Page 2 of the Kennedy

Part 2 South to the Left of Venus

Whakatohea ki Opotiki

In October 1874, Joseph Bond Kennedy was appointed Habour master and Pilot at Gisborne. Eighteen months later he left this position and commenced Lightering at the port of Poverty Bay, founding the firm of Kennedy & Bennet and later Kennedy, Evans & Co with his business partner, John Thomas Evans. The Company comprised of Timber Merchants, Carriers, Lightermen, Shipping and Insurance Agents. (Lighters were used to go out to the coastal ships to unload cargo.) From a small beginning the company grew, and by 1885 it owned 6 Lighters capable of carrying 450 - 500 tons. For many years they did the whole of the lightering for The Union Steam Ship, Huddart-Parker, and Tyser.

Companies and also carried out mail contracts, representing The N.Z. Express Company, Westport Coal Company, and the Alliance & North British Mechantile Insurance Companies. Mr Evans had management of the Office, whilst Captain Kennedy supervised the shipping and coal departments, an amazing achievement considering his having had so little formal education. This company was eventually sold to the Sheep Farmers Company. Telephone numbers - 50 & 12

Bankers: B.N.Z.

Children of Joseph and Ngahiraka Kennedy.

Edward Henry KENNEDY Born 8th Aug. 1868 - 1948
Mary (Maria) KENNEDY Born abt 1870
*Harriet Bond KENNEDY Born 1872
(your Great grand mother.)
Hannah Bond KENNEDY Born 30 Nov. 1880
Katerina KENNEDY
Margaret KENNEDY Died age 2 mhs, 27th Dec. 1874

Edward Kennedy was living in Wellington in 1913
Kate Kennedy married Robert Wells and was living in Gisborne in 1913
*Harriet Kennedy married George Smith and lived in Peel Street, Gisborne.
Hannah Kennedy married Alfred Williams and was living in Australia in 1913
Maria (Mary) Kennedy married Henri Choveaux and was living in Gisborne in 1913

As a successful businessman, Joseph and Ngahiraka with their four daughters and one son, would have lived a comfortable life and their children received a good education.

Harriet Smith, often took her own six year old grand-daughter Leone Smith, on the 14 hour bus trip to visit “Aunty Kate,” staying at her home in Gisborne. The bus would arrive very late at night and Leone recalls a large, elderly lady, sitting up in bed in her nighty greeting them. Uncle Bill, her husband, was a small man.
Harriet Bond KENNEDY 1872 - circa 1949 (your Great grandmother.)
The lovely face of Harriet, with her big brown eyes and thick dark hair; educated, softly spoken and kind.
Our thanks to Camarita Hartog for this photograph.
________________________

Prior to this, on 6th March 1865, there was a traumatic event at the family Church of St. Stephen's (below) Opotiki which resulted in the Whakatohea tribe fleeing Opoitki. As "Utu" or payment for an injustice, the early missionary Charles Sylvius Volkner was hanged on a willow tree near his church at Opotiki, beheaded, his heart torn out, eyes eaten and his blood drunk. The Government took action, confiscating lands of the Whakatohea tribe in whose midst the unfortunate incident took place. The fact that the perpetrators were from Taranaki was never considered. Even when the actual people concerned were punished by hanging and imprisonment, the Whakatohea tribe lost approximately one hundred and seventy three thousand acres.

St. Stephen’s Church, Opotiki

The Rev. Thomas Samuel Grace laboured on among the Maori and his writing about the incident recorded, “At Rangiaowhia we burnt alive men and women because they would not surrender. At Tauranga, the men who behaved so nobly to our own wounded officers, when deserted at Gate Pa, we massacred in their riffle pits at Te Ranga. The murder of Aporotanga at Matata and other like cruelties are now bearing fruit.…twice I have nearly lost my life on account of the burning of women at Rangiaowhai. Often I have seen the Maoris as much excited at our cruelties as we are now at theirs. In these horrible doings it must be remembered that we have been the first to begin them." Prior to this incident the people of the area had “beautifully laid out, well tilled gardens,” and strong family community but afterwards they were forced to retreat about 15 miles from their own land for fear of reprisal and were greatly impoverished.

