Saturday, October 18, 2014

Thames (NZ): Waihi and Waihi Beach connections

Many Thames families have connections to the Waihi-Waihi Beach area. When the Ohinemuri Goldfield opened, many Thames miners moved south and then ended up staying in the Waihi area working at places like the Martha Mine.

Waihi Beach was always a popular place for a day trip or holiday. How strange people would find it today, to see cars driving along the beach or parking at the waters edge. It was not without its danger, as many a car got stuck and needed assistance to get free. We all were skilled at getting a car out by digging around the tyres. Yes, and we realise now that environmentally it wasn't a great thing to do!!

What memories do you have of the greater Thames area?

The Treasury at Thames is co-ordinating a series of 'True Tales' books from right around the Coromandel-Hauraki District. They would love stories from these areas, both recent and old.
They must be about the name of the town or area in the title.  They mustn’t be longer than 1500 words (about 2 typewritten pages or three handwritten pages) and need to contain some photos.  They can be early or recent tales.  They can be about people, places, organisations, buildings, memories, events, humour, tragedy. These little snippets are a great way of recording interesting community history which won’t make it into the history books and will be forgotten if not recorded in some way. CONTACT the TREASURY for more information.

COASTAL RENDEZVOUS: WAIHI BEACH, AUCKLAND EAST COAST, MAINTAINS ITS NEW YEAR POPULARITY
Source: Auckland Weekly News 18 JANUARY 1939

Further information:
 
The northern Coromandel area have three 'True Tales" books that are available to purchase at The Treasury, Thames.
 
TRUE TALES OF NORTHERN COROMANDEL, MORE TRUE TALES OF NORTHERN COROMANDEL, and EVEN MORE TRUE TALES OF NORTHERN COROMANDEL