Thames (NZ): True Tales of Thames Hospital 1868-2018 Book RELEASED

The book launch was part of the opening of the Thames Hospital 150 Commemoration events this weekend.

Sadly the hall was packed to overflowing with a combined Wine & Cheese. But we got there and the book was launched.

Some speeches by Mr Paul Silvester (TH150 Chair & Co-Editor), Geraldine Dunwoodie (True Tales Co-ordinator The Treasury), Rod Perkins (last Thames Hospital Board CEO) and myself.

The response has been amazing, the worst part being so many now wish they had contributed a story..so maybe in the future another will be in the pipeline.

For now the book is on-sale at The Finance Office, Thames Hospital or at Carsons Bookshop, Thames. Cost $40.

  

Update 6/11/2018. Photographs from the book launch at the St George's Church Hall Friday 2 Nov. 

LEFT: Neil, Pauline and Sue man the book sales table.  RIGHT: Geraldine spreads the word about the 'True Tales' Project.

Photographs courtesy of Robyn Wilson.
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UPDATE: Name omission
on page i a name has been omitted from the list of Thames Hospital 150 Group Members:
the list should include Althea Loveday

Thames (NZ): Korowai Display Thames Hospital

At 10am today, Tuesday 30 October 2018, a spectacular new display was added to the taonga that line the ground floor corridor at Thames Hospital Te Whare Hauora o te Kauaeranga. 

Weavers and supporters gathered, while the blessing was performed by Ngāti Maru Kaumatua Wati Ngamane. The five framed, miniature Korowai were then unveiled. (photo right) 

The next person to speak was Korowai Weaver and teacher Maata McManus QSM. Maata had been asked by Jacquie Mitchell (Thames Hospital Service Manager) to see if it was possible to provide a Korowai for the Thames Hospital 150. The result was that this incredible teacher of Korowai, gathered cloaks from women from Thames and wider district. One of them by Susan King (Kaitiaki at Thames Hospital) (Other names to follow)

Maata McManus standing left of the Korowai, and Wati Ngamane at the right end.

During proceedings Mrs McManus revealed that it was a very special time for her, as just the day before she was in Wellington and had received the great honour of being awarded a Commonwealth Point of Light Award for her inspirational work teaching the traditional art of Korowai.
"Maata McManus, representing New Zealand, is a pioneering health worker who is using the ancient Maori art of weaving traditional feathered cloaks to reach local women in need of care and support." UK Prime Ministers Office.
The women recalled that they had made many cloaks since the being taught the art of cloak making by Maata. The feathers came from several species of birds including pheasant.

Two of the Korowai in the new collection.
The photographs above of the Korowai weavers and their supporters.

Thames (NZ): New mural and more to follow at Thames Hospital

Its finally done, another item ticked off the Thames Hospital 150 checklist. Apologies for the poor photographic effort, but here is the latest addition to Te Whare Hauora o te Kauaeranga - Thames Hospital.

The 4.4m mural shows Shortland Town at the end of 1868, with the Thames Diggers' Hospital on the far right (surrounded by a fence). The mural is located on the north wall, off the main foyer, from the Mackay Street car park. The 'special wall' encourages visitors, patients and staff to wander along the corridor and view all the photographs and memorabilia on display.

This brilliant design is by Clint at KMG. Plus special thanks to Clint and Reon who worked late to apply the print to the wall - a job well done by KMG Print, Thames.

MORE TO COME:
This Tuesday 30 October 2018 at 10am, five framed Korowai will be blessed and added to the Hospital's collection of taonga.

Thames (NZ): Thames Hospital 150 Slideshow

The Thames Hospital 150 Commemorations are nearly upon us.

Here is a short slideshow about the hospital which shows a few  building events over the decades.

The Thames Hospital Commemoration Slideshow is available to view now.

Thames Hospital, Baillie Street Thames c1910.

PS. At 11am Saturday 20 October there is a new display opening at the Thames Museum that also celebrates Thames Hospital 150 Years.

***Last chance to register now - details on the Thames Hospital Facebook site.***

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Remember the book "True Tales of Thames Hospital 1868-2018" launches Friday 2 November.

Just $40, 320 pages, a third in colour. Full of history over the decades. 

You can reserve your copy today.

Email the Thames Hospital for further details.

Thames (NZ): Thames WWI ROH - October 1918 Remembered

October 1918. With the war coming to a close after four long years, there was sadly no let up in the number of war related deaths. A further ten Thames men were Killed in Action during the month.

