Thames (NZ) 'The First Time': CAR TRAVEL

Still looking for first time that a car was seen in Thames, but there is a great description for TE AROHA.
March 1902 saw the first motor car, in Whitaker Street, Te Aroha.



Thames Star 10 March 1902

 In 1904, Mr ADAMS travelled from Coromandel to Thames in 3 3/4hours. A distance of 43 miles, travelling at an average of 13 miles an hour!

Later in Thames in 1905, there was delight when Mr and Mrs MYERS came to town in their car, after a trip to Rotorua. They reportedly had met with much attention all along the way!

Thames Star 16 November 1904



Thames Star 17 January 1905

Having travelled by the ps Wakatere from Auckland, these travellers above are being met by a motor car on the Thames Wharf. (Approx 1910s)

Thames (NZ) 'The First Time': AIRMAIL

I have long been interested in first time events for Thames; so hope to refresh my memory, find some more in order to make a more definite list. If anyone can help and name some - that would be great. Some will have been covered...so I will need to dig out the actual dates. Such as: first train, electricity, gas etc.. When was the first car seen in the town?

Today, mail delivery is the topic. In 1919 there were problems with mail delivery throughout the country due to the reduction and changes to the train timetable. Prior to the train service in Thames, the mail was principally sent and delivered from Auckland, via the many boats that sailed daily on the Firth of Thames..

So to overcome the problems with delivery, it was suggested to trial various air mail routes around the country. At the end of 1919 trial flight plans were drawn up and it was estimated that the flight from Auckland to Thames would take 45 minutes. Suggestions were that this should be for urgent correspondence and not personal letters or packages.

The big day for Thames arrived on 17 February 1920, when the first airmail delivery of mail took place, by flying boat.

Top: George Bolt receiving mail from a Post Office Official for the first airmail flight from Auckland to Thames
Auckland Weekly News 24/2/1920
'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 7-A6252'
Bottom: Fielding Star 18/2/1920

Thames (NZ) Rugby visit to Auckland 1900

Looking at the wonderful parade today, for the magnificent ALL BLACKS in downtown Auckland, was an amazing sight. The Rugby team from Thames, also once had a great welcome to the city in 1900, when they arrived by the ps Wakatere.

Auckland Weekly News: 17 August 1900
Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19000817-2-1'

New article at The Treasury (TCHT) - Roslyn, a special Thames-ite

How many people know the name of Miss Margaret Anne SINCLAIR (1861-1924) aka ROSLYN.

A well known poet, who for many years, called Thames home. Known around the world for her poems, plus several songs.
Find out more and read some of her wonderful poems at the 'Our People' page, at The Treasury Website.

Miss M A SINCLAIR
New Zealand Illustrated Magazine 1 Dec 1902

More Thames (NZ) Postcards and photos (Schools) Part 2

There are also an amazing number of pictures of Thames-ites to be found at this source. Take this one of the Teachers of Tararu School 1900, taken by The Auckland Weekly News, published 20 July 1900
Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19000720-6-3'

Back Row: Misses F E MORTIMER and B M NOLAN

Front Row: Miss GOLDSWORTHY, Mr W H NEWTON (Headmaster) and Miss E E HARRIS

For this and other Tararu School Pictures from this edition, click here, then click VIEW FULL PAGE (beneath picture)

Another School photo from the Matapihi site is one of THAMES HIGH SCHOOL

Showing front view of Thames High School from Baillie Street. The original site of Thames High School was sold to the Hospital Board in May 1914 and the Baille Street school site and classrooms were bought to allow for expansion and erection of a new high school.

'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 35-R1447'
Photographer: Radcliffe, Frederick George 

More Thames (NZ) Postcards and photos (Schools)

Remember to keep returning to sites, because there just seems to be an endless amount of new material available on the internet!!! At Matapihi, that is a collective site of resources, searching for Thames brings up 100s of results..narrow them down depending what you are looking for,

Take these examples below: The first is Parawai School, the bottom one is of the Wai-o-karaka school, which gives us a different perspective from those typically seen from Bird-in-hand hill or Upper Albert Street.  These are from the 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 35-R1447'

Parawai Public school, Thames
Photographer: Radcliffe, Frederick George



Wai-o-karaka school
Photographer: Radcliffe, Frederick George



Thames (NZ) Records at Archives Auckland

It is easy to think that old records aren't available, but with time and a little effort, the material at Archives Auckland seems almost limitless.
Previously mentioned are the miners rights books, but there are many more.
You can search the catalogue via ARCHWAY

Here are but a few titles that may be of interest:
Thames Claim Plan Books (14352) - unknown - unknown range held: c.1869 - 1879, This series consists of books containing plans of mining claims administered by Thames Warden's Court.

Thames General Mining Records (15202) Holdings Dates 1896 - 1914, This series consists of general mining records kept by Thames Warden's Court.

