Thames (NZ): 150 Event - "The Shotover - 150 Year Souvenir" Book Launch by A Curtis

We are being spoilt for choice at present with the quality and range of books available about the Thames Goldfield. Saturday will see the launch of a new book, that will be a must buy for anyone with an interest in the town and mining.

"The Shotover" - 150 Year Souvenir" by Angela Curtis is to be launched at Carson's Book Shop, Pollen Street, Thames on Saturday 12th August 2017. Curtis is the great, great granddaughter William Cobley.

The book is about the first gold strike (10th August) on the Thames Goldfield following the opening on 1st August 1867. From that moment the gold rush began with vengeance!

The miners "Cobley, Hunt, White and Clarkson claimed a huge vertical vein of gold behind moss on a waterfall face. They called it the Shotover. Within three weeks two-thirds of Auckland left the city that was in the grips of the depression. Gold rush fever spread throughout the country and news reached overseas. People poured into the Coromandel to try their luck, which quickly led to the formation of Thames. 

William Cobley's direct descendants are gathering on that date to celebrate the occasion. William's great great granddaughter, Angela Curtis, is an avid historian and genealogist who has been working for 11 years on a trilogy that includes Thames and William Cobley's story." 

Source: Thames Heritage Website

Book Launch Details

Venue: Carson's Book Shop, Pollen Street, Thames

Time: 10.30am

Book Cost: $28

Messrs Cobley, White, Clarkson and Hunt at the Shotover Claim, 

soon after the discovery in 1867.

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William Cobley's Obituary  - Thames Star 13 September 1913

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BOOK LAUNCH UPDATE 12 August 2017

Carson's Bookshop, Thames

Angela Curtis was kept busy signing books, meeting family and friends, along with sharing a lovely chocolate cake and refreshments. 

 

 

Thames (NZ): Memories from the 100th Commemorations of Thames a Goldfield 1967

Introduction:
While the town has begun the celebrations for the 150th year since Thames was proclaimed a Goldfield (30 July 1867) and the Thames Goldfield was officially opened (1 August 1867) - many of us remember back to the 1967 commemorations.

The Thames Library has a display that showcases ephemera and a wonderful scrapbook full of newspaper clippings.

1967 - 100 Years a Goldfield

The town’s excitement for this milestone started several years before the 1st August official date, as planning for the commemorations were undertaken. In February 1966, it was decided to build a natural stone memorial as a tribute to the early miners, and that it would be sited at Jellicoe Crescent next to the skating rink. The project chosen from a list of ten which included: extension to the library, swimming pool, and decorated miner’s cottage.

The design of Thames’ memorial was based loosely on one that Mr A C Espiner had seen in Ballarat, Australia. They had a poppet head over a stone archway. Espiner liked the idea of the poppet head, but felt the Thames one, should be covered with polished stones from around the Thames District. (Photos above (left) during construction and (right) on the day of unveiling)

 ABOVE: Left- 1968 view of the Pioneers' Memorial. Right- July 2017, the poppet head replaced (photo courtesy of TCDC)

The unveiling took place on 1st August, at the area now known as Taipari Park, a historically important and tapu site. The honour of unveiling the plaque was given to Alderman Joan H Norris from Thames’ sister city Abingdon in England. Assisted ably by Mayor W C T Brunton.

The plaque on the front facing Jellicoe Crescent reads:
"Dedicated to the Pioneers of the Thames Goldfield. James Mackay Civil Commissioner and First Warden, Te Hoterene Taipari and Wirope Hoterene Taipari, Principal Chiefs, arranged opening of Thames Goldfield. This Memorial Cairn was unveiled by Alderman Joan Harcourt Norris Mayor-Elect Borough of Abingdon, England, on 1st August 1967.” (Photo below)

On the 'back' east side of the Memorial is a summary of Gold finds for a selection of claims. The total of produced gold stated to be 69 tons.

Later in the evening, 1st August 1967 a Civic Reception and dinner was held. Grace was said by Rev Father Lyons, the toastmaster for the evening Mr J E Arbury. The menus started with Vegetable soup, followed by entrees, Roasts & Vegetables and a selection of Sweets.

 

On Friday 4th August 1967 the Thames Goldfield Centenary Civic Ball was held, it was a matter of first in first served as tickets quickly sold out!

The highlight for nearly 30,000 people came on Saturday 5th August, when an enormous crowd gathered to watch the Thames Goldfield Centennial parade. A Queen Carnival had been held, Miss Dawn Makiri was the Queen and her attendants Misses Sheryl Kerby, Jan Fuller and Heather Wright. The procession was two-and a half miles in length, each section headed by one of six bands - it took an hour to pass through Pollen Street. "Schools, voluntary organisations, sports bodies and country districts joined with industrial and business concerns in one of the biggest displays of its kind ever seen." (Thames Star 7 August 1967)

  

 

ABOVE: Model of the PS Wakatere. There was a float in both the 1967 and 1973 parade, but this appears to be the 1967 parade taken from the southern end of Pollen Street.

Source: K Godwin Collection

  

A highlight during the centenary was the number of men who grew beards for the occasion and a contest was even held to find the best beard. Different awards were given out; the bushiest beard was awarded to Mr C C M Wilton of Harvey Crescent, Thames. (photo below of the men in the beard competition - D Campbell Collection)

The week long celebrations ended with a Combined Churches Thanksgiving Service held at the St George's Anglican Church on Sunday 6th August 1967.

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This time the 150th Commemorations are taking a different approach, with events spread through the year. Details can be found online at The Thames Heritage Website.

(c) 2017 Althea Barker

Thames (NZ): 150 Event - HPA Stamper Battery Opening 6 August 2017

Background from the Goldmine Experience Website:
"Historic gold-processing machinery, restored during 50 years of voluntary work by Hauraki Prospectors Association and supporters, is about to become fully operational.

