A 1000 Descendants

Just on 1000 of the 1500 descendants of the German whaler Hacken Schmitt congregated at the Manutai Matare, south of Nuhaka, for a family reunion over Easter. Hacken Sehmitt settled at Mahia in the late 1880s after whaling along the East Coast ceased. The Maori people of the district changed his name' to Haki Smith, and he married Tauarai Kurekure, the daughter of a local chief. They had 15 children and the family is now in its seventh generation.

Haki Smith and his wife Tauarai.

Tauarai's brother, Karaitiana, who built the Manutai Meeting-house on the marae where the reunion was held.

Some of the direct descendants of Haki and Tauarai Smith pictured at the reunion. From left, Mrs Mana Mahana, Nuhaka (grand-daughter), Mr John Smith, Wairoa (grandson), Mr Wallace Smith, Muriwai (great-grandson), Mrs Tumanako Taurima, Titahi Bay (granddaughter), William Christie, a Bishop in the L.D.S. Church (great-great-grandson) and his wife, Mrs Heni Smith Christie (whose mother was adopted into the family), Mrs Hei Ariki Algie-Smith (great-granddaughter), Mrs Charlotte Fergusson, Wairoa (great-grand-daughter), and Mrs Zena (King) Maitai, Nuhaka (great-grand-daughter).

Mrs Messa Pinkham rings the bell for the church service.

Some of the whaling spear heads used by John Smith.

The large marque used as a dining room.

The Reverend Charlie Maitai conducting the church service.

Part of the large crowd of descendants pictured at the service.

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 227 : May 23, 1973

A 1000 Descendants