Thames (NZ): The Treasury's Research Centre celebrates their 10th Birthday

Source: Hauraki Herald, 17 April 2009

2009 was a big year for Thames, research and the collection of archives pertaining to the Coromandel Peninsula / greater Thames Valley region.

In April 2009, the building that had started in 1905, as the Thames Carnegie Free Library, was restored and opened ready to become 'The Treasury' operated by The Coromandel Heritage Trust.

The official duties were carried out by TCDC Mayor Philippa Barriball and United States Consul General John Desrocher. (photo right)

"Ms Barriball said the library was not just about the books inside but about the people of Thames and their stories and the new project would ensure their history would be preserved."
"Mr Desrocher said. "I would like to thank those who made this happen...I think it would make Mr Carnegie very happy." Hauraki Herald, 17 April 2009

The official public opening of the Treasury, took place a few months later on 12 September 2009. Today (12 September 2019) marks the 10th Anniversary of the Treasury being open for 'business'.

Manager Rhonda Merrie and volunteers, open the doors at 11am, 12 September 2019.

The rooms and adjacent archive building, full of resources for researchers.

 

Ninety years apart, from Library (1929) to Research & Archive Centre (2019).

The Coromandel Heritage Trust - The History
There are two articles in The Treasury Journal that will give the reader a complete overview of what was entailed to get The Treasury doors open!

The Restoration of the Old Carnegie Library at Thames, by Anne Stewart Ball & Kae Lewis.

The Treasury Project – My Journey, by Geraldine Dunwoodie.

Slideshow The Treasury Journey - which shows the building of  TCHT Archives building adjoining The Treasury.

Do you want to Research / Support The Treasury Research & Archive Centre?

• Coming to Thames? Drop in and see whats on offer.
• Check out The Treasury website.
• Want to know more about membership categories? Check out the application brochure. A great option that I took out today is the Research Membership ($100), full access for a year - no hourly charges. A great option for all members, drop in on open days, explore the resources at leisure, no need to watch the clock! Other options for students ($10), Single ($45) and Joint ($80) - Research hourly fees additional. Check out the brochure for specific details.

The Treasury building in the early 1900s.

Thames (NZ): The Booms, Kauaeranga, Thames

If you grew up in Thames, you probably went swimming at the 'Booms' - an area of the Kauaeranga River just past the Thames Racecourse, as you proceed up the Kauaeranga Valley. In more recent years a new housing development was named 'The Booms' located on the hill above the Thames Parawai Racecourse.

There is a new article by David Wilton in the Treasury Journal on the "BOOMS FLAT" which reveals there is much more to the name, and what took place in order to bring the Kauri logs down the river to the sea.

"This article describes sites identified and recorded around the Booms Flat area (the name 'Booms Flat' now applying to a DoC campground near the old Main Booms)."

The logs were collected in the Parawai Booms until they could be prepared and taken to Auckland. The logs were typically tied together and towed to Auckland.

~ Check out the article on "Boom Flat" by D Wilton ~

Showing kauri logs collected by the Kauri Timber Company's booms across the Kauaeranga River at Parawai.
Auckland Weekly News 23 July 1898 p002 
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-18980723-2-1

AUCKLAND'S KAURI TIMBER INDUSTRY: A CORNER OF THE BOOMS ON THE KAUAERANGA RIVER.
Auckland Weekly News 28 SEPTEMBER 1905 p004 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19050928-4-1 

PREPARING A RAFT OF LOGS IN THE KAUAERANGA RIVER, THAMES, FOR TOWING TO AUCKLAND.
Auckland Weekly News 22 AUGUST 1907 p004 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19070822-4-4

AUCKLAND'S GREAT KAURI TIMBER INDUSTRY. WHICH IS RAPIDLY BEING WORKED OUT: LOGS IN THE BOOMS AT KAUAERANGA. NEAR THAMES.
Auckland Weekly News 28 June 1923 p049 
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19230628-49-4

Further information:

Booms Flat Campsite, Kauaeranga Valley.

Historic Kauri Dams, Kauaeranga Valley.

Kauri Timber Industry - Kauaeranga Valley by Gary Staples. Ohinemuri Journal.

Thames (NZ): 150 Event - Photographic Display at The Treasury

Like many Thames researchers I spend hours hunting for old photos of the town; so I wondered if there would be anything new to see in this latest collection?