In 1868 the infamous Te Kooti was terrorizing many communities. From an early account we read: “The news of the shocking raid upon Matawhere by Te Kooti and his band of assassins on 10 November 1868, reached the settlement of Turanganui. On the previous afternoon, the coastal trading ship "Success,” skippered by Captain John Trimmer, had been lying in the Turanganui river taking on cattle from the Waerenga-a-Hika mission property for delivery to Mr Clark at Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. Alongside her a schooner named the “Tawera,” skippered by Captain Joe Kennedy, had been lifting a cargo of produce for Auckland. Both had became stuck on a sandbar as they attempted to leave the river.

Early in the morning of the raid, according to Captain Joe Kennedy, the sky was clear and star-lit. A sailor sent aloft to loosen the sails noticed a fire but it was in the direction of the Pipiwhako Bush (to the south of Matawhero) and nothing seemed to arouse suspicion. Both vessels soon got free on the morning tide.

When it became advisable to evacuate some women and children, Captain READ obtained a whaleboat, and with a volunteer crew comprising of W. W. Smith, M. Hall, R. Parkhouse, J. Brooking and C. Smale, set off to overtake the schooners, “Success” and “Tawera,” which had left the river only a few hours before. After rowing for several hours, at 11am off Whangara, they caught sight of the “Success” and Captain Trimmer at once turned back. The “Tawera” was eight miles further north and to attract Captain Kennedy's attention, Captain Trimmer lit some tow in a tin producing a dense pall of smoke. Captain Kennedy, thinking the “Success” to be on fire, sailed back and taking the whaleboat in tow returned by late afternoon to Turanganui.

At 6 pm they sailed for Napier with many women and children safely aboard. Captain Read went along to impress the authorities in Napier of the dire necessity for reinforcements. Her passengers also included: Mrs W. Parker, five children and a servant, Mrs Robb and three children, Mrs Blair, Poulgrain children (3) George Williams, Mrs G.G. Mill and two children, R. Thelwell, Mrs R. Shearer, Mrs Young, Dan Munn, Mrs Blomfield, her children and her sister (Miss Seggall) Mrs R. U'ren, Mrs W. H. Tucker and child (Henry) and Mrs Ross and child. Observing a distress signal flying on the Tawera, the Captain of the “Lord Ashley,”which was en route to Auckland, sent a boat to her and took off Mrs Bloomfield and her children, Miss Seggall, Mrs Ross and child and three settlers whose names do not appear on the “Tawera's” passenger list.

In 1877, twelve years after the murder of Volkner, Revd. Grace returned to Opotiki to attend the raising of a monument to Volkner. The building was filled and when writing of it he said “On my right hand stood the pulpit to which Kerropa carried the head and I stood on the very spot, where on the 6th March 1865, I stood for many weary hours being tried for my life, while many of those upon whom I now gaze were thirsting for my blood and declaring that I was a traitor and a spy and ought to be killed. Now how changed! But the greatest change seemed to me in the men before me, whom when I last saw them were a mad, wild crowd of murders. These men now sitting quietly in front of me, subdued, thoughtful, grave, and I hope in many cases penitent and willing to listen to the call of repentance and the willingness of our gracious God to forgive the greatest sinners. For some moments I could only look upon them: I could not utter a word! To subdue my feelings seemed impossible!"

_______________________________________

Ngahiraka Kennedy became desperately ill with ulcerated haemorrhoids resulting in severe blood poisoning, an extremely painful condition. She would have been in excruciating agony. As her condition deteriorated it became obvious to her husband and family that she was not going to recover. Ngahiraka made a Will just ten days before she died, leaving her Family Land in trust to her children, with her husband Joseph as Trustee. The Will was interpreted for her in her native Maori tongue with the aid of a Government appointed Maori interpreter and in the presence of her much loved husband. A copy of her Will below is now in the possession of Paul and Jan Smith. Ngahiraka Kennedy died July 30, 1890 at Gisborne, Poverty Bay. Aged 48 years.

