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Come 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)...

Ivan BLACK (previously TCHERNEGOVSKI)

Russian emigré...

James CORBETT

 "‘James Corbett had vision and 100 percent belief in the town and district of Matamata as a rising centre"...

The Misses NORTH

Domestic servants were as difficult to procure as nuggets of gold...

Richard Sumner JAMES

It was more up to date than is often provided in cities and towns. ...

The Rialto Tea Rooms

Five decades of Tea, Talk & Celebrations...

Matamata Heritage Month - March 2027

More aerial views can be seen here...

Hugh KELSO - First Pharmacist

Hugh Kelso, pharmacist,  who died after the 1918 flu epidemic ...

J. 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. ...

The First Editor

Albert Yardley, the first Editor of The Matamata Record...

Peter Thomas ANICH

Election Night Surprise. Raid in Matamata. Quantity of Liquor Seized...

Dr James Frederick CAROLAN

Doctor in Matamata 1912 - 1924Lieutenant Colonel NZ Medical Corps 1910 ...

The first Doctor

That well known citizen Dr Endletsberger with the duelling scar on his face....

Mildred CUMMINGS - Draper - The Value House

A woman who was an entrepreneur, popular, but married badly. ...