Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Thames (NZ): Kauaeranga Valley & School

Many will descend from families who settled up the Kauaeranga Valley. Farming, growing vegetables and grapes, involved with bush work and other activities. The focal point for many, the Kauaeranga Hotel (1880s-1945) and during the later years of the 1890s the Thames Orphanage was also in the valley. Residents of the valley, often have stories about their adventures around the Water race and the temptations of walking along the fluming.
There are two books on the Kauaeranga by A BERRY: "The Centenary of the Kauaeranga Hall" and "The Kauaeranga Valley." Along with notes by A Isdale and and books on the kauri logging - it is possible to see what a busy and thriving place the Kauaeranga valley was. (Copies available at The Treasury)

There are several ORAL HISTORY recordings by residents of the Kauaeranga Valley, that give details on the BARKER, DEVCICH, MCPIKE and VOYKOVICH families..along with the mention of many other names.

School records are available for the Kauaeranga Valley School, that give admission and discharge information. (Copies available at The Treasury)

 At Archives Auckland, there are also files that give examination details. An example above, is part of the 1911 results for Kauaeranga Valley School. Surnames mentioned on the page are: LAW, MACKIE, TAYLOR and WILLIAMS.