Thames (NZ); Thames High School Entrance Then & Now

Thames High School Then & Now. The age of the old photo is not known, given the growth of 'Ivy' on the building it could be into the 1930s-40s. I would need to hunt out and compare some old Haurakian's to estimate more definitely. Thames went through a period where it valued the grand fence...I wish that time would return. Trees now dominate, rightly or wrongly.

There is a new entrance off Sealey Street, and that leads to the Thames High School Wharenui house.

Thames (NZ): ANZAC DAY at the Thames 2017

Anzac Day started with the traditional Dawn Parade, followed by a large gathering to watch the march and service outside the Thames War Memorial Civic Hall in Mary Street.  The following photographs were taken from the Pollen and Mary Street intersect. There are also views of the WW100 Memorial Forest at Rhodes Park.

 

 

Thames (NZ): The Thames WWI PEACE MEMORIAL Lights

From the Thames & Districts RSA facebook site:
"RE-DEDICATION & 'LIGHTING UP' OF THE WW1 MEMORIAL THAMES
Monday 24th April 2017.

This evening a dedication and blessing of the memorial took place at 6pm. Speeches were given by distinguished guests: Captain Russell Skeet; Mayor Sandra Goudie; MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson and David Sinton Thames RSA President. Many members of the Thames RSA were in attendance as were a sizable number of Thames citizens."

Further information on the RSA website.

ABOVE: Photographs showing the new memorial lighting. (source: RSA website)

Thanks to all concerned for this wonderful project and tribute to the WWI soldiers.

Thames (NZ): Shortland Cemetery footpath

No doubt the weather has hindered some improvements that are currently being undertaken around the Shortland Cemetery, Danby Street, Thames. A footpath now runs along the western edge of the cemetery, leading from the bottom of Danby Street up to the main Shortland Cemetery entrance. It would be wonderful if this then lead to an improved pathway within the grounds...but probably wishful thinking.

Thames (NZ): Dedication & Lighting news for the Thames WWI Peace Memorial

AmazingAMAZING news from TCDC (Thames Coromandel District Council) today, concerning  new lighting on the Thames WWI Peace Memorial.

The Memorial was first unveiled and dedicated 25 April 1925. It was the dream of Thamesites to have the memorial suitably lit, but money restraints meant only a make-do system was installed. Wouldn't they be overjoyed today to hear that new lighting has been installed.

Full details are on the TCDC website, the main points are:
"The Thames War Memorial has always been a prominent reminder of the tenacity, bravery and honour of our World War I generation.

From the evening before ANZAC day this year, the memorial that stands tall over Thames will be lit up 365 nights of the year to honour our local men killed and to commemorate all our returned servicemen and women.
It will shine white overnight then red at 6am on the morning of ANZAC Day this year and from that day forth, it will be lit 365 nights of the year.
"I love the fact that the monument will be a beacon for Thames both day and night and a constant reminder of our fallen," says Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Sandra Goudie. "We will not forget those who fought in the war and are named on that beacon," says Mayor Sandra."

"Thanks to the generosity of local businesses Shaun Richards Electrical and Twentymans Funeral Directors covered the shortfall of around $4000."

The dedication details are:  Order of the evening
1730 -1800 hours - Transport provided to the Cenotaph from Twentymans Car Park Courtesy of Thames Fire Brigade
1550 - Piper -  Pipe Major Peter Jones of the Pipes and Drums of Thames Valley - Lament
1800 - Welcome – Captain Russell Skeet
1805  - Mayor Sandra Goudie
1810 - MP for Coromandel – Scott Simpson J.P.
1815 - Address by RSA President Mr David Sinton
1820  - Dedication and Blessing by RSA Padre Harvey Dalton
Piper to play ‘Amazing Grace’
1830  - Back to Twentymans car park and meet at then Thames RSA for coffee and rum.

Thames (NZ): WWI ROH Thames - 100 year anniversary April 1917-2017

The following soldiers lost their lives one hundred years ago (April 1917). For a full list of names CLICK HERE.