Thames License Books - Grant of Special Claims (14398) Holdings Dates 1887 - 1899, This series contains Thames Warden's Court license books recording grants of special claims.

Thames Miners Right Butt Books (14345) Holdings Dates 1867 - 1868, This series consists of a number of butt books which contain copies of miner's rights which were granted by Thames Warden's Court.

Thames Resident Site Licences (15097) Holdings Dates 1879 - 1879, This series contains resident site licences issued by Thames Warden's Court.

Thames Wardens Butt Book Lost Miners Rights (14428) Holdings Dates 1868 - 1868, This series contains a butt book recording replacement certificates issued in place of lost Miner's Rights at Thames Warden's Court.

And so it goes on, for a wide range of dates, plus loads of court minutes, notes and letters.

A couple of examples below from one of the warden's books - water rights 1871 and 1868.

My special thanks to my 'archives-helper' Janette for sending me these; if anyone else finds anything interesting to share from archives....please email them to me (address top right of page)

Methodist Church History - Thames, New Zealand

These days the Methodist Church in Thames is part of the Thames Union Parish, an amalgamation that happened between the Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Thames in 1973.

Reference material available Includes:
"Thames Union Parish, Some snippets of Early History" by Norma HAGGETT and Frank GLEN
"A Century of Light 1867-1967, Thames Methodist Church" by Hazel P HARRIS
Copies are  available at The Treasury, Thames, along with a collection of reference material in the David Arbury Collection. Other smaller mentions are made in the centennial booklets and local newspapers.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church on the Thames goldfields flourished soon after the opening in August 1867. Churches were established at Shortland and Grahamstown, as well as Sunday School and services at Shellback, Tararu. Remembering that many of the Thames miners were from Cornwall, and were already followers of the Wesleyan Church beliefs.

There was also Primitive Methodist Church in Thames, which eventually joined with the Methodist Church in 1913.

The Methodist Church shown in the photo below, had moved several times. First situated on the Corner of Brown and Cochrane Streets, then to the corner of Mary and Pollen Streets. The photo below is at corner of Mackay and Sealey Streets. This Church still stands to day at Gails of Tamahere and is used for Wedding receptions.

Thames Methodist Church and Centre, 3rd Sept 1967
From "The Century of Light"

Thames (NZ) Letters in the papers of Sir Donald McLean

The Alexander Turnbull Library has numerous articles related to THAMES and the people of Thames; an easy to search collection is searchable online - these are the papers of Sir Donald MCLEAN, with many digitised and available to read.
The Papers of Sir Donald McLean, 1820-1877 Donald McLean (1820-1877) was arguably the most influential figure in mid-19th century New Zealand history. He was a dominant figure in relations between Māori and the Government during this tumultuous period.

Search parameters can be easily set, for instance KEYWORD THAMES nets 251 results.
Names include:
Henry Freeman ANDREWS:
4 pages written 20 Feb 1875 by Henry Freeman Andrews in Thames to Sir Donald McLean.

Alexander GRANT:
3 pages written 21 Aug 1876 by Alexander Grant in Thames to Sir Donald McLean

Annie Caroline LAWLOR:
6 pages written 21 Sep 1875 by Anne Caroline Lawlor in Thames to Sir Donald McLean

Martin H PAYNE (Dr):
2 pages written 11 Jun 1875 by Martin H Payne in Thames to Sir Donald McLean in Wellington

Daniel POLLEN:
2 pages written 9 Jun 1870 by Dr Daniel Pollen in Auckland Region to Sir Donald McLean

Plus many more. A little more on Daniel POLLEN, given that his name remains firmly cemented in the town - our main street being named after him, POLLEN STREET.
A biography available in the Cyclopedia Of New Zealand, Wellington.




Daniel Pollen, [ca 1873]

Reference Number: 35mm-00132-f-F
Daniel Pollen, circa 1873. Photographer unidentified.
Alexander Turnbull Library



NZ Native Rugby Team 1888 - Thames player

With the rugby theme at present, here is some info on a NZ Native team tour 1888.
There is also a photo, that has a W ANDERSON, query whether this is G ANDERSON from Thames mentioned in the Thames Star 3 March 1888.

Creator unknown : Photograph of rugby players in the 1888 New Zealand Native Team, 1888

Reference Number: PAColl-8633

Photograph of rugby players, and others, with the New Zealand Native Team that visited England in 1888. Photograph taken in 1888 by an unidentified photographer, possibly in England. Back row: Thomas Eyton (co-promotor), R Maynard, C Goldsmith. Third row: J Lawlor (coach), D Stewart, W Nehua, H H Lee, G A Williams, T Rene, Wi Karauria, William Warbrick, E Ihimaira, J R Scott (manager). Second row: R G Taiaroa, W Elliott, T R Ellison, J A Warbrick (captain), E McCausland, W Anderson, P Keogh. Front row: Arthur Warbrick, H J Wynard, D R Gage, F Warbrick, C Madigan, A Webster.

