Thames (NZ): AA Touring Map Guide Book 1938

AA Maps played an important role in guiding tourists around the country. Do you remember collecting all the maps when you were heading off on a car trip? No Google Maps and other technology required - just plain old map reading skills. With excitement you would ask, what's our next town?

Advertisements in old magazines and newspapers provide a wealth of information. The advertisements below are from the 1938 AA Touring Map Guide Book, the section on Thames. They include notices from:
Park Hotel, Brown Street, Thames. Need a place to stay when you were passing through the town of Thames, A Golden (Proprietor) offered a great tariff and excellent cuisine.
Hotel Imperial, Pollen Street, Thames. J W Harvey, Proprietor, advertised that the hotel was modern and excellently equipped - hot and cold water in every room!

Chas. Judd Limited, Queen Street, Thames. If your car engine needed reconditioning - they were the people to see.
D McL. Wallace Ltd, Pollen Street, Thames. Offered a modern garage offering a full range of services for the motorist passing through the town.
Gordon Mincher's Garage, Pollen Street, Thames. A modern and spacious garage, with a breakdown truck available for the motorist at any hour - just phone Thames 179.

 

 

Special thanks to Elizabeth for providing a copy of the Thames Adverts

 

Further Information:

Business Registers and Maps at The Treasury

Treasury Index: for possible sources for further references