Certificate Of Death:

Cause of death: Purpurea haemorrhagica - 6 weeks
(blood poisoning)
Ulceration of the rectum - 4 weeks (extremely painful)Peritonitis - 24 hours
Father’s name: Unknown (to the informant)
Father’s Occupation: Trader.
Was seen by Doctor John F. Innes the day she died.
Buried at Hirini Street Cemetery, Gisborne. All who are buried therein belong to the Ngati Oneone hapu (family.)
Headstone partially damaged reads
Sacred to the memory of
Ngahiraka KENNEDY
the beloved wife of
Joseph KENNEDY
who died 29th July 1890
Aged 48;
also her daughter
Margaret KENNEDY
who died December 27th 1874
aged 2 months.
STRANGERS WHEN THEY PASS BY
STOP AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS
THINK OF ME AS I WAS ONCE AND
YOU WILL BE AS I AM NOW NOT
LOST BUT GONE BEFORE



Left: Ngahiraka Kennedy circa 1880. Photograph courtesy of Tairawhiti Museum collection.
Land Inheritance as divided by Joseph Kennedy from Ngahiraka’s Will.

Land Information : Written by Edward referring to: "Own Shares.”
Opape No1A No 10 Area ? rood 8 perches Total Shares 2 ¼ Own Shares: ¼
pape No1A No 19 Area182a or 03P. Total Shares 154 ¼
Harriet: 1, Maria :¼, Kate: ¼, Own Shares: ¼
Opape No 1A No 18 Area 1/a ,1r, O1p Total Shares 154¼
Edward: ¼ Harriett: 1 ¼ Own Shares: ¼
Opape No1E No2 Area 14a, ?r, 28p, Total Shares 2½
Own Shares: ¼ + 11/120, Hariata: 41/120,
Hannah: 11/120, Kate: 11/120, Maraea: 41/120
Opape No1S Area 82a, 3r, 24p, Total Shares 11 ½
Own Shares ¼ + 11/120

This copy of Ngahiraka Kennedy’s Will
was found in June Smith’s knitting bag when the family
where clearing her home after she had died.

Two years later Joseph Kennedy, aged 52, married 20 year old Miss Alice Palmer and they had five children - four girls and one son.

New Zealand Herald.

20th June 1913

DEATH OF A PIONEER

CAPTAIN JOSEPH KENNEDY

------

Captain Joseph Kennedy died at Auckland yesterday. He was one of the pioneers of Poverty Bay, and was the first pilot to the Gisborne Harbour Board. Deceased originated the lightering firm of Kennedy and Bennet, afterwards Kennedy and Evans, and finally disposed of it to the Sheep Farmers’ Company. Some years ago he sold his property in Gisborne, and took up a farm at Papakura. He then left his farm and returned to Gisborne, but becoming ill he came to Auckland for health reasons a month ago.

The first steam tender which served to set up communication of a kind between Gisborne and the outside world was run by Captain Kennedy and Captain Read. This was the little Noka, called after Captain Read’s first wife, a native.

Deceased was born at Kennedy’s Bay, near Auckland, and worked with his father on the sea. His father, who was a well known figure in the early days, was murdered by natives [incorrect- Australians!] while proceeding in a Cutter from Kennedy’s Bay (named after Mr. Kennedy Sen.) to Auckland. The first that can be remembered of the veteran Captain in Poverty Bay was when he ran the old schooner Rosina to Opotiki, Tauranga etc.

Deceased was first married to Mrs. (Dr.) Thomson, of Auckland, and there were born of the marriage four daughters and one son, all of whom are still alive. The family comprises Mrs. Wells (Gisborne) Mrs. George Smith (Peel Street, Gisborne) Mrs. Choveaux (Gisborne) Mrs. Williams (Sydney) and Mr. Edward Kennedy (Wellington.) Mrs. Kennedy predeceased her husband many years ago, and 20 years ago deceased married again, his second wife being Miss Alice Palmer, of Gisborne. Of this union there are five children - four girls and one boy. All are living in Auckland, the eldest being 18 years of age. Deceased is survived by and older brother, Mr. John Kennedy, of Te Ari, and also by another brother, Mr. Nathan Kennedy of Opotiki.

