Previously mentioned, has been the importance of the neighbourhood stores that were aound the hills and flat area of Thames. Shops like those at
Fenton Street, Franklyn Street, Parawai and Tararu.
Early papers have reports of several early shops and bakeries up Karaka Road. People such as
ROLLERSON's had a bakery, Mrs
LUDLOW ran the STAR Store. In the 1870s, Mrs
CAMPBELL had a grocery opposite the Claremont Hotel in Karaka Road.
In Karaka Road, just east of the Sandes Street intersect, was the
Karaka Bakery, known also by other names. Owned and operated for many years by the
GLEESON family. Several of the oral history recordings at
The Treasury, speak of the importance of this shop and the high level of service they received. A wide variety of bread was available and delivered fresh to the homes around Thames; along with general grocery items. The shop changed hands in later years and closed 1960s/70s. Over the years the building under went some alterations, but still stands today.