Sergeant William Hector TREWHELLA, Killed in Action in the field of France 11 April 1917. Serial No. 492, part of the Australian Imperial Forces. Born in Thames, next-of-kin his daughter Doreen Trewhella of Auckland. Aka Trewheela.

Private Alfred Percy GRANT, Died of Disease at sea on way back to New Zealand. Serial No. 12/354 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment 6th Coy. Born at Tairua, son of Mr & Mrs V Grant of Matatoki, Thames.

Private Thomas Alfred GEMMING, Died of Disease at Thames 26 April 1917. Serial No. 12/359, Auckland Infantry Regiment. Born and educated at Thames, son of Charles and Agnes Gemming. Worked at Coakley's Grocery shop before the war. Served in Egypt and Gallipoli where he was wounded.

Thames (NZ): Thames High School Indoor Sports Complex Update

The size of the new building is even more evident when viewing across the school field. For a full timeline of the building construction CLICK HERE.

Thames (NZ): View from Upper Albert Street to Wharf

A beautiful view from Upper Albert Street over to the Burke Street Wharf. The postcard was written by Rev E Clyde Grey. Grey was at Hikurangi and New Lynn in the late 1920s to 1930s, his connection to Thames has yet to be confirmed.

The postcard is full of many lost landmarks. At the lower centre of the card is the St Brigid's Catholic Church that was located in Queen Street (between Williamson and Albert Street). The back of the church is on the Pollen Street boundary. (photo right)

Near the foreshore on Beach Road is the Grahamstown Railway Station, that was located opposite the Williamson Street intersect. Taxicabs are lined up, no doubt waiting for passengers off the next train. The Royal Hotel is on the corner of Williamson and Owen Streets. (photo below)

 

Above is the view of Abraham Street on the right beside A & G Price's Foundry, and onto the railway sheds on Beach Road. Then the Burke Street Wharf, awaiting the next lot of boats as the tide permits.
Today the area to the right of the wharf is the Moanataiari Sub-division and full of residential houses.

Thames (NZ): Methodist Church Choir 1922

Many thanks to Lloyd who keeps finding the most amazing photographs. This time its a photo of the Methodist Church Choir taken 20 October 1922 - the most amazing thing is that it was taken aboard the ps Wakatere. Maybe you recognise someone in the choir?

 

The choir was very successful in competitions around the district. In 1921 the Methodist Choir had won several sections at the Auckland Methodist Choir Festival in Hamilton. There photo was republished in the Thames Star in 1938.

Thames (NZ): View from Upper Albert Street

One of the most populated streets at the Thames was also the most challenging, yet over the decades hundreds of families would have spent time at Upper Albert Street. Was it the view over the town? The closeness to work, shops, park, wharf and schools? What ever the reason, they certainly managed to pack a lot of houses along this steep road. The postcard below gives a view from the early 1900s.

In the 1902 Street Directory the following householders were listed: John Clarken (Miner), George Cole (Carter), William Cole (Miner), Mrs Farley, P Ganley (Moulder), Thomas Guy (Miner), Mrs Hart, F J Horn (Moulder), Fred Ladner (Bricklayer), D McLean (Miner), Thomas Moyle (Miner), Mrs Moorcroft, Wm Moyle (Miner), M Mullins (Miner), J Pollock (Miner), G Robertson (Miner), W Robinson (Carpenter), W Robinson (Miner), Abel Rowe (Miner) W Rudkin (Moulder), James Taylor (Miner), J Tonkin (Miner), Frank Trebilcock (Miner), and John Trebilcock (Miner).

  ABOVE: Close-up of the houses in Upper Albert Street.

BELOW: The full postcard showing Upper Albert Street, and the Waiokaraka School bottom right.

Thames (NZ): Thames Indoor Sports Complex update

The progress on the indoor sports complex is full steam ahead at present, with walls starting to be closed in. The structure is imposing, both in height and overall size.
A timeline of progress can be seen in an earlier post, scroll down for updates.

Todays photographs (below), were taken from east side of Rolleston Street, south of the Sealey Street intersect.