By Clive Otway. The Clive Otway series No. 1 Published by Seam Miller. In large Softcovers, First Edition 2009, Black and White Photographs, Colour Photographs on covers, 23 Pages, Published By Sean Millar Auckland. A Near Fine Copy. Introduction- 'the history of Thames, situated to the south east of Auckland across the Firth of Thames and some 115 kilometres by road, is reasonably well known. following the discovery of gold in the area, Thames (originally the settlements of Grahamstown and Shortland), developed considerably from the late 1860s and even threatened to rival Auckland. The main access to Thames from Auckland was by coastal steamers and this involved a voyage of some 60 kilometres. To the south and west, vast swamps and river flats (the Hauraki Plains) made travelling rather difficulty. The coming of the railway in 1898 was welcomed but in order to travel tyo Auckland, a rail journey of approximately 236 kilometres through Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville and Hamilton was not very convenient because of the time factor. The Hauraki Plains, particularly in the more northern parts, were extensively drained from about 1908 and this made easier access to the settlements. The more convenient motor vehicle gradually displaced the steamers and launches as a quicker and more popular means of travel, despite the dusty roads in summer and the muddy conditions of winter. Almost from the outset of the availability of motor vehicles, William White was involved with this mode of transport and the following account describes his involvement, and that of his family, with motorised road transport based in the Thames area'