No more false starts! No more excuses! Since we published the 'Gold Mine to Firing Line' in 2014, my plan was always to do something similar for World War Two in Thames. Who knows the timeframe, but I will now start, and as part of that I will share something of the life in Thames thanks to our faithful old Thames Star newspaper.
The newspaper itself was reduced in pages, just four, this had been a result of paper shortages earlier in the war years. Here are some snippets:
TORCH BATTERIES: There was a plentiful supply of batteries which were now made in New Zealand. No metal cased torches were available, only alternatives such as plastic models.
SEWING MACHINES: Only 600 were allowed to be imported into New Zealand annually, but retailers had trouble getting hold of those numbers.
PRESERVING JARS: New methods for preserving were being used in New Zealand, and as a result, local companies were making these 'new' jars.
DRESSMAKING PATTERNS: There was an overseas shortage, and the special paper unobtainable. The paper reported the good news that New Zealand would be making their own patterns using local paper.
SUPPLY OF BLANKETS: Good news, the supply of blankets to civilians was going to be possible in the near future. Meanwhile "Service requirements [were] a priority." Any returned serviceman making a request was to have his order promptly filled.
The war meant ongoing shortages. Montague's lack of staff had led to limited appointments. While advertisements for products such as Lux Soap featured overseas 'stars'.
SPORTS:
A large number of columns were devoted to sports results. Perhaps swayed by the fact the previous weekend had been Easter - a time traditionally used for several major sporting events.
The Thames Bowling Club held their annual Easter Tournament - 47 competing rinks at the start of play. [Covid-19 has caused the cancellation of this event for 2020]
The cricket teams in the region competed for the 1944-45 Court Cup - in the final match, Thames beat Hauraki. First innings details below.
In the previous edition, Thursday 29 March 1945, the results of the Thames High School running sports were given. The top event was the boys' one mile, which was won by D Campbell, with E Heberley finishing in second place.
Private V L Noakes of Thames, was finally reported safe in Odessa, having been a prisoner of war since 1942. (details below left)
The Hetherington name was well known in Thames, firstly because of the long established store and for the regard the Drs' by that name were held in the town. The paper reported that Temporary-Captain Owen Hetherington was honoured with an OBE. Another Thamesite who had spent years as a prisoner of war. (details below right)
On the same day that Hetherington's award was reported, there was news that the Military Cross had been conferred on Second-Lieutenant G W H R Purchas(e) of Thames. (details lower centre)
It is interesting to read the news at this time and try and imagine what the reality was like, what the shortages were like? What did rationing mean to your daily life?
Who would have thought it, 75 years later we are faced with our own restrictions - not just 'blackout' but 'lockdown.' Food shortages, in many cases caused by greed.
Kia Kaha, stay strong and take inspiration from our parents and grandparents & the hardships they endured.
PS. Of anyone has photos of Thames during 1939-1945 please can you let me know.
