Thames (NZ): An early Grahamstown house

A previous post of an early view of Shortland, Thames, showed a large built up area from Mary Street South. There was a wide discrepancy in homes - ranging from tents, huts, cottages to very developed lots.

A higher definition photo shows that this house below, that was in the vicinity of Broad Street/Upper Albert Street in Grahamstown belonged to a wealthy, established early settler.
Source: Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 7-A16669'

The house sits on a fully fenced plot, that has a well established kitchen garden along with other trees and shrubs. A water tank to provide much needed 'fresh' water, along with a large chimney to keep the house warm and no doubt for cooking. There is detailed fret work along the roof line, while two men stand outside, the owner probably nearer the back door. (see larger photo below)

Who could the owner be? A mine owner/manager? Or perhaps an owner of a large business?

Thames (NZ): Missing 1939 - Miss Christophus

In 1939, Bowen Street was the section of road leading from the Hape Creek to south of Banks Street. Today it is known as Rolleston Street. World War Two had started and the posties would have been busy delivering letters around the town from their men overseas. Amongst the letters was this one sent from Auckland on 11 December 1939 to Miss Christophus (Crhristophus) of Bowen Street, Thames.

 

The post office tried to deliver it, but eventually on the 27/28 December appear to have returned the letter. The mystery never solved of who Miss Christophus was. Even with all the resources available today this appears still to be a 'brick wall' as to who this lady was. A possible conclusion being that the surname was changed, but many derivations exist. There were a few men by this name in the South Island during the early gold rushes, but they too may have changed their name to perhaps Christopher, Christoff and so on.  Directories, newspapers, electoral rolls to date hold no clues.

Do you know who Miss Christophus was?

 

Thames (NZ): D Day Events 6 June 1944

The 6th June 2014, is the 70th Anniversary of D Day WWII. It was timely that 70 years ago, Thames was hosting their first visit by the Governor General Sir Cyril Newall. He spoke of the hard times endured by all and the need to take time to celebrate the reported victories.


Evening Post 7 June 1944

Thames Star 8 June 1944

The entry into Rome of Allied Forces was celebrated in towns around New Zealand. The Governor General was meeting schoolchildren, when the Thames Fire Sirens rang out, along with the sounding of car horns.

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): Faces from the Diamond Jubilee 1927

The celebrations marking the Thames Diamond Jubilee in 1927 were well attended; a special day was also held in Auckland for those who were unable to make the trip across the Firth. Below are photos of some the Thamesites who attended the Auckland based celebrations.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19709, 8 August 1927, Page 6:

SEQUEL TO THE THAMES DIAMOND JUBILEE: EARLY RESIDENTS OF THE GOLDMINING TOWN REUNITE IN AUCKLAND. Some of the survivors of the old days, who could not attend the recent celebrations at Thames, photographed at the function at the Town Hall on Saturday.

Above: Mrs Smith, aged 87, and her daughter, Mrs White.

Centre: Mrs Skinner being assisted from a motor-car.

Above: Captain and Mrs Newby, aged 93 and 83 respectively.

 

 The gathering had been organised by The Old Thames Girls' Association and was attended by over 700 people. "There were many among them who went to Thames when it was little more than an uninviting wilderness. They had gathered to revive old friendships, and to call to mind the heroic efforts of their follow pioneers, and during the addresses not a few showed visibly the emotion born of poignant recollections."

 

There was a magnificent birthday cake for all. "Standing out from the decorations of bunting and fernery was a huge birthday cake of four tiers, which was placed in conspicuous position in front of the stage. This was the gift of Mrs H. H. Adams, herself a pioneer of the Thames district. The cake was decorated with icing-sugar shovels and picks and a neat miner's cottage. On it were placed 60 candles, and the whole was surmounted by a diamond-shaped tier from which were suspended golden-coloured bells."

 

There were tributes paid to many old settlers including Mr A E Glover. "Among the very earliest to settle at Thames was Mr A. E. Glover, who secured number 9 miner's right on the day these were first issued. Mr Glover first went to Thames in 1863, four years before the discovery of gold. His parents were living at Coromandel, and with a brother he used to row to Thames in an boat. He made several visits to the district when there were no white persons at all there, and he was at Thames when the great rush for gold commenced. Debt Owed to Pioneers."

