Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 22, June 1978
WAIHI HISTORICAL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES
A busload of members of the Waihi Historical Society enjoyed their trip to the Tauranga District Museum recently and literally stepped into a quiet little corner of the past.
All found familiar items which recalled memories of their yesterday's among the contents of the houses, shops and assorted buildings at the complex and they greatly admired the layout of the village with its calm atmosphere and old world charm.
Morning tea and lunch tasted all the better in the novel surroundings of an old wooden railway carriage, bright with fresh varnish and gay gingham curtains at the windows, and converted slightly for use as a refreshment stop.
While it was not one of the museum's "live days" when all the working exhibits come out on show for the visitors, members were able to enjoy rides on the Model A Ford doing busy duty as the "taxi" and on the jigger, which was a rare experience for many.
Members are now looking forward to their next trips later in the year to the Mystery Creek Museum at Hamilton and the Glenbrook Railway Enthusiasts' Museum.
The Society's March meeting was also held recently and members heard an entertaining account, well documented with photographs, of the Dean family, early Waihi residents since 1898, from grand-daughter Mrs Kathleen Adams.
The Deans were one of the colourful families of the district and brothers Frank, Walter, Charles, Spencer, Morrie, Burt and Percy with sisters Sophie (Mrs Brown), Alice (Mrs Stan Carter) and May (Mrs Harrison) contributed in no small way to pioneering efforts, from their young days onwards on what was known as the Waitete Bridge Farm.
PAEROA AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL AND ART SOCIETY'S ANNUAL REPORT
The report given by the President, Mr. A. Thorp, at the Society's Annual meeting, outlined achievements in the past year and hopes for the future. In all, the year was regarded as a successful one with the museum project brought to fruition. Mr. Thorp reported that membership now stands at 282 (including six life members) and that in the coming year an endeavour was to be made to recruit more members. In addition to monthly meetings and outings seven committee meetings had been held. Guest speakers at monthly meetings, have given much enjoyment with interesting talks. Organised field days and tours were enjoyed by members participating and it is the committee's intention to arrange more of these outings.
Thanks were expressed by Mr. Thorp to the committee and others who have assisted the Society. Special thanks were extended to those who had helped raise funds by holding functions at their homes and in running the street stall. These events were enthusiastically supported and gave the finances a good boost. Appreciation was expressed for donations made by members towards the museum funds.
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Annual Subscriptions are now due and should be paid to the Treasurer, Mrs. M. Townshend, 16 Taylors Avenue, Paeroa.
Subscriptions are: Individuals $3.00 - Family $4.00.
ACTIVITIES
MAY Weekend trip to Auckland 14 - 15th May 1977.
Mr. John Kennedy - "The Life of a Public Relations Officer."
JUNE Captain Munro - "Life of a Sailing Ship"
JULY Mr. M. Wells - "Setting up a Museum"
AUGUST Mr. L. Schultz - "Establishment of a National Park".
Mr. & Mrs. Tye. "Trip to China"
SEPT. Mr. D. Johansen - "Coromandel a National Park"
OCTOBER Mr. C. Townshend - "Early Butter factory days".
Bus trip to Turangawaewae Marae and Huntly on October 22nd 1977.
NOV. DEC. JAN. Summer Vacation.
FEB. Mr. R. Haysom - "Archaeology in the Waikato"
MARCH Mr. F. Thorp - "N.Z. Fed. Conference in Auckland"
APRIL Annual Meeting.