Well the great news is that there are many! The Treasury's photographic display entitled "Growing with Gold" covers a wide range of topics, along with views of the town. Mining, forestry, hotels, hospital, parades are but a few of the themes explored.

Photographs adorn the walls and display boards in the old newspaper room now meeting room of the old Carnegie Library. While photographic albums contain many more photographs; along with a slideshow that is running where you can grab a seat and stop and reflect on the growth of the town.

Today when I called in Miriam and Merv of the Treasury's Photographic Group were on hand answering questions and elaborating on photographs in the display. The room was busy and it was great to see descendants of early Thamesites viewing the town through the eyes of their early settler families.

Above: Miriam & Merv welcome visitors to the "Growing with Gold"
Photographic Exhibition.
The Treasury, Queen Street, Thames

Thames (NZ): New book from The Treasury

Due to be released next month is a new book from The Treasury (The Coromandel Heritage Trust) in their True Tales Series.
True Tales of Thames is 289 pages of stories (102 stories) and the price will be $35.00 plus postage.

The ‘launch’ of the book takes place Sunday 20 August 2017 at The Treasury. The book can be pre-ordered or purchased from that day onwards.

Previously released titles are:
True Tales of Waikino and Waitekauri
and
True Tales of The Coromandel's Eastern Seaboard
Both are available at The Treasury.

Thames (NZ): WWI Thames soldiers - updated page at The Treasury

NEWSFLASH: The WWI soldiers' page has been updated by Kae, at The Treasury website. The majority of men on the Thames WWI Memorial have now been identified with links to the Auckland Cenotaph database and newspaper articles.

Thames Peace Memorial aka WWI Memorial, Monument Road, Thames

Thames (NZ): Dr George Lapraik, a dedicated Thames GP

Thames has had several doctors who have stayed in the town and given many years of dedicated service. One such man was Dr George Lapraik. A General Practitioner who served the town for twenty years, as well as his country during World War One.

There is a new article on Dr Lapraik in The Treasury Journal.

Dr Lapraik was active in the Thames community, including being a member of the Thames Hauraki Rifles, (photo courtesy of The Thames Museum).

George Lapraik was born 6 January 1864 in Glasgow, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1897. He came to Thames in 1899 and stayed until 1919. Dr Lapraik died of Pulmonary Tuberculosis on 6 May 1933 at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton.

Read the full articles in The Treasury Journal.

Thames (NZ): The Coromandel Heritage Trust AGM

Are you a member of The Coromandel Heritage Trust? Or would like to be in the future?
The Annual general Meeting is on Sunday, 31 August at 2pm at The Treasury, Thames.

Go and find out what has happened over the past year, who is on the committee, who the trustees are. Help decide on the membership fees for the following year. This is your chance to have your say on how things are managed at The Treasury.

Thames c1956

Thames (NZ): WWI Commemorations to begin 4 August 2014

It is nearly one hundred years since the start of World War One. At Thames, on 4 August 2014, an evening is to be held to mark this event in world history. A time for everyone to stop and remember the Great War, the men and women involved and the impact the war had on towns like Thames.
For further information: Contact The Treasury

Thames (NZ): 'The Treasury' opens their doors to 'Gold card' holders

'Gold Card' holders have struck gold at The Thames.

A new initiative has been introduced at The Treasury research facilities at Thames. Gold card holders are welcome to come, free of charge, and read any of the material held in the Reading Room.

This is to give older members of the community the opportunity to come and enjoy the growing numbers of books and articles that are available. All you need to do is show your gold card and admittance is free during opening hours, should any research be required, then normal entrance charges apply. 

 

Maybe you would like to read the WWI collection of books and manuscripts? Some of the family history or centennial/reunion books from all around the Coromandel Peninsula and greater Thames Valley area?

 

The volunteers at The Treasury look forward to meeting you all soon, and will point you in the direction of books that may be of interest. Relive the memories of the past - stop in for a 'reading break' in the near future.

Thames (NZ): The Treasury INDEX

Drum roll please....
There are now over 250,000 entries in the Treasury Index!!!!
I've mentioned before the hive of activity at The Treasury on a Tuesday morning, well here are the results. Multiple resources have been indexed, to give an amazing total of indexed records, achieved in just one year.

Sincere thanks must go to the Hauraki Indexers, who for many years met weekly at the School of Mines. Now The Treasury has a group of indexers who have continued on with the task, to help make researching the Thames-Hauraki area even easier.

