The business folk of Thames were great entrepreneurs, the successful ones that is! There were hundreds of shops, of all variety on the Thames Goldfield - but you had to be clever to stay open and trading. One of the most iconic was Hetherington's, they sold sell clothes sourced from around the world.The business had been opened in 1874 and traded until 1971.
At some stage Samuel Hetherington must have decided, why not have a brand that celebrates the Thames!
In the Thames Star newspaper from 1899 to 1926, are advertisements for the GOLD MINE BRAND clothing. The range included: Suits, Trousers, Coats, Denim Pants and Jackets. While the products initially were to do with menswear, in later years, the range expanded to boyswear.
Thames Star 4 September 1905.
Were the Clothes available in other towns?
Yes, the clothing brand "Gold Mine" was also available at the other branches. Hetherington's at Waihi had the range forsale. There was also a store at Te Aroha, which no doubt stocked the range of Men's and Boys' clothing.
Source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1370-651-03
1937 View of Pollen Street - Hetherington's Shop centre right (opposite the Thames Post Office).
Below 2017 view, thanks to Google Maps
The question now to ponder and research, were there any other brands that celebrated the goldfield in their brand title?
Want to know more about the Hetherington family and business?
The Treasury at Thames have information on the business, plus two family history books.
The Thames Museum, has a display counter from the Hetherington shop at Thames, along with photographs of the shop interior, plus an overhead cash carrier machine.
