Thames School of Mines

Opened in 1885-6 This is one of the largest and longest surviving of some 30 schools of mines The objective was to provide practical instruction to gold miners working the quartz fields. The school contains a significant mineralogical museum. The museum is open to the public for a small charge. Guided tours of the complex provide fascinating insights into its history.

Initially the site was a Urapa. This was followed by construction of Wesleyan buildings, including Church and Sunday School. In 1885 the church was removed from the site and subsequently the school room became a lecture theatre for the School of Mines. A small stamping battery and an assay facility provided opportunities for practical work.

As mining in the town diminished the teaching emphasis turned to engineering with closure finally in 1954.

Now under the auspices of the Heritage New Zealand the School of Mines is promoted as a place to visit.

Image Credit: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19011212-9-3