The Coromandel Heritage Trust was formed in 2003 to establish THE TREASURY, a purpose-built archive and family history centre in Thames, New Zealand. The Treasury preserves and promotes the history and stories of the people in this region - a region which played such a big part in the early development of New Zealand. The Treasury houses an ever-growing collection of resources relating to the early history of Thames and the entire Coromandel Region. For the historical researcher, we have a large collection of history books and historical manuscripts as well as many resources to help research your family history, such as newspapers, magazines, photographs, Jubilee books, family records and certificates. THE TREASURY is open for visitors and researchers. OPEN: 11.00am - 3.00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday. EXCEPT: Public holidays, and between Xmas & New Year. The Treasury, 705 - 709 Queen Street, Thames. A Maori Warrior of the Boer War Take a journey back through time following the trail of Walter Callaway, a remarkable New Zealander and war hero. There are records about Walter Callaway and the Boer War available at The Treasury, including a display on the 10 New Zealand Contingents sent to South Africa. 7500 New Zealanders served in THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, including 120 local volunteers. THAMES SPRINGBOK LINK: Waikato Times, 14 Sept 2011. For further information, see THE TRAIL GUIDE BROCHURE. THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR MEMORIAL, THAMES SEARCH THE TREASURY WEBSITE: Web TheTreasury.org.nz JOIN THE COROMANDEL HERITAGE TRUST: We encourage everyone, near and far, to join as a member of the Trust and to be a part of this great effort to preserve our heritage. Our running costs are ongoing and, since we do not receive any regular funding, we are dependant on entry fees, subscriptions and donations to cover them. To become a member, download an application form, fill it out and send it together with your subscription to The Coromandel Heritage Trust, PO Box 75, Thames 3540, New Zealand. A special Trust newsletter called Footprints will then keep you abreast of all the new developments and the many ways in which you could help. History of the Carnegie Free Library in Thames The original foundation stone for The Carnegie Free Library was laid in 1905 by James McGowan, the Minister of Mines and Justice. Andrew Carnegie was a United States steel magnate and philanthropist who contributed £2000 to build a library for the people of Thames. The contractor, J Fyfe and Sons built the Library for £1964. It was one of only three remaining Carnegie Libraries in New Zealand when it last closed its doors in 1990. Pictured above is the newly built Carnegie Free Library in 1905. Today it is a New Zealand Historic Places Trust Category II building. Opening Ceremony for the Carnegie Free Library: The Mayor (Mr A. Burns) addressing the assemblage, Nov 2, 1905. Photo by Foy. From the Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-1905-11-5. ©The content of the entire Treasury website is copyright to The Coromandel Heritage Trust and not for reproduction on any other website. Contact: Webmaster, Kae Lewis:

SELECTED TOPICS OF INTEREST: The Coromandel Heritage Trust Flu Epidemic in Thames 1918 Alistair Isdale, Historian Hotels Billygoat Tramway Mayors Kopu Bridge James Mackay Oral History Shotover Mine Chief Taraia The Goldminers' Database Streets of Thames Thames Water Race World War I Soldiers Cemeteries of Thames Tapu Punga Flat