Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 19, June 1975
[this report is one of several covering the 1975 Centenary Celebrations of the Opening of the Goldfields; see 1975 Centennial Programme for the programme of events, and links to other reports - E]
On Thursday 27th February 1975 to Commemorate the arrival of Paeroa's first white Settlers in 1842, an historic ceremony took place.
A large stone Cairn was unveiled on the roadside at Puke very close to where Joshua Thorp built "Belmont" his first home which was the first European house in Paeroa. The site was also the camping ground of Samuel Marsden on his Journey to Tauranga Harbour in 1820.
Over 70 people, 25 of them descendants of Joshua Thorp were welcomed by Mr. B.B.W. Fisher, Chairman of the Ohinemuri County Council, who complemented Messrs A.F & H.R. Thorp on the design and erection of the Cairn -- a huge natural boulder from their farm. Mr. A.F. Thorp, President of the Paeroa Historical Society, speaking for the family thanked Mr. and Miss Wight, for the piece of land on which the Cairn was erected and gave a brief outline of the history of the area and the coming of his Grandfather to the District.
After paying tribute to the Thorp Brothers for their long service to the District Mr. L.C. Schultz, M.P. for Coromandel Electorate, removed the N.Z. Flag to unveil the plaque on the Cairn; the Inscription being:-
THIS STONE
Marks the Site of the Home of Joshua Thorp & Family.
The first White Settlers who came to Paeroa in 1842.
Finally - Mr. N C Clarke Chairman, Executive Comm. thanked the Ohinemuri C.C. for organizing the function as part of the District's Centennial Celebrations.