The details are: Date of Death/Place of Death/ Name/ Regimental No and details

1/10/1918 In the Field, France; GRUBB Otto Undrill; 31631; Private 1st Batt AIR

1/10/1918 In the Field, France; HANCOCK Archless Robert; 29397; Private 1st Batt AIR

1/10/1918 In the Field, France; TREMBATH George Henry; 31748; Private 1st Batt AIR

1/10/1918 In the Field, France; RICE William John; 52467; Private 1st Batt AIR

2/10/1918 In the Field, France; LOWSON Albert Leslie; 64084; Private 1st Batt WIR

5/10/1918 In the Field, France; ELVIN John Victor; 73330; Rifleman 1st Batt 3rd NZRB

5/10/1918 In the Field, France; TAYLOR Victor John Huia; 23/931; Corporal 1st Batt 3rd NZRB

6/10/1918 In the Field, France; NICHOLLS Fredrick; 19371; Private NZ Maori (Pioneer) Batt

8/10/1918 In the Field, France; CLINKER George Francis; 68239; Rifleman 2nd Batt 3rd NZRB

23/10/1918 In the Field, France; BARRETT Fredrick; 62236; Private NZ Machine Gun Batt A Coy

Background:

OTTO GRUBB: Otto was born at Thames, the son of Henry Thomas and Esther Grubb. He went to school at the Waiokaraka and Kauaeranga Girls’ School. On enlistment he was working as a pipe layer for the Auckland City Council. He had served in France from June 1917, and was Killed in Action on 1 October 1918, in the field, France. 

ARCHLESS HANCOCK: Archie was the son of Rosina and William Hancock, and he was born in Thames and was schooled in Thames. Hancock was only in the field for two weeks, when he was Killed in Action 1 October 1918.

GEORGE TREMBATH: George was born at Thames, the son of Francis and Emma Couch Trembath, the family lived in Pollen Street, Thames. Trembath's father was Mayor in the 1900s. George attended the Waiokaraka School at Thames until March 1907, when the family moved to Epsom in Auckland.  He was first reported missing on the 1st October 1918, but a fellow Private reported that “On 1-10-18 I saw 31748 Pte Trembath get killed by a shell near 1st Bn Ak Regt HQ.”  Trembath was then named as Killed in Action on 1 October 1918, in the field France.  

WILLIAM RICE: William went to school in Thames. He was the son of Mrs S Rice of Waihi, and was a labourer at Mangaiti on enlistment. Rice was Killed in Action 1 October 1918.

ALBERT LOWSON: Albert was born in America, the family then came to live in Thames (Beach Road). Albert attended the Catholic School, then Thames High School, he then went to work in the Post Office. Lowson was barely in the field for one week, when he was Killed in Action 2 October 1918.

JOHN ELVIN: John was born at Thames, his parents were William Robert and Charlotte Elvin. The family lived at Turua, where John was educated and later at Paeroa; before the war, and worked as a labourer for Bagnall Bros of Turua.  Elvin arrived in France in September and, within a few weeks, he was Killed in Action on 5 October 1918, in the field, France. 

VICTOR TAYLOR: Victor was born at Te Awamutu, the son of William Huia and Elizabeth Taylor. Victor was educated in Paeroa, then came to Thames High School. Apart from this time at Thames he had been in Paeroa nearly all his life.   He was Killed in Action on 5 October 1918, in the field, France. 

FREDRICK NICHOLLS: A member of the NZ Maori Pioneer Battalion. Nicholls was born in Thames, the son of Humphrey and Ngahura Tamihana Nicholls, later of Te Puke. 

GEORGE CLINKER: George's parents were Henry and Johannah Clinker, the family lived in Mackay Street, Thames. He was schooled at the Waiotahi School. When he enlisted he was working at Whakatane. Clinker had only been overseas since 23 April 1918, when he was wounded in the field and died the same day (8 October 1918).

FREDRICK BARRETT: Fred was born and schooled in Coromandel. He enlisted in 1917, and underwent training overseas at Sling Camp in England. Barrett went to France in March and was Killed in Action 23 October 1918. His name appears on the Thames WWI ROH Memorial.

Full list of Thames WWI ROH Deaths available HERE

Thames (NZ): Thames Hospital unveils carving - 'Te Tirohanga'

The carving ready to be unveiled,
foyer Thames Hospital

Thames Hospital was established 150 years ago, today at the hospital, the unveiling of a carving recognised the relationship between local iwi and the hospital.

