Friday, September 28, 2018

Thames (NZ): Thames Hospital 150 News

Just seven weeks to go until the 150th Commemorations of Thames Hospital - 2 to 4 November 2018.

The Thames Hospital Facebook site will be sharing short history clips, along with commemoration weekend news. The first video is narrated by retired surgeon Mr Paul Silvester and can be viewed on the Facebook page and on Youtube.
 

Registrations are continuing for the weekend, but will close next month. Check the details now!

The True Tales of Thames Hospital 150 years 1868-2018 will be launched on Friday 4 November 2018 at 7pm. Details on the event are in the poster below.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Thames (NZ): Women's Suffrage 125th Commemorations

While my time at present doesn't allow for an in depth look at the Suffrage Movement in Thames, a few old articles will refresh the reader's memories of items previously covered.

First, a reminder that the women on the Thames Goldfield were I believe were real pioneers, and leaders in many social changes and advances. Our female teachers for instance held important appointments, alongside their male counterparts. Our Nurses and Matrons in particular equal to anywhere in New Zealand, in terms of leadership and innovation. We had women undertaking any occupation they chose, with leading stockbrokers being just one of them. And who can forget the powerful women who managed and ran many of the hotels around the town.

Let us not forget the claim that Thames, yes Thames gave women the first vote in New Zealand!

Soon after the goldfield opened, a Thames woman was allowed to vote, because she held a miner's right. Then in 1875: At the Annual Elections for the Thames Borough Council women were able to vote. The names included: Mesdames DAVY, BULL, SAWYER, FERGUSON, ZEIGLER and COOLAHAN. The paper noting that no one objected and that, "in so far as the Thames is concerned, female suffrage may be introduced successfully, not only in municipal elections, but in every other election where property gives the title to vote." THAMES ADVERTISER dated 10 Sept 1875.

Then in 1892 and 1893, our Thamesite women, rallied, attended meetings and most importantly signed the petitions that were circulating supporting the case for Female Franchise.

In 1892 at least 61 women signed the petition - you can search the names at NZ History online.
BABE, ELIZABETH, BERRIMAN, E; BROWN, EMILY; BUTT, LAURA; CHAPPELL, A; DAVIES, MARY; DAVIS, E E; DONOVAN, M S; DRIVER, ANN; DUNCAN, AGNES; FLEMING, LIZZIE A; FLEMING, EMILY; FRATER, Mrs; GARRETT, FLORENCE; GARRETT, EMILY; GLEESON, J; GRIBBLE, E L; GRUBB, E; HAMERTON, A; HAMMOND, M A; HAMMOND, MARY; HART, ISABELLA; HASELDEN, F; JAMIESON, SUSAN; JARVIS, JANE; JONES, ELIZA K; KERR, GRACE; KERR, JANET; KNEEBONE, HANNAH; LANGDON, L; LAWLOR, A E; MARTIN, BARBARA; MOYLE, MAGGIE; MOYLE, MARGARET J; NARBURY, M; NEIL, L; NODDER, EVA; NODDER, MARY; PAUL, A; PAUL, KATE; POWER, MARY; RABE, ELIZABETH; RICKARD, M A; RUSSELL, ADA; SAWYER, AGNES; SCOTT, ELIZA; SHEPPARD, EMILY; SNAITH, KATIE M; TAYLOR, CHARLOTTE; TAYLOR, J; THORBURN, A M; TOWERS, E A; TWOHILL, M; TWOHILL, NELLIE; VIVIAN, MARY; WALKER, A; Mrs WELLS; WEST, JESSIE; WHITEHEAD, H M; WILCOX, M A; WOOLLEY, MINNIE R.

Then in 1893, the women again stepped up to sign one of the thirteen petitions known to have been distributed around the country. Rosemary Killip's book "To Find A Fortune" has at least 114 names of those who signed for change!


 

Note there are other Thames women who signed in other districts.
Search for names HERE

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Thames (NZ): New Display at the Thames Museum

A new display has been launched today (Saturday 8 September 2018) honouring the Garry Family of Thames, while paying special tribute to the Garry twins who were Killed in Action one hundred years ago.
Margaret Williamson, a descendant of the Garry Family, cuts the ribbon, watched on by Museum President Fritz McKenzie (who also prepared the display).
Lewis and Sidney Garry were twins, and were killed within three days of each other:
9/09/1918 In the Field, France; GARRY Lewis; 34358; Corporal 2nd Batt 3rd NZRB
12/09/1918 In the Field, France; GARRY Sidney; 34468; Corporal 2nd Batt 3rd NZRB

Fritz has assembled a special cabinet with memorabilia for the Garry twins: sympathy notices, medals, Commemorative coins, and gravesite memorial photographs. (photo below)

Stop and have a look at the Thames Museum next time you are passing. Maybe you have a few hours a month to spare and could assist on the desk or with behind the scene projects? 
Ask at the front desk for further information.