Thames (NZ): Then & Now - BNZ corner

The Bank of New Zealand has been on the corner of Pollen and Sealey Streets, Thames since 1926. Before this there were branches at Shortland and Grahamstown.

A 1920s Photograph by F G Radcliffe - Description Given:
Looking down Pollen Street, Thames showing on left: the Bank on New Zealand; A. Christie Land Agent; H Peters Printers; and other buildings; with car parked outside Bank (left); pedestrians on corner; cyclist (right of centre); horse- drawn vehicles parked outside Land agents' and Printers' shops; street light (extreme right)

Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 35-R1118'

 The above building was built in 1926 and the new building below in 1987.

Source: Google Maps 2014

Further information:
At The Treasury - Pre 1930 Business Register and Bank of New Zealand Resources.
Archives Bank of New Zealand.

Thames(NZ): The 1927 Diamond Jubilee - Auckland Reunion

As many old Thamesites could not make the trip back to their old stamping ground for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, another round of events was held in Auckland in August 1927. A wonderful report in The New Zealand Observer 18 August 1927, gives full details and a wealth of illustrations.

 

Above Left: Thames Pioneers. Left to right: Alex Ross, Wm Goldsworthy, Richard Ross and Thos Goldsworthy. Taken December 1867.

Above Right: Old Thames Identities. Left to right, Richard Grattan and Richard Ross. Taken January 1869.

 Right: The late Mr J P JONES. Of the old Karaka School, one of Thames' first schoolmasters

"Every colour of gold that had ever been found was discussed that day and old Thames was raked from hill to flat, from creek to sea in every street in Auckland and in many a hostelry...Hard old West Country faces, hard old seared hands, soft old hearts. Noticed one very charming Maori custom among the Thamesites - the silent shake of the hand and pass on; a sort of mutual understanding and fraternity.  Couldn't quite understand why anybody should preach to those people, for they and those like them are the salt of New Zealand and the type and pattern and foundation of the country's greatness. Saw several little groups about with an odd man or an odd woman dropping a tear or so. The revival of old acquaintance, a tale of an ancient tragedy, some loss that had occurred was the reason."

This may seem over dramatic reporting, but the sentiments that are voiced above echo in many reports, including those from the people themselves. What ever it was about living on The Thames, it would be a memory they would never forget. Even today, it is a special bond when one finds a fellow researcher who is related to a Thames goldfield pioneer!

Click here to see enlargement of this page - left and right side

See also:

Previous blog posts here and the Thames Parade 1927

1917 Jubilee in the Thames Star Supplement  1 August 1917

The Treasury - check the index there will be lots of info on the above men and events

Thames (NZ): Golden Days for Thames 1909

Hope was never over. The miners and investors always believed that the next big find was just around the corner - even if it meant going deeper and deeper. Hence the Deep Levels Scheme. (Contains information also on the Moanataiari Fault)

Description of the Double-page photo spread:
(1) The Paeroa Gold Extracting Company's works on the Ohinemuri River, showing the Waihi Company's dam in the foreground
(2) Studying the market after a call on the Auckland Stock Exchange.
(3) Shortland, Thames, with the Thames-Hauraki pumping plant in the foreground
(4) The Waiotahi Mine, Thames.
(5) Adam's dredging plant for extracting the gold from the old tailings on the Thames Beach
(6) Auckland Stock Exchange.
(7) Development of the deep levels of the Thames Goldflelds, showing the situation of the different mines: (1) May Queen battery; (2) Old Big Pump; (3) Moanataiari Creek. The Kuranui-Caledonian shaft is situated about 300 seek. (4) Waiotahi Creek. The mine is about 300 yards up the creek. (5) Victoria mine. (6) Saxon mine.

Source: NZ Graphic, 21 July 1909, p25
'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19090721-25-1 '

Enlarged view of Photo Labelled No 7.

Further information on the Deep Levels Scheme:
The Thames School of Mines
The Treasury - see index

Thames (NZ): Block 27 update

Past information on this part of the old Thames Goldfield, shows it was originally an area for the miners' camp. Below is an early view of Block 27 from the Una Hill, looking down towards Shortland Landing/Wharf.

Source: NZ Graphic, 30 April 1904, p32
'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19040430-32-1

It is interesting that the description reads: "showing a portion of Murphy's Hill" - normally we associated that more with the Franklyn Street area, but could this mean that it is the hill west of present day Sandes Street (at the base of Franklyn Street).

Over to the top left you can see what was known as the Mt Pleasant area and the Hape Road running along on the flatter ground. The other road running across the middle to the Una Hill, should be Richmond Street. Unless anyone else sees some alternative...leaving Hill Street running along the base of the hill, where many of us have early Thamesite families living.

