Life History

Notes

• <Info from Shane Woollett>
  
  8th August 1993.
  
  As Humphrey arrived in 1879 on the "Opawa" he would have been granted
  assisted passage. Those on board the ship were assured of mining work at the
  Denniston Incline. Some did end up there, but as this was not completed on
  their arrival most were ballotted to other coal mines.
  (Source: Brian WOOD).
  
  14th August 1993.
  
  From Dobson Death Register - held at Greymouth Courthouse.
  
  Died 26 Mar 1896 - Brunnerton. Gas Explosion.
  Miner - age 45 years.
  Arrived in NZ 1879 on the "Opawa"
  Father - Allen Hanson SMITH - Weaver.
  Mother - Annie SMITH.
  Buried - 29/3/1896 - Stillwater - C of E.
  Born - Cumberworth, Yorkshire.
  Married at 20 years old to Sarah KILNER - b.Yorkshire 1853.
  4 boys 20 - Thomas A Smith.
  12
  9
  4
  4 girls 23 - Johanna
  18 - Martha
  15
  10
  
  Explosion detailed in the Greymouth Evening Star 1 April 1896.
  
  (Wordperfect file SMITH073.SJC - Transcription of notes written
  by Elza WOOLLETT (nee MARRIS) for her son's (Charles Abner
  WOOLLETT) third or forth form project. c.1947.)
  
  
  If my Father's Grandfather (Charles' Great Grandfather Humphrey
  SMITH b.1851) was alive today he would be nearly 100 years old.
  Over 70 years ago he decided to try his luck in New Zealand, so
  along with his wife and three small children (Sarah 26, Johanna
  6, Thomas 5 and Martha 1 - source "Opawa" passenger list), said
  goodbye to all relations, friends and the motherland and ventured
  forth by the sailing ship Opawa (Arrived in Nelson 27/11/1879).
  This journey took over three months.
  
  Eventually Great Grandfather and family arrived at Nelson where
  they lived in barracks with numerous other people who came to New
  Zealand on the same ship. After a short time the government
  balloted the men to various parts of the Islands, some to Shag's
  Point, Huntley, Greymouth and Great Grandfather was sent to
  Springfield where he started work in the coalfields. His
  residence consisted of a sod hut and a tent. He lived there for
  three or four years and then shifted to Brunnerton. This journey,
  travelling by coach took 3 days. The Taramakau River had to be
  crossed by a chair and aerial wire and from there to Greymouth
  on open trolley drawn by horses on wooden rails.
  
  Here he resided until the year 1896 when a terrific explosion
  occurred killing him and 64 others. Great Grandfather lost his
  life at the early age of 45 years so did not see much of the many
  changes that took place in the following years.
  
  If my Mother's Father (James Barmby MARRIS b.1856?) was alive
  today he would tell many interesting tales of the very early days
  of Charleston. For many generations his family's line of business
  was sawmilling and to this day is still carried on by some
  members of his descendants. Today Charleston consists of one
  hotel and a few scattered farms, but in the days of the Gold Rush
  there were many thousands of people and much gold was taken from
  the hills and beaches.
  
  Closing Paragraph.
  
  N.Z. has advanced rapidly in the last 100 years and we have a lot
  to thank those pioneers for. It is often described as a land of
  milk and honey and the best governed nation in the world.
  
  26th January 1994.
  
  At time of explosion was "Hewing" on the West side of the mine.
  Religion: Church of England.
  (Source: Mine reports).