Thames (NZ): Tararu Postcard to Miss Harold

For sale at an online auction site, is a postcard addressed to Miss Mabel Harold of Mt Pleasant, Thames. The writer is Nell of Tararu, who remarks that "no news this time for it is not long since I last saw you." How easy it is to forget, where we may get on the phone or email, take a drive round town to see some one - that this was not the case a hundred years ago. Living at either ends of Thames would have meant that you may well not have regularly seen or heard from family and friends.

 

Peter and Annie Harold lived at Mt Pleasant Thames in the early 1900s. Peter is recorded as a farmer in the street directories. There is a child by the name of Annie Mary Mabel Harold who is born to a Peter and Annie in 1886 - the birth is registered in Thames. Mt Pleasant being the flat area below Shortland Cemetery, now all residential housing, was the site for farming and orchards in the early years of the town.

The postcard dates to post 1900, with the use of the one penny universal stamp on the back.

By 1911 the Harold family were living in Mackay Street, Thames. (Electoral Roll below). In 1915, Annie and Peter Harold received the news that their son Edward had died overseas, during World War One.

 

From a history and genealogy perspective, this is a quick example of how you can take one item of memorabilia and turn it into a story that will enhance your genealogy journey.

Thames (NZ): Hikutaia Cartoon & photo

A sad tale today of how Maori names were often changed to english versions...often because 'Europeans' found it easier. It makes one wonder about the acceptance and use of Maori placenames by the new settlers. The cartoon below makes reference to the Hikutaia railway station. The caption reads:

NOT MAORI LINGUISTS. Tourist (from the South, on an Upper Thames trip) : By Jove I there's a swell name on that station. "Eyeeoosher" eh! Sounds quite Eastern.

Above: Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 28, 30 March 1907, Page 16

Below: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19070801-2-3

A few months later in July 1907, there was a flood at Hikutaia. Severe flooding of paddocks and the railway line - which temporarily disrupted train services.

Thames (NZ): Duckshooting

Duck shooting has always been a popular recreation/sport for Thamesites and those in surrounding areas. As the years have gone by, some may not find it as acceptable. Regardless of this - the sound of gun fire rings out across the firth on the weekends of late.

One hundred years ago in 1914 it was not uncommon to shoot a large quantity of birds. On May 5 1914, the Thames Star reported: In connection with the duck shooting parties now out, local sportsmen are meeting with fair success. Mr E. J. Clendon's party has returned with 80 brace, while another local party secured 60 brace. So far Mr Clendon has secured the biggest bag.

Thames Star 24/04/1914

WINTER SPORT IN AUCKLAND: A BAG OF 81 BRACE OF DUCK SECURED BY MESSRS. A BILLING, F. SNOWLING, AND J. JUDD, ON THE PIAKO RIVER, THAMES.
Auckland Weekly News 14 JULY 1904
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19040714-6-5

Thames (NZ): Cartoons from Price's Foundry

Back in the 1980's, Doug Barker of Thames was prolific in producing cartoons of Thames events and in particular, he focused on his fellow workers at A & G Prices of Thames. Thanks to a worker who saved them being destroyed, they still exist today. They need a clean and will be scanned, indexed and copied at The Treasury in the near future.

One of the cartoons is below; a common theme was taking an event happening in a given year and  drawing it in context 100 years before. Price's being known as Rices. Note in this one the Wakatere paddle steamer ambling along the gulf.

The moral is, please don't discard of any documents and photos related to Thames - check with places like The Treasury, so these treasures can be saved.

Thames (NZ): 1930 Brown Street Fire

A memory of the grandeur that once was Brown Street, can be seen in the 1930 photograph below. The remnants of Grahamstown stood for many years until buildings were destroyed by fire or man, as many buildings were empty and abandoned.

 

June 1930, "A two-storied wooden building of ten rooms in Brown Street was gutted by fire on Saturday afternoon.  The brigade saved adjoining premises, which were undamaged. The place was unoccupied and uninsured, and the cause of the fire is unknown.  The building was owned by J Crocker, bootmaker." Evening Post 30 June 1930

 

Below is a photo looking down Albert Street, the arrow marks the intersection with Brown Street. There are two storied buildings, lining Brown Street north and south. In the 1902 Street Directory, Croker's bootmaker premises were to the right of the arrow (between Albert and Williamson Street, two doors north of the then Lady Bowen Hotel.)

Thames Star 24 December 1903