Friendly Societies were a common feature of life in
colonial New Zealand, and Thames was no exception. Before modern insurance or
welfare, joining a Friendly Society was a way to ensure you and your family
would be looked after if you became ill. Accidents and illnesses were a
frequent reality of life in the gold mines, so the opportunity to join the
camaraderie and security of a Friendly Society was a hard one to pass up. Friendly
Societies were extremely popular in Britain, and the new colonists were keen to
maintain their links to England by setting up local branches here.
Thames became home to a myriad of Friendly Societies
in the late nineteenth century, including the Oddfellows, the Hibernian and
Catholic Benefit Society, and the Protestant Alliance. These groups would meet
regularly in halls and lodges around the town, acting as a social club as well
as an insurance policy for their members. In 1894, these societies and more
joined together under the banner of the United Friendly Societies of the Thames,
to raise money to support their members convalescing in Thames Hospital. The
United Friendly Societies put on a demonstration in Pollen Street, marching
from Shortland Corner to the Academy of Music, 500 members strong and in full
regalia.
The Thames Star described this parade as an
‘exceedingly pretty’ one, which also featured the Naval Artillery and Good
Templar brass bands and a man dressed as Robin Hood and riding a Shetland pony.
Along with important ‘gentleman visitors’ from Societies out of town, the
Friendly Society members filed into the Academy. After a rousing rendition of
the song ‘Arnold’s Christmas Carol’ the mayor of Thames welcomed the Society
members and guests.
‘Many realise,’ reported the Thames Star, ‘with what
horror the old British people resent the idea of going to the workhouse in
sickness and old age, and being buried by charity. By joining Friendly
Societies the irregularities of life and health are in some measure
compensated. The first great principle developed by these Societies is the
"Social independence of the sufferer." As our social society is now
organised, it lies within the reach of very few to secure adequate means to
make a competency and enjoy it.... [Friendly Societies are] a band of friends
lending a helping-hand to each other. They are social elevators as opposed to
self-indulgence.’
The meeting raised £18 in total
at the door for the United Friendly Societies, as well as more collected by Society members
during the procession down Pollen Street. These funds were used to pay the
hospital bills of Friendly Society members. The united event was the first of
its kind in Thames, and was considered a great success.
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