Give it a try now.
Click Here and enter a surname or topic.
Did you get many results?
If you want to know more...call into the Treasury at Thames or send them an email.


Looking down Pollen Street, from Upper Albert Street
Photo source: F J Causley Collection, courtesy of M Heberley

Thames (NZ): Radios for sale at Bowen Street 1948

Thames, like many areas around New Zealand has had many people over the years involved with amateur radio. There are several oral histories at The Treasury that give details of some of the people who were involved.

An interesting card appeared on an auction site today for a radio sold from Thames. The radio was supplied by A A LOCKIE of Bowen Street, Thames. His call sign was ZL1JL. Bowen Street is today known as Rolleston Street - it was the portion of Rolleston Street that was south of the Hape Creek Bridge.

Above: A A LOCKIE's Warranty Card

Below: Looking south along Rolleston Street, known previously as BOWEN STREET



In the 1949 Electoral Roll, Alvin Alexander Lockie was a pensioner living at 125 Bowen Street, Thames.

Thames (NZ): The South African War 'Rifles' return to Thames

Why did three Spingboks players come to Thames last week?

The Thames Coromandel District Council Email Newsletter 17/09/2013 said:

Springbok players – brothers Jannie and Bismarck Du Plessis - and Ruan Pienaar spent most of Thursday in Thames on an unofficial visit that included Thames High School, The Treasury, Thames-Coromandel District Council and the Thames Rugby Club.

The visit was facilitated via Johan Volsteedt, the former Head Master of all three men and a man who devoted his life to their own high school, Grey College in South Africa. The players visited not as Springboks but as Old Grey College Boys whose ancestors were affected by the Boer War. The visit gave them a rare opportunity to see with their own eyes Boer rifles that bear their surnames and are now housed at The Treasury in Thames.

It was a surprise to many to learn about the influence that Sir George Grey had in South Africa, he was of course a famous and much respected visitor/resident/MP of Thames in the goldfield days. It is reputed  by many that he planted the Oak trees by Thames South School and resided in Grey Street.

The Treasury now holds (once again) the 15 South African Boer War rifles that were gifted to the town. A total of 200 of these rifles that are inscribed and numbered were given to New Zealand after the war. Thames received the first 15 rifles and now today is the only town/place with an intact set. They were originally housed in the Public Library at Thames - the building now used by The Treasury (The Thames Coromandel Heritage Trust research facility). In 1912, The North Otago TImes reported that a local town had received some rifles. A newspaper report for Thames is still to be found. (Please let me know if you find one)

Full research material is available at the building for all level of researcher - due largely to the work of Mike Dwight, who wrote: WALTER CALLAWAY: A MAORI WARRIOR OF THE BOER WAR. This book is available for sale at The Treasury shop.

The Sprinbok visit featured on the television programme 'Seven Sharp' and can be viewed from the television archives.

The South African Boer War Rifles Display at The Treasury, Thames, New Zealand

Details of the people of Thames-Hauraki that served in the South African War are available at The Treasury online and at the Queen Street, Thames building.

 

Thames (NZ): TCHT AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Thames Coromandel Heritage Trust is being held at The Treasury on Queen Street, Thames next Saturday - 31 August 2013 at 2pm.

The Guest Speaker will be Morrie Dunwoodie, who will update everyone on the Treasury Archive building. The next months and years to come will be exciting times. Come along and hear more, plus how you can help - every bit helps.

Above: The old Library, now 'The Treasury'
Below: Looking south down Pollen Street, The Treasury (Library) is out of picture- located  two blocks over to lower right of the photo

Thames (NZ): Gold Mine locations

For those researchers wanting information on goldmines of the Thames Goldfields, the first port of call is usually the Thames School of Mines and The Treasury. There are detailed maps of mine location and information on production, directors and shareholders. Along with in many cases, photographs of old workings.

 

With the help of the GeneaMap webpages, it is now possible to view the location of some of the major goldmines that were centred around the main confines of the townships of Shortland and Grahamstown (Thames).

 

Start at the GeneaMap entry page, unclick all the icons on the far left - except for the gold mining icon (Crossed pick-axes), put THAMES in the top left search box. Now press SEARCH.

The display will now look like the image below. You can now use the scroll on your mouse to zoom in to look closer, also click on the screen to drag the map to different views. You can click on the different location icons to view possible photos/info and a link back to The Treasury.

Special thanks to Murray and Dave for developing this new resource for Thames.

