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COROMANDEL LIFE
SUMMER 2014
THE TREASURY
AT THAMES
ADDS NEW ‘VAULT’
The Treasury in Thames invites everyone to
attend the official opening of its new addition
at 2pm Saturday 15 March. Dr Jock Phillips,
the editor of Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ, is
‘cutting the tape’.
The new building extension includes a secure
archive room, a separate reception room and
work area, access for larger contributions and
‘de-bugging’ processes. Two more storage
rooms and a toilet with wheelchair access are
also new.
The Treasury, home the past four years to the
Coromandel’s documented history, has been
bombarded with precious records dating back to
the days of New Zealand’s first settlers.
For history enthusiasts like ourselves here at
Coromandel Life
, it really is a treat digging
through all the indexed documents. Stepping
through the front door of the 1905 Carnegie
building (originally a library) feels like a step back
in time; the original ceilings, tiles and structure
of the building have all been retained, cementing
the importance of preserving our history.
The new building, designed by Architectus of
Auckland, was envisioned to contrast with the
historical integrity of the 1905 Carnegie Building.
The Treasury was conceived when Mayor Chris
Lux visited the indexing group at the Thames
School of Mines in 2000. He realized the
importance of these documents, and became
more aware of how vital it was to retain and
preserve such records. A great amount of data
was being thrown out or stored in unsafe places.
So Lux decided to find a solution.
In 2003 the Coromandel Heritage Trust was
formed and opened six years later in September
2009, The Treasury opened to serve as a centre
for regional research and to promote the stories
and history of the area.
It’s not just for scholars and bureaucrats. You
can visit, too, to research your town, your family,
or just to follow your curiousity. If the latter, you
HELP THE TREASURY COLLECT WWI
MEMORABILIA & STORIES
FOR THE NATIONWIDE CENTENNIAL
Below, a WWI military funeral in Thames.
The wooden buildings seem to match the
roof lines of the 1905 Carnegie library.
The Treasury’s architectural rendering showing
new, modern annex building.
The original Carnegie Building in 1905
with workmen in front.
may never come out. New Zealand history is an
intoxicating delve.
And you can contribute as well. The Treasury
is currently seeking memorabilia and stories
from WWI for New Zealand’s ‘WW100 Project’.
Perhaps hidden at the back of your closet is a
family scrapbook! –
Claire Fitzjames
For further information go to
Find the WW100 project online and on Facebook.
All images courtesy of The Treasury
VISIT THE TREASURY
705-709 Queen St, Thames
Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri & Sat • 1-3pm
Admission: Members $5 hr, Non-members $15 hr
Learn more:
Visit
Find the WW100 Project online & Facebook
How you can help:
Become a member: (Single $30, Joint $52)
Volunteer • Tell others about The Treasury
Make a donation • Donate records
A wide selection
of native plants
328 Ngati Maru Highway
•
Thames
•
07-868 7960
Aeroview
FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS
PEN I NSULA WI DE
Plenty of parking • Open 7 days 8:30 - 5:30
• The largest range of fruit trees,
large and small ... peninsula-wide
• Well hardened, quality bedding plants
• A fantastic variety of herbs
• Potting mixes, compost, mulches, peat, pea straw,
organic mixes, seed raising mix, orchid mix
• Fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides
• Ceramic pots, hanging baskets and lots, lots more
• A great gift shop
• Qualified, knowledgable staff
