Albert Edmund WRIGLEY (1898-1968)
A. (Bert) E. Wrigley was educated at Seddon Memorial Technical College in Auckland and served overseas in the First World War. His military file can be read here. Over four decades he became one of the most involved figures in Matamata’s civic life....
October 26, 2026John Draper - Grocery, Glass & Crockery
Another early arrival in Matamata was John Draper. He and his wife arrived in Matamata sometime between 1911 and 1914. The majority of the information here supplied by a descendant Heather Cheer. - her Timeline document attached at the foot of this blog. ...
September 21, 2026Christmas Carnivals.
"[A] Christmas Carnival .... debauches the town and attracts only hooligans"...
September 8, 2026Come to Matamata!
During the late 1920s and the 1930s the people of Matamata worked hard to establish the town and promote it. Forming in particular the Chamber of Commerce (although not until 1919) and Beautifying Society (first mooted in 1926 but not launched until 1929).In 1937 “Come to Matamata Week” was held and reported to be highly successful. (the promotional booklet can be read here)...
September 4, 2026Ivan BLACK (previously TCHERNEGOVSKI)
Russian emigré...
August 22, 2026James CORBETT
"‘James Corbett had vision and 100 percent belief in the town and district of Matamata as a rising centre"...
August 21, 2026The Misses NORTH
Domestic servants were as difficult to procure as nuggets of gold...
August 21, 2026Richard Sumner JAMES
It was more up to date than is often provided in cities and towns. ...
August 19, 2026The Rialto Tea Rooms
Five decades of Tea, Talk & Celebrations...
August 19, 2026Matamata Heritage Month - March 2027
More aerial views can be seen here...
August 11, 2026Hugh KELSO - First Pharmacist
Hugh Kelso, pharmacist, who died after the 1918 flu epidemic ...
August 10, 2026J. E. CUMMINGS - Draper - The Value House
Fined at the Mock Court in 1940. J. E. Cummings for endeavouring to set a record for honeymoons. £2. ...
August 7, 2026The First Editor
Albert Yardley, the first Editor of The Matamata Record...
August 7, 2026Peter Thomas ANICH
Election Night Surprise. Raid in Matamata. Quantity of Liquor Seized...
August 7, 2026Dr James Frederick CAROLAN
Doctor in Matamata 1912 - 1924Lieutenant Colonel NZ Medical Corps 1910 ...
August 7, 2026The first Doctor
That well known citizen Dr Endletsberger with the duelling scar on his face....
August 6, 2026Mildred CUMMINGS - Draper - The Value House
A woman who was an entrepreneur, popular, but married badly. ...
August 6, 2026 Posts 1-17 of 17 | PageOpening Hours
Heritage Buildings
Thursday - Monday: 10am - 4pm
CLOSED Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Public Holidays.
Grounds Only
10am - 4pm daily
Wheelchair access to the McCaw homestead is via the side door.
Contact
Phone: 07 888 6218 (answer phone)
Email: office@matamatahistoricalsociety.co.nz
Address: Heritage Room, 266a Tower Road
Postal: PO Box 300, Matamata 3440
