Thames (NZ): Central Thames 1909

I am always fascinated by the few photographs that were taken from Una (Karaka) Hill that looked down over the township of Shortland and more particularly Block 27. Several branches of my ancestors lived in the area from early 1870, my Grandmother was born at Hill Street, and I have lived in the area for the majority of years.

By 1909 the remainder of the flat area was fully settled, and slowly the hill areas were being settled. No doubt the delay for many was the obtaining of a suitable land lease to allow for a more permanent habitation.

The Auckland Weekly News 30 September 1909, featured a view over the town. (see below)
Source: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19090930-9-3

Above: Mount Pleasant centre left. Running lower left to top right is Hape Road, Hill Street running along the lower portion of the photograph.
Below: Sealey Street runs from lower centre to the sea, with the Karaka Valley far right and Irishtown.

 

Above: 1909 Full view looking down over the old Block 27 and Shortland Town of Thames.
Below: 1980s postcard of the view from Una Hill.