Kete Hauraki Coromandel - a place to share your stories

This site wants your stories, both historical and current:
This kete has been created to collect and preserve the stories of our communities - current and historical.

Also that staff at the local libraries are happy to help.
Kete Hauraki Coromandel is a joint project between Thames-Coromandel District Libraries and Hauraki District Libraries, and is supported by The National Library of New Zealand and Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SITE

The search engine shows many historical items on Thames, along with wonderful photos
Examples:
Bank of new Zealand
Tararu School
History of Library Services in Thames
Tararu Road

plus many more....

Daldy McWilliams, shooting incident August 1879 at Ohinemuri

On 29th August 1879 a group of surveyors were shot at by local maori, they were on the Pukerange Block located 5 miles from Ohinemuri. The injured man was DALDY MCWILLIAMS, the shots fired by men from the Ngatihako hapu.

The matter was complex, and as reported by E W PUCKEY (Under Secretary Native Dept), there were long running issues surrounding the survey of land in this area.

There is a full report in the Wanganui Herald 1 Sep 1879, below is a portion of this article.

A full account of the incident is also made by TOSS HAMMOND of Thames, and his manuscript is available at The Treasury, Thames. Researching this incident, brought surprising results for my own family research, as I found that CLEM CORNES (GGGrandfather) had been involved in rescuing the injured MCWILLIAMS and transporting him for treatment.  Showing the need to check indexes and read as much as possible, in the quest to find those little extra stories - that give your family history those stories long forgotten.

Part of D McWilliams' account
 from Hammond Manuscript

William Francis "Daldy" MCWILLIAMS, was the son of John and Martha MCWILLIAMS. He was born 23/7/1860 at Papakura and died 18/1/1931 at Waihi, New Zealand.
Obituary Notes in the Ohinemuri Journal also an article on Mrs Daldy McWilliams

Early Thames & Auckland (NZ) Residents

A wonderful supplement published in the Auckland Star, 1 December 1898, Page 13 - features Some Old Auckland Residents. Several of whom had spent some time in the Thames area
Names include arrival date for most of the early settlers.
Click here to read the names, or a transcribed list is available via the rootschat NZ Newsboard

A few of the names connected to Thames:
Dr J L Campbell, Sir John Logan Campbell, aka father of Auckland, one of first european settlers on the Coromandel and lived at Waioumu, just north of Thames in 1840..before he went and settled in Auckland


Mrs Captain Ninnis, her husband was a famous mine manager at Thames and Coromandel. He died 1879


Captain A. Farquhar.  Captain Alexander Farquhar was captain of the Wakatere, that went backwards and forward from Thames To Auckland. His son Robert, died in the Boer war and his name is on the memorial here in Thames

One of the two portraits from the Auckland Star 1 December 1898
Mrs NINNIS is photo no 29
available at Paperspast

Thames (NZ) - settlers articles in "Dictionary of New Zealand"

There is a wonderful set of books entitled DICTIONARY OF NEW ZEALAND
The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography only includes biographies of people who have died. The editors believe that this helps to ensure that the biographies have an appropriate perspective. People who are regarded as sufficiently notable to be included in the Dictionary, are included in the volume whose dates reflect the period when they were making their most significant contribution to New Zealand society.

The Treasury at Thames, has a full set; they are also available online.

There are many Thames people mentioned in these books, with full details on many early settlers and their families. A great source for genealogist and historian alike.

Examples:
GRIGG, John: (1838-1920). A true character of Thames, recognised music teacher, composer and astronomer. (NB. There are articles on Mr Grigg by A M ISDALE and Toss HAMMOND, at the Treasury, Thames)
HASELDEN, Frances Isabella: (c1841-1946). Miss Haselden was Headmistress of the large Kauaeranga Girls School on the corner of Sandes and Richmond Street, Thames from 1874 to 1898.
MACKAY, James: (1831-1912). Played an important role in opening of Thames and Ohinemuri Goldfields
PRICE, Alfred: (1838-1907). Established ironworks in Thames 1871, later known as A & G Price Ltd.
TAIPARI, Eruini Heina (Wirope HOTERINI): (1889-1956). Ngati Maru leader

You can search by surname or enter THAMES and select BIOGRAPHIES, there are 183 results to browse.

Looking south down POLLEN STREET,
cnr of COCHRANE STREET intersect and centre of photo

Thames (NZ) Postcards at Youtube No 2

Just another short collection of postcards at YouTube.

This covers views along the Thames Coast towards Te Mata; as well as a selection from Thames. Enjoy.


Dunnage Postcard - Mata Beach, Tapu