The first Omata Inn was built in 1854 - a two story building with 2 up-stairs bedrooms. It was burnt down in 1860 when the Maoris destroyed all Omata. Thomas Newsham erected Omata's 2nd inn on land he had purchased from Major Lloyd It was part of the 500 acre Crofton block and the hotel was on the northern corner of South Road and Beach Road. On 27 June 1865 he received his licence and after his death in 1874, son Fred ran it before leasing to first to Richard Julian and in March 1888 the licensee was Mr Paul, a New Plymouth Brewer and on a night of gales it was completely destroyed by fire.

15 February 1873 FANCY FAIR AT OMATA. These are popular and well-established social institutions for raising money for religions or charitable purposes and the settlers of Omata held one when funds were required for the erection of a church in their district. However, none of the usual sameness, the one at Omata on Wednesday last, was novel as was held out in the open air. The Omata people deserved congratulations on the success that attended their labours for it is far pleasanter to be in the country amongst the green trees than to have to pass two or three hours in a dusty and almost suffocating atmosphere in doors. The weather at day break the sky was overcast, with heavy rolling clouds - not at all promising, however “Old Sol” after many fruitless efforts, managed to break through the clouds, and cast his brightest smiles upon the busy scene of preparation. The countryside could not resist the temptation to take part in the proceedings and resulted in a large throng of visitors from the town, and a greater display of life at Omata than has ever taken place in this usually quiet little village. Every kind of conveyance from a light carriage to a bullock dray was brought into requisition. The first sight that was obtained of the fair was on reaching the school-house at the junction of the Omata and the Waireka Roads, From here, on looking down the hill, was seen tents erected, flags flying, swings in motion in Mr. Newsham's paddock, and a large concourse of people. Late in the afternoon, Mount Egmont uncovered the goodly prospect spread around of hills, and dales, and woods. It was really a very pretty sight, and was alone well worth the visit. On entering the grounds the first objects that caught the eye were the booths, which were constructed at the south-west corner of the paddock, and formed an angle. They were erected by Messrs. H. J. Crompton, Crawford, Qursed, Harrison, Rogers, F. Smith, Curtis, Berridge, and others, and were very convenient for the purposes intended. The southern wing, in which the tea was to be partaken, was about forty feet long, and provided temporary tables and forms, capable of seating fully seventy persons at a time. The other portion of the booth was fitted up with stalls, in which were displayed a number of useful articles, as well as pretty trifles. The interior presented a very tasteful appearance, having been decorated with evergreens, ferns, and flowers. At the end was the post-office and telegraph station, from which numerous "important missives" - unfortunately unpaid - were issued during the day. Miss Laura Brown was postmistress and telegraphist for the day, and most ably performed the task allotted to her. The stalls, were presided over as follows : The toy stall by Miss Hay, assisted by the two Misses Harrison. The centre stall by Mrs. Humphries, and Miss Allen, assisted by Mrs. A. Bayly, Mrs. Newsham, Mrs. Brown, and Miss Syme; and the third stall by Mrs. Crompton, Mrs. Curtis, and Mrs. Mace. A large portion of the goods wore of a useful kind, although fancy and ornamental wares were not wanting, and were sold at more moderate prices than is usual on such occasions - amongst them for were some models of churches and houses, the work of Mr. Thomas Harrison, sen., which were really very perfect, and could not escape observation. The refreshment department was presided over by Mrs. Berridge and Mrs. Brind, and was liberally supplied with pastry and confectionery of a most excellent description and can verify their quality from actual test, having partaken of some of the delicacies that lay so temptingly before the visitors. During the afternoon, the proceedings were enlivened by the performance of the Amateur Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr. Townsend. Away from the booths, and on various portions of the grounds, games were improvised, and the sports were kept up with much zest until dark. The swings that were erected were kept in constant use during the afternoon, and afforded much amusement to the young people. At about four o'clock tea was announced, when over seventy persons sat down to partake of the refreshments that were most liberally provided for the occasion. The tables were presided over by Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Humphries, Mrs. and Miss Mace, Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Messenger, and Mrs. Harrison, who were most energetic in their endeavours to supply the demands made upon them for tea, etc. The insufficient number of knives and forks to meet the requirements caused some amusement, for no one could refrain from laughing at the difficulties that were occasioned in consequence. In one instance we saw a gentleman attempting to carve a ham with his pen-knife. As soon as one party at the table had finished, their places were filled by fresh persons; still, things on the heavily laden tables did not seem to diminish, for as fast as one dish was cleared, another filled with fresh eatables replaced it. Everything on the table was of excellent quality, and in great abundance. Mr. G. Curtis, Sen., and other members of the Committee were very active in disposing of the tickets for the tea, of which over three hundred were sold. There were between four and five hundred persons present during one time of the day; and amongst the visitors we noticed the Hon. D. McLean, his Honor F. A. Carrington, Esq., Colonel St. John, Rev. Archdeacon Govett, and Rev. N. H. Brown. Everything happily tended to the success of the whole affair; the accessories, the booths, the music, were all perfect, and the weather was exceedingly fine - in fact, everything was done for the comfort of the visitors, and fullfilled the wishes of the promoters. The sum of £130 was taken during the day, which will go a good way towards carrying out the object for which the fancy fair was held ; and we feel sure that the Committee and all concerned must feel gratified with the success their arduous labours have met.

Taranaki Herald, 7 March 1874: Death of Mr. Tom Newsham.— After an illness of some months, Mr. Tom Newsham, of Omata, died on the 8th February. He was one of our oldest settlers, having been one of the first who arrived in this Province.
Thomas died of cancer of the throat and was buried on Feb 8th, 1874 at Waireka Cemetery, Omata, aged 52 years.

No will for Thomas but because a landowner, he had a deed of transfer. It was very lengthy, hand written in small neat hand writing, full of legalise dated May 12 1866. George Curtis and John Stephenson Smith were named executors. Everything was left to his wife Mary Louise. On her death it passed on to her children in equal shares or held in trust until the sons were 21 years of age or the daughters married. Consisted of £1000 left from William Jecks (1864 probate), 4 shares in NZ Steam Navigation Co., Land Lots 8, 21 and 29 Omata, 2 horses, 1 pair of working bullocks, 2 cows, 1 heifer and 200 sheep and lambs.

Click here for Thomas and Mary Newsham's Family