For further information:
Maps and street directories at The Treasury and Thames Library.

Thames (NZ): Musical Production 1909

From the time the Thames Goldfield opened, music halls provided entertainment for the people of The Thames. Musical recitals were put on by visiting professional performers and amateurs from the greater Thames community. Places like the Academy of Music, Theatre Royal, King's Theatre, Oddfellows' Hall and many others were all venues for a wide variety of performances.

Below is the cast of "My Sweetheart." The Thames Musical and Dramatic Society were involved with this production in February 1909.

Source: NZ Graphic, 16 June 1909, p30  'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19090616-30-4

Cast Members mentioned in the below report are: Tina HATZELL (My Sweetheart), Miss Nellie GIBSON, Miss B MELLETT (Mrs Fleeter), Miss A MCQUADE (Mrs Hatzell), Geo. CRIBB (Farmer Hatzell), Will BONGARD (Tony Faust), W SIMMONDS (Harold Bartlett), Allan MENZIES (Dr Oliver), Mr ARMSTRONG (Joe Shottwell) and Dudley HARCOURT (A Winkleman).

 

MY SWEETHEART

Thames (NZ): 1900 Wedding MACOWN - MEEHAN

Another early wedding photo. Don't forget if you have any early wedding photos of marriages at Thames, The Treasury has a special collection for these. A named digital copy would be appreciated. Contact The Treasury for more information.

This is the wedding of James MACOWN to Clara MEEHAN in 1900.

Back row: John Meehan, bridesmaid Sis Kenny, Bill Meehan, Madge Meehan (in frock coat).

Front row: sitting: Jim Meehan, groom James Macown, bride Clara Meehan (standing), Father of the bride Patrick Meehan.

Clara and James married at St Francis Church, Thames on 24 October 1900.

Source: Special thanks to Claire for the use of the photograph and information

Family background: Clara's parents were Patrick and Mary Meehan. Patrick was an early settler on the Thames Goldfields.  He was interested in various mines, and carted a lot of quartz to batteries for the various companies. He saw many ups and downs on the goldfield and after 48 years residence in Thames, went back to Auckland. Patrick MEEHAN died 31 July 1929 at Auckland, in his 84th year. His obituary in the New Zealand Herald remarked that he was "an old resident of Thames."

For further information:

The Treasury index, family trees and pioneer forms

Family trees at ancestry.au



Thames (NZ): Hospital's new Isolation Wards 1909

Another great find today at Auckland City Libraries Heritage Photo website.

First time I have seen this building/angle at close range. Described as the new Isolation wards that opened in 1909. (Possibly No 10 or 11 in bottom photo). The Baillie Street 'Thames Hospital' is in the background on the right. The houses on the hills above the ward are in Edward Street, Thames.

Given the location of the tall tree, it seems that this photo could be No 11 before further additions. If so this was the building used by the School of Nursing pre 1950s. (More research required!)


Taken from the NZ Graphic, 07 July 1909, p28
Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19090707-28-7

1909 newspaper reports talk about a cottage being adapted as a reception area for patients and that new Isolation wards were required. Could this be the building above, or was it a temporary full isolation ward? Later the Thames Hospital had a large isolation block at the Mackay Street frontage of the hospital. (Labelled No 9 below)

1953 Thames Hospital
Source: Thames Hospital Pictorial CD from Waikato Hospital Board

Thames (NZ): Thames Photos in the 'New Zealand Graphic'

I know I keep saying it...but remember to keep on looking back at places you have previously visited, when hunting for genealogy or history information.

The wonderful Auckland Libraries Heritage photo site, never ceases to amaze.

I will be collecting some of these and posting to the facebook page over the next few days. For now here is the wedding of Dr Aubin, a much loved Thames Dr of the early 1900s. Matron Stewart of Thames Hospital is in the 2nd row from the front, 2nd from the right - dressed in white.


A THAMES MARRIAGE.—DR. AUBIN TO MISS HALL. THE WEDDING PARTY.
Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19020308-460-1 '

MARRIAGES. (Auckland Star 15 March 1902, Page 8)
AUBIN-HALL.-On 11th February, at St. George's Church, Thames, by the Rev T. O'Callashan. D.D., Dr. E. D. Aubln, B.A., M.B, B.S. (London), M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P., Medical Superintendent, Thames Hospital, elder son of the late John Aubin, of Pirongia, to Florence Lillian, younger daughter of the late J G. Hall, of Thames.

Remember also that The Treasury at Thames collects/welcomes photographs of Thames Weddings.