The carving was blessed and unveiled at 9am, 2 October 2018. Present were local iwi led by Kaumatua Wati Ngamane and Dr Korohere Ngapo.

The carving is named 'Te Tirohanga' and is the work of local carvers.

 

Top left: The blessing begins. Top right: The carving is unveiled.
Above: There ceremony continues in the foyer of Thames Hospital.

Master carver Darin Jenkins, gave a full description of the carving, which has been done using locally sourced kauri.

In the centre are photographs of the Thames Hospital c1900, that give the impression of having been etched into the wood.

A full description of the carving is available online.
"Master carver Darin Jenkins created the piece, together with several other carvers.
He said the Pare-Lintel wall furnishing, which hangs in the hospital's main entrance, represented the coming together of two peoples for the benefit, health and wellbeing off all.

This relationship is shown in the piece by the acknowledgement of each other by the hongi, the pressing together of noses enabling the merging of "Hā ora" the breath of life, the life essence, as expressed in the saying "Tīhei mauri ora".

"The beauty of this uniting concept is reinforced by native Huia and introduced pheasant birds on either side representing the gift of trust between peoples."  Between the central photo and bird figure are spiral patterns known as takarangi representing hononga joining – unity in the realm of enlightenment, Te Ao Marama, the world of light." Source: Stuff.co.nz

ABOVE: Full view of the carving  'Te Tirohanga'.

BELOW: Closer look at the central carving of the Maori Chief and the Nurse,

  

ABOVE: Closer look left at the central photos of the hospital that have been incorporated into the carving, And right the kiwi and query huia combined to represent the native birds of Aortearoa.

Thames (NZ): Thames Hospital 150 News

Just seven weeks to go until the 150th Commemorations of Thames Hospital - 2 to 4 November 2018.

The Thames Hospital Facebook site will be sharing short history clips, along with commemoration weekend news. The first video is narrated by retired surgeon Mr Paul Silvester and can be viewed on the Facebook page and on Youtube.

 

Registrations are continuing for the weekend, but will close next month. Check the details now!

The True Tales of Thames Hospital 150 years 1868-2018 will be launched on Friday 4 November 2018 at 7pm. Details on the event are in the poster below.

Thames (NZ): Women's Suffrage 125th Commemorations

While my time at present doesn't allow for an in depth look at the Suffrage Movement in Thames, a few old articles will refresh the reader's memories of items previously covered.

First, a reminder that the women on the Thames Goldfield were I believe were real pioneers, and leaders in many social changes and advances. Our female teachers for instance held important appointments, alongside their male counterparts. Our Nurses and Matrons in particular equal to anywhere in New Zealand, in terms of leadership and innovation. We had women undertaking any occupation they chose, with leading stockbrokers being just one of them. And who can forget the powerful women who managed and ran many of the hotels around the town.

Let us not forget the claim that Thames, yes Thames gave women the first vote in New Zealand!

Soon after the goldfield opened, a Thames woman was allowed to vote, because she held a miner's right. Then in 1875: At the Annual Elections for the Thames Borough Council women were able to vote. The names included: Mesdames DAVY, BULL, SAWYER, FERGUSON, ZEIGLER and COOLAHAN. The paper noting that no one objected and that, "in so far as the Thames is concerned, female suffrage may be introduced successfully, not only in municipal elections, but in every other election where property gives the title to vote." THAMES ADVERTISER dated 10 Sept 1875.

Then in 1892 and 1893, our Thamesite women, rallied, attended meetings and most importantly signed the petitions that were circulating supporting the case for Female Franchise.

In 1892 at least 61 women signed the petition - you can search the names at NZ History online.

