Thames (NZ): Death Certificates for Tararu Cemetery

 The Death certificates for TARARU CEMETERY 1873-4-5 are available at Auckland Archives (ABWN  8102 W5279 184 / AUC 842). With special thanks to 'my archives helper', a copy of these is now available view at The Treasury, Thames.

The Death certificate varies from what we would expect today. It has the name of the deceased and the date of registration with the Registrar.  This was necessary in order for the burial to take place.

Top: Cover of Certificate Book
Above: One of the certificates, this one for WILLIAM THOMAS 1875

Thames (NZ): Samuel Coombes Memorabilia

An interesting item online today, a coin produced by Samuel COOMBES, shopkeeper of Grahamstown.
Many businesses in Shortland and Grahamstown produced similar coinage in the early years of the goldfield.

 In August 1874 Samuel COOMBES sold his clothing business, Albert street Grahamstown to T BRIDGER.

Thames (NZ): Tararu Cemetery Photos & History

In recent weeks I have heard from several people asking about Tararu cemetery, so thanks to Dave for climbing the hill and getting these great photos.

In past years accessibility was challenged due to slips, but steps are in place to still allow access to the hillside graves. Remember if you need any burial or monumental inscriptions, these are available in the first instance from TCDC, in Thames at The Treasury and Library, as well as on fiche at many public libraries

Top: Looking south, with Tararu Point in the distance
Middle: looking North, up the hill
Bottom: Looking south, showing the steep edge of the cemetery

HISTORY:
To date it is unclear when the first burials took place, but it was pre July 1873. In the Daily southern Cross 30/7/1873, there is concern expressed for the need for a bridge over the Tararu Creek and the need to sort out the native land title, so that the cemetery could be used again.
The first recorded burial records that exist today are:
William Thomas STEEDMAN aged 14wk buried 19/8/1873
Hannah ROSS aged 84 buried 31/8/1873
Julia GOODALL aged 14 days buried 7/9/1873
Lilias Mary JOHNS aged 6 wks buried 19/9/1873
James DARROW aged 4 buried 21/9/1873
Frederick WYLIE aged 5wks buried 5/10/1873
Isabella Balfour CORLETT aged 35 buried 25/11/1873
George LEITH aged 15 buried 5/12/1873

Interesting to note that in 1874, it was noted that very few burials were taking place at Tararu. Given that the majority of the population were some distance away, this is not surprising. Remembering the logistics of getting to Tararu from Shortland or Grahamstown would have been daunting for even the fittest of funeral processions.

Thames Star 22/5/1874

Thames (NZ): St James Church Seat-letting Book

An update to previous page on St James Church, Thames. Jill has a transcription of the SEAT LETTING BOOK for the st James Presbyterian Church
Seat letting cash book. 1872 - 1894 
For example:
1st JULY 1872
D. MAINAW. £1-5-0

J. FRATER. 12/6
Wm. BAILDON. 10/0
Signed D. McNAB. £2-7-6

Visit the site to find see more names.

Thames (NZ): Early teachers

A CD is available from Colonial Books, "NEW ZEALAND TEACHERS EXAMINATION 1880 - 1920"

The information is actual pages from the NZ GAZETTE's. (NB The books are available to view and research at The Treasury, Thames)
The information is often listed by district but other sections are special mentions or prizes that detail town, as the examples below show:
SPECIAL MENTION (NZ Gazette Mar 19 1903)
JOHNS, William Francis, Thames,elementary Science Class E
MAHONEY, Harriet Elizabeth, Thames, Domestic Economy

In 1 March 1913 publication, passes were listed for:
JOHNSON, May Oliver, Thames
VOYSEY, William Doran, Thames

A wealth of information, with many more Thames-ites listed

Thames (NZ): Pre 1930 Business, Thames Fisheries

Special thanks to the researcher who sent in a copy of this business..not previously listed in my database. In the Directories there are listings for a shop called 'Thames Fisheries' from 1922, continuing into the 1940s. (at Least!) There are reports in the Thames Star for the "Thames Fisheries Ltd' and in 1920 they report that they have just purchased the freehold to one of their shops. Directory listings sadly do not give a location of the shop.

It was typical for Thames-ites to stand outside their shop while a photo was being taken, it is therefore assumed that Miss Amelia Beatrice (Beattie) James is the owner or in charge of the Thames Fisheries Shop.  Many questions remain..that's the fun side of genealogy to hunt for answers.

The Fretwork on the verandah poles is of interest to me to try and locate the situation of the shop. Shops at the Grahamstown end of Pollen Street, and in the area opposite Walter street all seem to have this style of pole. The tiling is unique and not dissimilar style to that of the famous Charles Palmer Sweet Shop (but without the mirrors). It reminds of the shops in the Mary to Pahau street block of Pollen Street, but the lack of a second storey or fancy top facade is confusing. If you have any ideas on location, please email me :) along with any business photos that you may have.

Thames Fisheries Shop
Miss Beattie James on the right

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE 30/5/2003