Visiting the Shortland Wharf today and the southern side has a large historic landmark sign. A wonderful addition - keep the eyes open for more about the town.
The sign reads:
Shortland Wharf is the oldest and only surviving wharf
erected to service Thames after the proclamation of the Goldfield in August
1867. It replaced the beach landing that had been used since the early timber
and produce trading days of the 1830s, ‘40s and ‘50s. In close proximity to
Kauaeranga Pa, the wharf was built in 1868 by the Auckland Provincial Council.
Given the pre-eminence that Grahamstown quickly achieved
over Shortland, this wharf was soon overshadowed by Burke Street Wharf to the north. Consequently
the Shortland Wharf primarily serviced the local fishing fleet, as it does
today. The wharf handled cargo ships until 1963 and in the mid-20th Century
was also the base of E M Harvey, boat builder.