BABE, ELIZABETH, BERRIMAN, E; BROWN, EMILY; BUTT, LAURA; CHAPPELL, A; DAVIES, MARY; DAVIS, E E; DONOVAN, M S; DRIVER, ANN; DUNCAN, AGNES; FLEMING, LIZZIE A; FLEMING, EMILY; FRATER, Mrs; GARRETT, FLORENCE; GARRETT, EMILY; GLEESON, J; GRIBBLE, E L; GRUBB, E; HAMERTON, A; HAMMOND, M A; HAMMOND, MARY; HART, ISABELLA; HASELDEN, F; JAMIESON, SUSAN; JARVIS, JANE; JONES, ELIZA K; KERR, GRACE; KERR, JANET; KNEEBONE, HANNAH; LANGDON, L; LAWLOR, A E; MARTIN, BARBARA; MOYLE, MAGGIE; MOYLE, MARGARET J; NARBURY, M; NEIL, L; NODDER, EVA; NODDER, MARY; PAUL, A; PAUL, KATE; POWER, MARY; RABE, ELIZABETH; RICKARD, M A; RUSSELL, ADA; SAWYER, AGNES; SCOTT, ELIZA; SHEPPARD, EMILY; SNAITH, KATIE M; TAYLOR, CHARLOTTE; TAYLOR, J; THORBURN, A M; TOWERS, E A; TWOHILL, M; TWOHILL, NELLIE; VIVIAN, MARY; WALKER, A; Mrs WELLS; WEST, JESSIE; WHITEHEAD, H M; WILCOX, M A; WOOLLEY, MINNIE R.

Then in 1893, the women again stepped up to sign one of the thirteen petitions known to have been distributed around the country. Rosemary Killip's book "To Find A Fortune" has at least 114 names of those who signed for change!

Page 367

Page 376:

 

Note there are other Thames women who signed in other districts.

Search for names HERE

Thames (NZ): New Display at the Thames Museum

A new display has been launched today (Saturday 8 September 2018) honouring the Garry Family of Thames, while paying special tribute to the Garry twins who were Killed in Action one hundred years ago.

Margaret Williamson, a descendant of the Garry Family, cuts the ribbon, watched on by Museum President Fritz McKenzie (who also prepared the display).

Lewis and Sidney Garry were twins, and were killed within three days of each other:
9/09/1918 In the Field, France; GARRY Lewis; 34358; Corporal 2nd Batt 3rd NZRB

12/09/1918 In the Field, France; GARRY Sidney; 34468; Corporal 2nd Batt 3rd NZRB

Fritz has assembled a special cabinet with memorabilia for the Garry twins: sympathy notices, medals, Commemorative coins, and gravesite memorial photographs. (photo below)

Stop and have a look at the Thames Museum next time you are passing. Maybe you have a few hours a month to spare and could assist on the desk or with behind the scene projects? 

Ask at the front desk for further information.

Visit the Museum on Facebook

Thames (NZ): WW100 ROH Commemorations for August - September 1918-2018

 

One hundred years ago, Thamesites were believing (or rather hoping) that the Great War was nearly over. How much longer before their men and women would be coming home? Their boys had survived this long, surely things would be okay and they would be back home again.

August and September 1918, were some of Thames' darkest 'war' days. Twenty-one servicemen were Killed in Action or Died of Wounds/Disease during these war months. Just wait till October and the gravity of these last few months (one hundred years ago -1918) will really become a reality.

16/08/1918 In the Field, France; GREENE Jack Godfrey; 40311; Lance Corporal  1st Batt AIR

21/08/1918 In the Field, France; TAYLOR William Henry; 1806A; Driver AIF

24/08/1918 In the Field, France; BRAME Albert Victor; 52370; Private 2nd Batt WIR

24/08/1918 In the Field, France; WILLIAMS Stanley Earl;  38471; Private 2nd Batt AIR

25/08/1918 In the Field, France; MCCORQUINDALE Stuart; 34480; Driver NZASC

28/08/1918 In the Field, France; JENKIN Friedrich James; 38399; Private 1st Batt AIR

29/08/1918  In the Field, France; HARROD Samuel; 17781; Rifleman NZRB

30/08/1918  In the Field, France; HAWKES Robert Edwin; 24/1679; Private 2nd Batt AIR

30/08/1918  In the Field, France; JOBE James; 65791; Rifleman 1sr Batt 3rd NZRB D Coy

30/08/1918 In the Field, France; KELLER Francis Walpole; 52047; Private AIR

2/09/1918 In the Field, France; CORBETT Thomas Joseph; 31951; Private 2nd Batt AIR

3/09/1918 In the Field, France; WENZLICK George; 56494; Private 1st Batt CIR

4/09/1918 At sea; STANLEY Thomas James; 12/4094; Private NZ Infantry 40th Refts H Coy

5/09/1918 In the Field, France; SKEEN Reginald William; 2/2730; Gunner 3rd NZFA 12th Battery

9/09/1918 In the Field, France; TAYLOR Archie Walter; 24/307; Rifleman 2nf Batt NZRB

