Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 2, October 1964
It has been a wonderful experience to witness the growing interest in this latest attempt to record our background. Support has been heartening and makes us feel that the work involved is all worth while. We gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to those who have collated facts before us, and if we can add to, preserve, and spread this historical knowledge our aim will be fulfilled.
We are glad to note that interest is not confined to those who have their roots in this district but is shared by comparative new-comers. These no doubt, survey the scene and the story as "a whole" and are untroubled by "trees hiding the wood". In this connection we pay tribute to Eric and Elizabeth Lee-Johnson, Waihi, who did so much towards sowing the seed for this venture of making the past live for the present, and the present for the future.
Inevitably each Journal will concentrate on specific aspects, and endeavour to respond to topical challenge. In October of this year, Karangahake is holding the 75th Jubilee of the opening of its School. We extend warmest greetings to those assembled there, and are glad to include several articles with a bearing on that area, giving an out-line of Ohinemuri's first "Goldrush". It is possible that this story will have even greater significance in a few year's time when the whole district celebrates a "Century of Progress".
The year 1875 was a momentous one in our history, and we are indebted to "The Thames Advertiser and Miner's News" for recording much interesting detail regarding the "Opening of Ohinemuri". We have annotated some illuminating news items concerning our then rapidly developing district. These cover the first six months of 1875. It is noteworthy that shortly after this the "Advertiser" had as a sub-heading - "Circulating daily in Thames Valley, Te Aroha, Ohinemuri, Owharoa, Waitekauri, Puriri, Hikutaia, Tairua, Coromandel, Hastings (Tapu), Auckland and surrounding districts".
We also thank the Thames Library for facilitating our research.
We shall be happy to have more contributors, and earnestly invite co-operation. (It is a great comfort to an Editor to have "articles in stock" and the field is still a wide one.) Each article can give only certain facts concerning people and events but may remind one of something important not even mentioned. Please do not hesitate to correct errors, add to facts, or supply authentic information.
In conclusion we extend our grateful appreciation to all those who have subscribed to our Regional History Journal including those no longer in this area, and those not able to attend meetings. Many have written to encourage us, among these being our fellow Societies, Whakatane, Tauranga, and Auckland. Their advice has been most helpful, and as we gain in experience and financial standing, we hope to make our Journal a lasting credit to Ohinemuri.