On Sunday, August 6, Thames Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie, together with veteran HPA volunteer Lawrie Cobb, will officially start a refurbished stamper battery and other 19th Century plant at the group’s Goldmine-Experience site. Thames Community Board Chairperson Diane Connors will unveil an honour’s board of firms and organisations that have given money, time and other resources in the half-century of local effort and the site will open free to the public that afternoon.

The opening ceremony is part of a 12-month-long, 150th anniversary commemoration of the Thames goldfields discovery that includes Ngati Maru, the Council, Thames Community Board, heritage groups and businesses, starting on August 1. Last year, Thames Community Board granted $22,000 towards the battery project, but most funding has come from HPA tourism income, with materials and time donated by a raft of businesses and tradespeople.
While Goldmine-Experience has run various machines over the decades, August 6 will mark the first operation of a complete 19th Century processing plant in modern times; a project that is unique in New Zealand. Five stamps will run on August 6, with another five to be installed later."

Sunday 6 August 2017

After the months, years of preparation the Hauraki Prospectors' Association held the official opening of the Stamper Battery. At this stage there are five stamps, with another five yet to be added for a total of ten. The morning started with a Karakia by Ngati Maru; a Welcome by Hauraki Prospector's Association; Presentation by Tom Barker; Speeches and Unveiling of the Honours Board. Followed by a morning tea. When I arrived at midday, members of the public were entering the site - special thanks to the Hauraki Prospectors Association who opened the site free of charge for the day.

 

ABOVE: Tom Barker (left) starts the stamper battery as the large group gathered quickly donned the ear muffs provided.

 

ABOVE: Stamper Battery (left) and tables (right).

BELOW: Looking down on the tables from the upper viewing area.

NO wonder the old Thamesites used to love Sunday's day of rest and the freedom of the sound of the stamper batteries scattered around the town. Guides explained the crushing process as we watched the large tables and witnessed how the gold would be separated.

ABOVE: The Hauraki Prospectors Association Honours Board - giving thanks to firms and agencies who have assisted with parts and resources.

BELOW: Looking up at the viewing gallery (left) and the Berdan (right).

 

 If you get a chance, find time to visit this wonderful Thames treasure and step back in time to the goldmining days of yesteryear. There are also lots of outbuildings and displays to look at, including a photographic/audio-visual area in the old Chas Judd Office building.

 

  

EXTRAS:
HPA CONTACT DETAILS
HPA GoldMine Experience FACEBOOK PAGE
Article on STUFF - Historic Goldmining Machinery Restored
YouTube: 2015 Working Bee at Hauraki Prospectors Assn Goldmine Experience
LISTEN to clip from HPA facebook of Stamper Battery in action
VIDEO: TVOne News 6 August 2017 on Stamper Battery

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For further information on Thames Mining, check out Kae Lewis' Goldrush online, and check whether you have any ancestors in the Goldminers' Database. Kae is also the author of newly released  GOLDRUSH TO THE THAMES New Zealand 1867 to 1869. This now comes in a full and abridged version to suit the needs of researchers and readers of all interests.

Also incorporate a visit to the Bella Street Pumphouse, Thames School of Mines and Rock Shop to round off your goldmine experience.

Thames (NZ): 150 Event - Thames Museum Opening of New Display Area

The nearby streets were lined with cars today (Saturday 5 August 2017), and the Museum literally was full of people awaiting to see the new display area. Speeches and a song  (Hearts of Gold) before the official cutting of the cake by the Hon Scott Simpson, before the doors were officially opened.

Those present appeared totally impressed with the room. Full of professionally researched stories on a wide range of themes for the first five years of the goldfield. Its hard to describe just how good the display is. Photographs accompany every story, allowing the visitor to glimpse or stop at an area of interest and read in-depth information. A credit to Tom and Rosalie, and not forgetting the wonderful printing by KMG Print of Thames. There will be many more dedicated Museum Volunteers who have all equally had a part to play in making the displays and assembling the exhibit pieces. Top marks and a great way to showcase the history of the Thames Goldfield.

Please everyone, find time to go and visit and support the Thames Museum.

ABOVE: The Museum's Commemoration Cake.

BELOW: The new display room at the Thames Museum. The north wall has a spectacular copy of the Thames Mining Illustrated Map c1868.

 

  BELOW: A traditional afternoon tea was served to the guests at the Museum.

Thames (NZ): 150 Events - Book Launches

This is big weekend in Thames, which includes:

• A walk though the John William Hall Arboretum.
• The opening of a new display area at the Thames Museum. 
• John Fields photographic display at the Bella Street Pumphouse.  
• The opening of a working Stamper Battery at the Goldmine Experience (Hauraki Prospectors Association). 
• While the "Growing with Gold" Photo display continues at the Treasury.
• Special Church Service at St George's Church.
• Antony Peebles Concert at the St George's Church.

Check out the full details at the Heritage Thames website.

A special highlight of the weekend is the launch of two new Thames books - SATURDAY 5 August 2017.

The COMER FAMILY A FAMILY WITH A HEART OF GOLD is released tomorrow, Saturday 5 August 2017. The book will be on sale at the Thames School of Mines, the event runs from 10am to 3pm. The Comer family invite anyone interested to attend the day and view the book, and meet the Comer descendants.
The book (limited number available) will sell for $40. Be quick or you may miss out.

 

The next book launch happens at the Thames Museum in Cochrane Street later in the day. The Museum's new displays open at 1.30pm, and will be followed by the launch of Allan Berry's new book THAMES AN EARLY HISTORY 1838-1920. The cost will be $50 - drop into the museum to check it out and view the new displays.

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UPDATE from the Comer Family Book Launch

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