Thames (NZ): Burke Street Wharf, more Then & Now Views

I never tire of looking at views of Burke Street Wharf aka Thames Wharf or Goods Wharf. The busy times, the people, the boats, the chief port of call for those coming and going from the Thames. A difficult place to visit given the tidal nature of the Firth of Thames, but the length of the wharf meant that sailings were less restricted - though the chances of getting stuck in the mud were never to be overlooked for the larger vessels.

One of my favourite views looking back along the wharf, I had long lost (no doubt on a memory stick somewhere), so I was pleasantly surprised to find a reasonable image in the Waikato University postcard collection of the Coromandel.

Title: Thames, N.Z. Date: Unknown.  Publisher: Frank Duncan & Co. Auckland.

Collection: Waikato Region Postcards 1890 - 1940, Description: Tourist Series No. 180

The Burke Street Wharf 100 years ago 1919
Lets step back one hundred years and see what was happening at Burke Street Wharf.

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The Northern Steamship Company had the 'beloved' paddle steamer Wakatere in service. On Tuesday 26 August the ship left the wharf at 7.15am bound for Auckland. The following day, another voyage left Auckland at 3.30pm.

There were several companies operating services up the Waihou River, it is not clear which wharf was being used - the Burke Street or Shortland. Earlier in the month on 6th August the Thames Star reported that there was a problem between the two wharves and the payment of berthages. People were reminded that the Harbour Master had the right to divert vessels to a different wharf.

On Saturday 16th August the Goods Wharf was extra busy, with large numbers travelling on the "Waka" (Wakatere) to Auckland to watch the rugby. This was an annual event. The boat arrived in Auckland at 1.30pm. 'Trippers' and the Thames Rugby team received a warm welcome as people lined the wharf to greet the Thamesites. Rugby matches were then held at Eden Park, sadly the Thames team was beaten 20 to 11. (Team names on right) The 'trippers' and teams enjoyed their short stay in Auckland despite the result and returned to the Thames Sunday night.  Below is this is the view that greeted the trippers and Thames Rugby Team in 1902.  Similar to what was reported in 1919.

Description 1902: Showing crowds welcoming the Thames football teams on their arrival in Auckland by the P S Wakatere for the annual inter union football match Auckland versus Thames at Potters Paddock, Auckland

Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19000817-2-1

THEN & NOW

Then & Now Views along the Burke Street Wharf.

Source: "Then & Now" booklet by Althea Barker

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Background Reading on the Burke Street Wharf:

Articles in The Treasury Journal by David Wilton

A BRIDGE TOO FAR? PART I

The Burke St. Harbour Project That Bankrupted The Thames Borough.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR? PART II

The Burke St. Harbour Project That Bankrupted The Thames Borough.

**Further Then & Now Views of Thames**