Thames (NZ): School Cadets

The School Cadet scheme in Thames was a popular group that lasted for decades. Oral histories give details of the cadet scheme at Thames High School and the drills that were undertaken into the 1950s.

 

The photograph below is from the Sir George Grey Collection, it shows the cadets from the Kauaeranga Baillie Street School. In 1901 the town held a school cadets' picnic and demonstration on Monday 11 November at Parawai. Perhaps the photograph was taken for that event?

 

The KAUAERANGA BAILLIE STREET SCHOOL CADETS, 1901.

Photographer by Chester Photographers of Thames.

Source: 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZG-19011221-1186-1

It must have been a grand day for the town. The naval cutter took people back and forth along the Kauaeranga River to the event. There were running and tug of war events. The military part of the day, saw Tararu B and A cadets win the physical drill competition. The day ended with a dance at the Miners' Union Hall.

 

Background on School Cadet Scheme appeared in the Thames Star 22 July 1901. 

"School cadet corps are now recognised by the Government', and some consideration and attention is bestowed on -the movement. The Government has ordered light rifles for the boys of the Sixth and Seventh Standards in their public schools. Probably about 20 of these rifles will be allotted to each school as prizes for drill, and will be used in shooting by different boys in their turn. The Government were met with a difficulty as to the control of the cadet corps, since it was felt, the Premier explained, that the Education Boards might take exception if the control were taken out of their hands. The military training of the youths of the colony, he said, ought to belong to the Defence Department, especially as the Instructors are under the Defence Department; but the question is referred to the Boards of Educations for their opinion."

Primary Schools were involved with cadet schemes, as well as Thames High School pupils.

On 6 November 1945 The Thames Star ran a story looking for past winners of the CITIZEN BELT, which primary school pupils had competed for before World War One. Known winners included:
1907: Bugler Sydney SPARKE (Tararu), Sergeant B CHALLIS (Tararu), Colour-Sergeant J HARDMAN (Waiokaraka)
1908: Bugler P O DOWNES (Waiokaraka), Colour-Sergeant C CASEY (Waiokaraka)
1909: T MORRISON (Waiokaraka), Bugler-Sergeant P JENNINGS (Kauaeranga)
1910: Corporal T MORRISON (Waiokaraka), Corpotal C SCHOLFIELD (Waiokaraka), Colour-Sergeant Len RYAN (Kauaeranga)
1911: Private A MCCOLLUM (Parawai)
Full details for some of the Citizen's Belt competitions are in the Thames Star.

1928 Thames High School Cadets:

On Parade
Source Thames High School Haurakian 1928

Background Reading:
Full history of the New Zealand Cadet Force (NZCF)
The Treasury Index - enter CADET in Surname field

Thames (NZ): Broad Street House update

Remember the story of the beautiful house at Broad Street, Thames? Well a closer look at the full photograph shows that the photo is pre 1872. Reason being that the St George's Church is not yet at the corner of Mackay and Mary Streets.

The Thames 1870 Directory shows the following people living in Broad Street in 1870:
W SIMPSON, Union Cottage; John WRIGLEY, Cabinetmaker; Seth CLARK; Christopher GOODMAN; Stephen RICHARDS, Manager Golden Crown Battery; John STEVENS, Manager Souter Battery; Charles ROBINSON, Master Mariner.

 Broad Street House identified by family as the Comer homestead. Note the fretwork, identical to the early photograph.

Now, the story gets even better because we now know that from the 1880s to 1920, this was the home of George and Mary Ann COMER and their family. The house underwent renovation many times over the years. Descendants of George and Mary Ann Comer have provided amazing photos of the house (above) and the family (below). What a wonderful family group photo. Just imagine the organised precision required to get all family members so beautifully dressed and groomed, not a hair out of place.

Above: George and Mary Ann (nee Rumsam) COMER centre and 11 of their 12 children, Back row Standing, Lucinda (later MCNEICE), Flora Jane (later NEWDICK), Leonard, John & Anna Gladys (later WILLIAMS). Front sitting in chair- Virney, Father George, Robert, Mother Mary Ann, George sitting far right, very front little girl sitting with flowers – Mary Grace (Grace) (later CURRIE), Frances Cyril (Cyril) and Dorothy (Dolly) (later KEVEN).

The story gets even better, amongst the family photo collection was a WWI photograph for Robert Comer, posing with his parents George and Mary Ann Comer of Broad Street, Thames. Another photo to add to the collection at The Treasury.

Further information:
The New Zealand Comer Family Facebook Page
The Treasury Index
Family trees at Ancestry.au

 

Do you have a WWI group or individual photo of a Thames Soldier?

The Treasury would love a copy for their WWI Photo register.