 

Above: screenshot of the search results at GeneaMap and Below: expanded view of map

Click link for more information

 

Search The Treasury Index for possible mining entries, for indexed resources.

 

Thames (NZ): Boys from 6th Hauraki WWI 1914

With the commemorations for World War One starting in 1914, it is timely to ask whether anyone has any family who served and were from the Thames area.
The Treasury has a webpage with details of those who died and served. At the Treasury in Thames, an on-going project aims to gather further names and resources.

Have you any memorabilia, photos, letters, diaries that could help tell us more about the men and women who served in World War One. If your answer is yes, contact me (email to right) or contact the Treasury direct via the contact page.

Back Row Left to Right: Sergeant Johnson, Troopers Shand, Trotter, Gibson
Kneeling Left to Right: Troopers Bennett, Wells, Stewart
Source:  Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19140924-45-2

STOP PRESS:
The Coromandel Heritage Trust is part of the official WW100 Commemorations
The summary of the project can be seen here.
 

Thames (NZ): Archives update 20th July 2013

How the weeks fly by, and progress continues on the archives building. The roof is on and will soon be fully enclosed. (Two openings remain for the large glass panel windows) A sneak preview inside showed how the space will be utilised with storage, work and archive rooms. A credit to the TCHT and the tradesmen who have been involved to-date.

Looking at the Archives 20th July 2013
(Full photo history - click here)

 PS. If you haven't called into The Treasury lately, the shelves continue to bulge with information and a growing number of the resources are indexed. This makes researching easier and allows you to make a preliminary assessment online, of what may be held for your research interest.

Some of the resources available at The Treasury, Thames

ONLINE INDEX available

Thames (NZ): Shortand Cemetery Fire 1943

There is nothing more disappointing to a family researcher than finding where their ancestors are buried, only to find that no sign of a headstone exists. One often asks why at least there is not a wooden cross to mark the spot.  We often think of the normal decays of time being the answer.

 

This is often the case at Shortland  Cemetery, Thames - where storms have been known t destroy graves, through fallen trees and land slips.  In 1943 though it appears that fire played a part in the total destruction of hundreds of graves.

Thames Star 19/3/1943
(Source: Hauraki Herald Newspaper archive)

The fire was described as being in the south-eastern boundary of the cemetery and headed north to the top of the cemetery - in are area we today would probably call the back of the cemetery.  so here could be the answer why many graves are without headstones.

Regardless of the cause of headstone destruction, many remain in a poor state and thanks must go to the volunteer/s over the years who have admirably tried to keep fallen headstones semi-intact and in the right location. The Treasury at Thames is undertaking a project to photograph all remaining headstones, so that at least a photo will remain of those left standing.

Aerial of Shortland Cemetery, Thames
The South Eastern boundary being the portion to the far lower-right
Photo courtesy of TCDC Intramaps

Thames (NZ): Archive progress at The Treasury

Update for 29 March 2013 - there are lines of piles already in the ground and another line in above the ground. I'll let the photos speak for themselves - hope to have some more next week.

Top Photo: Looking south from The Treasury
Bottom Photo: Looking west, The Treasury building on the right

Thames (NZ): The Treasury Archive Building update

Another major step has been taken today, with the driving of the piles for the new archive building at Queen Street, Thames. The Coromandel Heritage Trust members and supporters will be delighted to see the building now full steam ahead!!! It has been a dream for some time, now the following weeks will quickly see the construction and completion of the building that meets all the latest archive requirements.

A vote of thanks to all who have been involved with this vision - to the stage today where it is becoming a reality!

Above: Looking south from the present Treasury building towards the site of the new archive
Below: Architect's view of the finished building attached to  The Treasury

Thames (NZ): Heritage Week Lectures & Walks

If you live locally, maybe you have already managed to attend some of the events scheduled for the first week of the Heritage Festival.

Have you dropped into the Thames Library yet? and taken a photo of your Thames house - so it can be added to the digital collection.

There are two lectures left at The Treasury, in their series: The Way We Were Lectures.

Tomorrow, Friday 15th March 2013 is Sue Baker-Wilson speaking on the NZ Tunnellers in World War One and Monday 18th March is Dr Caroline Phillips on the archaeology of the Shortland area.

If you want a walk, then Graham Robinson has a tour of Shortland on 17th and 19th March.

Pollen Street, Shortland 1868
Photo courtesy of J Vedder-Price