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The amazing working 1:40 scale model of the pump was
created by Des Morgan of Tairua. This volunteer labour of love
took about 5,000 hours to complete. - Photo by Althea Barker
SUPPLIERS
to the
GOLD FIELDS
then and now
308 Pollen St.
Thames
Telephone
07 868 6608
Pupils of the Thames School of Mines at a gold mining shaftPhoto: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19011212-9-3
GOLD PANS
SHOVELS
PICKS
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pump to the surface so they could be scrapped. Most of the remaining
machinery was then auctioned off. The huge engine room, containing a
Francis turbine, driven with water from the Waiokaraka dam just up the
road, was subsequently used to generate power for the town.
Around 1990 – with the shells of the buildings, ‘sans’ pump engine and
boilers, made structurally sound and weather-tight – the facility
began its current incarnation as a pumphouse museum, aka The
Museum of Technology.
To show how the engine and pump worked Des Morgan of Tairua
constructed a faithful replica 1:40 scale model of the pump and engine;
the completed model took about 5,000 hours work. Using this – and
other models, photographs, replica and actual items of machinery
and other memorabilia – the volunteers of the Bella Street Pumphouse
Society Inc. man the exhibits and explain the details to enquiring visitors.
Under the guidance of President Malcolm Sowman, the society keeps
itself relevant. Demonstrating commendable Victorian era engineering
enterprise, the facility has reinvented itself as a dance-room venue ... for
the Steampunk Ball no less – entirely appropriate! (See story this issue.)
PROTECTING THE HERITAGE
The Bella Street Pumphouse Society was incorporated in 1990 with the
aim of protecting and upgrading the pumphouse complex. Because the
buildings are Grade Two listed with Heritage New Zealand, the society’s
work is guided by a comprehensive conservation plan developed by
conservation architect Graeme Burgess.
The major pumphouse project currently underway by the twenty-
plus members of the group is the planning and construction of a
replacement headframe, a project valued at approximately $400,000. In
the meantime, there is more than sufficient work to be had in caring for
the buildings, the remaining pump quadrants and shaft site, and guiding
visitors about the site.
So, for an excellent insight into one of the most outstanding extant
reminders of the great mining and pumping history of the Thames
goldfield, visit the Bella Street Pumphouse during the weekend opening
hours. To learn more about the museum and the Bella Street pump’s
history, visit
Price, William Archer, 1866-1948: Collection of post card negatives. Ref: 1/2-001557-G.
Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington.
The Bella Street pump operational. The A&G Price foundry in Thames
manufactured boilers for the pumphouse.
• Family owned & operated villas • Weekly fee $110
• 2 & 3 bedroom villas with designs for everyone’s taste & budget
• Active residents organizing events & fun
• Thames hospital close by
NEW APARTMENTS
COMMENCING 2015
It’s all
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the lifestyle...
Celebrations
Pool and Spa
Village Choir
Perfect location for your new lifestyle choice! Adjacent to shops,
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