VALUED DOCUMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22031, 2 August 1941, Page 4

VALUED DOCUMENTS

Gift To Historical Society Souvenirs Of Early South Canterbury There must be many residents of South Canterbury who can remember the old-time horse-drawn bathing machines that once graced the foreshore of what was then the beginning of Caroline Bay. They will also remember the picturesque old proprietor of these early bathing sheds—James Strachan. Mr Strachan may justly be regarded as the father of Caroline Bay for he it was who visualised its possibilities as a bathing resort when it was little better than a strip of shingle beach, and it was he who, on his own initiative, first provided bathing facilities there. James Strachan was a man of individuality and he retained this individuality right to the end of his days. During his latter years he wrote his autobiography, telling the story of his varied career, including his adventures on the gold fields of Central Otago. This manuscript, browned with age, has now been handed to the South Canterbury Historical Society for safe keeping. The manuscript was presented to the Society by Mr W. Strachan, a son of the author, and a typewritten copy of the original Was presented by Mr P. W. Rule. Another recent acquisition of historical interest secured by the Society is two bound volumes of “The Tiinaru and Gladstone Gazette” which commenced publication in Tihi&ru on January 10, 1870. The leading article of this number, written more than 70 years ago, has a strangely modern ring. It runs as follows: “The undertaking of starting a new journal is, in the most flourishing times, one for Very serious consideration. The many difficulties to be overcome are not easily comprehended by the uninitiated, and the amount of support, commercially, Is at all times conjectural, while the preliminary expenses are very heavy. We have therefore confined ourselves to a small sheet, believing that in the present depressed state of trade any attempt at a plethoric broadsheet would only have resulted in failure. We do not feel at all discouraged at our present meagre show of advertisements. We have thoroughly tested the feeling of the Inhabitants of Timaru and surrounding districts, and the cordial welcome our efforts have hitherto met assures us that we have entered upon an enterprise which, when trade has survived its present prostration, will be heartily supported by all classes.” Unfortunately for the “Gazette,” the "present depressed state of trade” outlasted the existence of the newspaper for it met its demise two years later when it left an open field to its rival, “The Timaru "prald,” then a lusty youngster of eight years growth. During the 70 years these two volumes have been in the possession Of Mr John Bainbridge, and the excellence of their condition bespeaks praise tp the care he must have given them. Mr Bambridr? served his printing apprenticeship under the proprietor, Mr E. Ball, and subsequently he became the manager of "The Temuka Leader.” The volumes have been handed to the Societv on loan by a daughter of Mr Bambridge. Mrs A. Gourley of Temuka. Other gifts to the Society include two large scrapbooks of Timaru photographs presented by P. W. Hutton and Coy., four booklets of Timaru Views, a book, “The Trial of Thomas Hall,” presented by Mr David Byers, of Wellington, formerly of Timaru; views of Timaru and District, presented by Mr P. W. Rule; and a brochure issued in 1888 by Messrs G. & T. Young presented by Mr W. Young. The president of the Society Mr W. G. Tweedy said that he was pleased at the contributions made to the Historical Society, which although it has been in existence for only a few months, was already proving its worth in that it was providing a repository for articles of historic interest which might otherwise become lost to the community. Until a more suitable building could be found for these historical objects, they wouid be housed in the Public Library.