki Rowing Club, Thames.”

Evening Post 27 April 1895 (1)

 TIT BITS and TWADDLE

“Shortly to be published at the Thames, an interesting and amusing work by leading members of the Hauraki Rowing Club, entitled ‘The first spin in our new craft.’ To be edited by Schoolmaster Christie. Illustrations for the frontispiece: No 1 – The capsizing of the gig, with the pedagogue and the naval petty officer sprawling in the water. No 2 – Their heroic efforts to right the boat, Jim’s scull careening around like the sails of a windmill. A leading incident – Gallant rescue of the endangered pair by Tom ROLTON and his crew. The book is sure to be funny. Give your orders in good time.”
Observer 19 October 1895 (1)

1901:

AQUATICS (By Neptune)

“The Efforts made to resuscitate the Hauraki Rowing Club have been attended with great success. The club has obtained a new lease of life, and its prospects are now brighter than they have ever been”
Evening Post, Volume LXII, Issue 120, 16 November 1901, page 6 (1)

 AQUATICS (By Neptune)

“The Hauraki Rowing Club, Thames, has approached the Auckland Regatta Committee asking that a whaleboat race be placed on the Anniversary programme. The committee however do not view the suggestion with favour, for whaleboat rowing is long out of fashion amongst us.”
Evening Post, Volume LXII, Issue 154, 28 December 1901, page 7 (1)

 1903:

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY REGATTA
“Hauraki Rowing Club have brought up a number of crews for to-day’s proceedings. In the whaleboat race they have entered three crews, which should be hard to beat.”
Observer, 31 January 1903 (1)

 “A fine specimen of the boatbuilder’s art in the shape of a four-oared racing clinker gig on the lines laid down by the New Zealand Amateur rowing Association has just been built by Mr George NORTON, of Wellington, to the order of the HAURAKI ROWING CLUB, Thames. The boat is of cedar, and is finished in first-class style. Mr Norton is now building a similar gig for the Waitemata Boating Club, Auckland.”

Evening Post, 7 September 1903 (1)

 AUCKLAND, Jan 28

“Eighty-one entries were received yester-night for the 16 events at the Auckland Regatta. The following are the entries for the Champion Whaleboat Race: Hauraki Rowing Club…..Thames Rowing Club…£120 was received for entrance fees for all events.”
Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5529, 28 January 1885, page 2 (1)

1942 Summary of rowing

 2008
Hauraki Herald 11 November 2008, page 2 (9)
“MYSTERY TROPHY SURFACES by Mathew Grocott. (photo above)
How does a trophy discovered in Canterbury and carrying a picture of six men rowing a whale boat link back to Thames? That is the mystery the Hauraki Plains Rowing Club is trying to unravel after it was sent a silver trophy which dates back more than 100 years. The club was sent the trophy by members of the Canterbury Rowing Club which had discovered it while preparing for a prizegiving. The trophy has an engraving of five men rowing a whale boat with “Presented to Hauraki Rowing Club by W J Constant” printed on it. It is 100mm in diameter and stands 250mm high. The trophy also carries five small insignia around its base which may explain where and when it was made. Hauraki Plains Rowing Club committee member Mike Speedy has been tasked with researching the trophy. Mr Speedy said he discovered whale boat racing was once popular around the country, particularly in the Waitemata Harbour. Enquiries with organisers of the Auckland Anniversary Weekend regatta revealed that the Hauraki Rowing Club was based in Grahamstown, Thames in the latter part of the 19^th century. Mr Speedy said he was keen to find out as  much as he could about the trophy’s history, and if a rightful owner for the trophy cannot be found he would like to see it housed in a museum. He suspects the trophy was last competed for in the 1880’s or 90’s when it was most likely won by the Canterbury Rowing Club who found it. The one record found so far of a W J Constant is that of a bread-maker who set up shop in Auckland in 1863. A boat builder called Valentine Savage has been linked to the Hauraki Rowing Club. At the end of  the 19^th century Mr Savage was a famous boat builder and oarsman who built most of the club’s boats and manned the steer oar.”

NB. Concerning the above article and reference to Mr W J CONSTANT.

Mr WILLIAM JOSEPH CONSTANT settled in Thames during the prosperous gold mining years. Mr CONSTANT was a publican at several hotels including the CAMDEN and THAMES Hotels during the 1870’s to 1890’s. (8)


 References:



 

Thames Star 26 Feb 1940

 

(1)   Papers Past at http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
(2)   “Whale Boats at Kawhia” by Toss Hammond c 1867. Unpublished Papers held at THE TREASURY, Queen Street, Thames
(3)    “Southern Breeze, Story of yachting in New Zealand” by H Kidd, R Elliott, D Pardon. Viking 1999
(4)   “Cyclopedia of New Zealand. Auckland, Volume 2” Published 1902
(5)   “Street Directories” at Thames Genealogy Web-pages by Althea http://freepages.school-alumini.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~althea/index.html
(6)   Kawhia Museum contact: Kawhia_museum@xtra.co.nz
(7)   Thames Museum, Corner of Cochrane & Pollen Streets, Thames
(8)   “Hotels of Thames” at Thames Genealogy Web-pages by Althea http://freepages.school-alumini.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~althea/index.html
(9)   “Hauraki Herald” Newspaper, Sealey Street, Thames. Copy held at THE TREASURY, Queen Street, Thames
(10) Thames Star, 28 September 1942. (copy on page)

 Research notes written: © Althea Barker 2009