The
Thames Star 10 September 1952, described Thames as the Yarmouth of the north. A successful fishing port, providing fish for as far away as Palmerston North. At that time there were 14 boats using Shortland Wharf as their base, and another three were based at Tararu Bay.
Who can forget the days, well into the 1960s when the wharf would be lined three deep with fishing boats - as men jumped from one to another unloading their catch of the day. Thames fishermen featured often in papers and magazines such as the
Auckland Weekly News. Below are a few of these photos, showing the fishermen at work - and how vital it was considered to the area.
1901
Description: Showing a recent catch of fish in the Hauraki gulf, near Thames.
Source:
Auckland Weekly News 26 JULY 1901 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19010726-8-2
1908
Description: FISHING BOATS OFF THE GOODS WHARF, THAMES, AUCKLAND.- BOATING VIEW.
Source:
Auckland Weekly News 16 APRIL 1908 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19080416-2-2
1925
Description: NEW ZEALAND FISHING INDUSTRY: THAMES FISHERMEN USING THE SEINE NET SYSTEM OFF THE COAST OF COROMANDEL. AUCKLAND.
Source:
Auckland Weekly News 2 March 1925 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19250305-37-1
1935
Description: ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF THE AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL FISH SUPPLY: UNITS OF THE FISHING FLEET IN PORT AT THAMES
Source:
Auckland Weekly News 25 SEPTEMBER 1935 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19350925-52-3'