9/09/1918 In the Field, France; GARRY Lewis; 34358; Corporal 2nf Batt 3rd NZRB

12/09/1918 In the Field, France; GARRY Sidney; 34468; Corporal 2nf Batt 3rd NZRB

13/09/1918 Codford, England; MCENTEER Claude; 76955; Private NZEF E Coy

28/09/1918 In the Field, France; PARSONS William Claude; 34425; Private 1st Batt AIR

29/09/1918 In the Field, France; SHAW Leonard James; 7/1323; 2nd Lieut 2nd Batt AIR 6th Coy

30/09/1918 In the Field, France; TRAINER Francis Herbert; 56681; Private 1st Batt AIR

(A full Roll of Honour List is available)

Who were these men?

BRAME Albert Victor: Albert was born in Thames, the son of John and Mary Brame; and was living in Waitoa when he enlisted.

CORBETT Thomas Joseph: Born at Hikutaia, the son of Thomas and Mary Corbett. Thomas went to school in Thames, and worked as a fitter at the local foundry A & G Price.

GARRY Lewis: Lewis was a twin, his parents were Alfred and Jessie Garry. The family came from Waipawa, initially living at Parawai, then in Sandes Street. The boy's mother died when they were just three years old.

GARRY Sidney: Sidney Godfrey Garry was Killed in Action just three days after his twin brother Lewis. Both killed on the same battlefield at Bapaume, both are buried in Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, Northern France.

GREENE Jack Godfrey: Jack was a clerk for NZ Railways at Thames, he lived at Karaka Road. His NOK Mrs S J Greene, Parnell.

HARROD Samuel: The son of Henry and Anna Harrod, the family lived up the Waiotahi Creek. Samuel was working in Auckland when he enlisted.

HAWKES Robert Edwin: The son of Richard and Mary Hawkes of Tapu. Robert went to school at Tapu and later worked on his farm at Tapu. He was 37 years of age when he went to war.

JENKIN Friedrich James: The son of James and Martha Jenkin of Augustus Street, Thames. Friedrich was schooled in Thames, then worked as a carpenter for Mr Whitehead of Parawai.

JOBE James: Born in Thames, the son of James and Mary Jobe; the family lived in Broad Street. Jobe was married and lived in Hamilton at the time of enlistment.

KELLER Francis Walpole: Francis was the son of John and Alice Keller, born at Thames in 1876.

MCCORQUINDALE Stuart: Born at Oamaru, and later lived in Karaka Road, Thames. Stuart was a mechanic in Whangarei when he enlisted in 1916.

MCENTEER Claude: Born at Thames the son of James and Elizabeth McEnteer. Claude attended the Waihi School of Mines.

PARSONS William Claude: Claude was born at Thames, the son of  John and Lucy Parsons.

SHAW Leonard: Leonard's NOK was Miss J L Shaw (Sister), Thames Hospital; he was the son of the late John and Jessie Shaw, of Glen Murray, Auckland. Shaw had served at Gallipoli. 

SKEEN Reginald William: Skeen was the son Benjamin and Margaret Skeen and was born at Thames; he attended the Kauaeranga Boys School. He worked at the BNZ at Thames.

STANLEY Thomas James: Thomas was born at Thames; he was working as a contractor on enlistment at Te Aroha. NOK was Mrs Annie Louisa Stanley (Wife), Te Aroha.

TAYLOR Archie Walter: Taylor was born at Thames. Enlistment address Waihou. His NOK was Walter A Taylor (Father), Waihou.

TAYLOR William Henry: William was born in Auckland, the son of Amelia and James Taylor. The family then resided at Irishtown and William attended the Waiokaraka School. Taylor was a miner in Australia, and subsequently served with the Australian Imperial Forces.

TRAINER Francis Herbert: The son of Edward and Emily Trainor of Tararu. At the time of enlistment, Trainer/Trainor was a self-employed fisherman of Tararu.

WENZLICK George: The son of Mrs Mary Wenzlick, of Tapu, Thames.  George's NOK was Mrs G Wenzlick (mother), Tapu, New Zealand - he working as a farmer on enlistment.

WILLIAMS Stanley Earl: Stanley was only 17 years of ages when he enlisted, he had attended Thames High School in 1915.

FURTHER READING:
From Gold Mine to Firing Line, The Thames and the Great War 1914-1918, Editor M Hawkes. Available at The Treasury, Thames.