DEATHS. KENNEDY- On June 19 1913, at his residence, New North Road, Glenmore, Joseph Kennedy, master mariner, late of Gisborne, dearly beloved husband of Alice Mary Kennedy, and third son of the late John Kennedy, of Kennedy’s Bay, aged 72 years. The funeral will leave his late residence on Sunday next, June 23, at 2:30p.m.

Ngahiraka Kennedy's sister Katerina (Kate) Takoto. m1. Grundy. m2.- Matchitt.
For more follow this link www.marygundrywirepa.com
The following extract gives an insight into the family.

“Opotiki; The Women’s Stories.” By Kath Connor.

A descendant recounted that Katerina (the daughter of Tako and Waitangi Rangiwhue known as Materena Waitangi) as a child attended the Reverend Wilson's Mission School at Hikutaia where she learned to read and write. She enjoyed reading throughout her life and it was one of the pleasures of her old age as her eyesight remained good. She read her Bible as well as "The War Cry," which a Salvation Army officer delivered to her. She was skilled at crochet. Katerina married William Grundy who had come to Opotiki after the murder of the Reverand Carl Volkner. Her husband was the son of an Auckland chemist and they shifted to Auckland where their two girls and two boys were born. William was sent to take part in the Taranaki War and was killed at Hauriri in 1878. The trustee he had appointed was dishonest and soon robbed Katerina of her assets. She returned to Opotiki to the Whakatohea people, bringing only her children with her. She married George Matchitt and they had a son George. Her husband later moved to Gisborne and died there in 1934. Katerina remained in Opoitki in a cottage near the wharf. Her cottage which was a wooden building became known as "Wharepap" that is whare—house pap- oards. She remained there until her death at aged 103 years. A granddaughter took her children to visit her not long before her death. Although her long life was coming to an end and she was very weak, she made a great effort to speak the following words, "Look after your children." The Matchitt family of Te Kaha, the Gundry family formerly of Opotiki, the Selwyn family and Warren families of Opotiki all descend from this wonderful old lady.

Circa 1896. Photo courtesy Hazel McDonald.

George Smith (centre.)
Alex Smith is to the left centre couple.



The Sign writing across the upper windows reads:
G. SMITH HAIRDRESSER.
Photos courtesy of Hazel McDonald.



The Smith brothers,
Gisborne. Abt. 1895. Left to right: Charlie, George Smith- your Great Grand father, is seated, and Tom. Young Alex (seated left) was a talented musician, playing both the violin and Piano. Photo courtesy Hazel McDonald.

One of George Smith’s sons, Alex (Alexander Teece Smith) was his father’s apprentice, starting when he had to stand on a box to shave customers or cut their hair. George had several vocations recorded on his children’s birth certificates: Hairdresser, Pawnbroker, Bookmaker and Saddler. The whole family were multi-talented.

George Smith had a Men’s Hairdresser Shop at Gisborne and both Alex and Charlie worked in the business with him. These male establishments had a culture of their own; yarns were told, ribald jokes made (not in the presence of ladies) tips were given and received, local gossip was shared while men sat in the chair or waited their turn. These were the good old days, before two World Wars and the great Depression depleted the income from such flourishing businesses (or gambling - both George and Alex were recorded as Bookmakers on their children’s birth records.) They must have been hard cases as Letitia, their sister, concerned they were not behaving themselves, went over from Hamilton with her husband Herb Good, to “keep an eye on her brothers!” (On their way they had a terrifying experience when Te Kooti and his friends chased them all round Lake Waikaremoana.) At Gisborne George Smith met 24 year old Harriet Kennedy, an attractive, half- caste Maori girl, with big brown eyes and long, thick braided hair. She was a descendant of a high ranking Maori chief, and the daughter of Joseph & Ngahiraka Kennedy. 29 yr old George’s bachelor days were over! They married in the local Presbyterian Church on Dec. 5th 1896 and had 9 children. George died in 1938.

Harriet Kennedy (Circa 1888) George Smith. (circa 1995)

Children: