When doing your family or general research on anything related to Thames - you will want to add photographs to bring your stories alive, and allow you and the reader to learn about the Thames of old.
Many sources are available and have been previously covered at sites such as:
The Treasury, Auckland City Libraries, Alexander Turnbull Library, Auckland Museum Library, Matapihi, Digital NZ and Kete Hauraki Coromandel.
There is a new search engine called the NZ Picture Show - that appears linked to Digital NZ that brings up amazing photo results from a range of sources - and super fast compared to previous options.
As a random example I entered THAMES BOATS and lots of photos of Thames wharf are quickly displayed. Also this little cartoon link from Papers Past:
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| WHEN THE THAMES VOLUNTEERS VISITED AUCKLAND. Observer, Volume XXVI, Issue 24, 3 March 1906, Page 16 |
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| Auckland Weekly News 21 August 1902 The Mayor and Mayoress presenting returned troopers with war medals on Coronation day, Thames |
For background on this event, you can read the preliminary planning that was involved by the Thames Borough and Thames County Councils on 13th May 1902.
The paper of the day is full of how the day was to be marked, for instance owners of shops and buildings were planning great displays. The hospital was having Chinese lanterns hanging from the gables, Chas Palmer was planning grand illuminations, Junction Hotel to be covered in flags, and other shops were being repainted. On Saturday 9th August 1902 there was an impressive light display in Thames NZ - and the paper has full details. On 21st August the parade shown in the photo above was held, by all reports a trifle disappointing due to a mix-up that led to a low number of cadets parading.
At Thames most of the business places and all the public buildings displayed bunting and in some instances the designs were striking and appropriate. At the local schools yesterday the flag was saluted and the High School Cadets paraded and carried out their part of the programme in a- complete manner.
There was to have: been a parade of Territorials and Senior Cadets today at noon, but through various causes the parade was very poorly attended. One officer and two members of the Territorials paraded at the drill hall and a handful of Senior Cadets attended at the Waio-karaka school, a few High School kindly assisting to swell the number. The officer commanding the company and Sergeant Major Tingey were present. Owing to the small attendance the ceremony was curtailed, three cheers being given for the King.
His Worship the Mayor (Mr H Lowe) attended and while regretting the small muster, awarded high praise to those lads who had assembled in honor of the Coronation of the King. To encourage the cadet movement and with the object of securing good attendance at parades and encouraging discipline he had decided to donate a prize.
Mr Lowe handed to the captain of the company a handsome gold medal which he said was to be presented to the cadet attending the most parades and showing the best discipline...
Background reading:
Edward VII
Details of the Coronation in England
