about 1902/03 with his wife Miriam COLEMAN they married 1891 NSW
Have cert but his parents names are not on it
Soon after they arrived he changed his name to Joseph Henry SMITH and died 1941. If he did not change his name I would not be a SMITH
This is from a newspaper in NZ but do not have the name of it
Photocopy of Newspaper Clipping dated ? 8, 1923
VALEDICTORY
MR. AND MRS J.H. SMITH
In the persons of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Smith, who are leaving to settle in Hikurangi, Awanui is losing citizens of twenty years standing. In February 1903 Mr. Smith arrived in Awanui with his wife and three children, coming here from Tasmania. At the time of their arrival the Kaitaia Butter Factory had not long been in existence.Mr.Smith was one of the first to start in the poultry business in the district, but after some years he was compelled to give up, the low prices of poultry and eggs rendering the business unremunerative.During his long residence in the district Mr. Smith has taken his fair share in local matters. He was a member of the Awanui School Committee, and was connected with various Agricultural Societies, etc, in the district. In this latter connection he was an exhibitor of poultry, flowers and vegetables, and has also judged for years in the same classes.In sport also Mr. Smith has taken an interest, and was a member of the Waipapkauri Racing Club.When the Court of Pride of Awanui, A.F.O., was opened Mr. Smith was one of the first to join, and went through all the Chairs, being twice C.R. Latterly he was Treasurer. As a foreman under the P.W.D. our departing friend was in charge of the Dalmatians on the river works, and also a ranger .With 13 years service inthe North Auckland Mounted Rifles as a Sergt, Mr Smith was one of the first to volunteer for service with that unit in the Great War, although he had to wait almost two years before he could away, he had spent 18 month's service at the front. Mrs. Smith will be missed in the district where for thirteen years she has given her services as a maternity nurse. No weather was too bad, no distance too great when her services were required. All in all Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been useful and respected citizens in the community, who can ill be spared. We wish them every success in their new home.
Photocopy of Newspaper clipping
FAREWELL SOCIAL AND DANCE
A farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, taking the form of a social and dance, was held in Even's Hall, Awanui. This was tendered by the public of the district and the local Forester's Lodge. There was a large attendance, and the affair went with a swing from start to finish. Dancing was indulged in with vim, and a nice supper was handed around .During the evening Mr. E.C. Matthews made a presentation to Mr. Smith of a solid leather suit case and a pair of military hair brushes in a case, and to Mrs. Smith a handsome E.P. tea set, the latter being from the ladies of the district. In making the presentation Mr. Matthews spoke in very eulogistic terms of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and described them as people whose departure would be a loss to the district. He wished them success in their new sphere. Mr. Geo. Cosson followed in similar terms, and spoke of Mr. Smith's connection with thr Forester's Lodge in Awanui. He touched also on Mrs. Smith's valuable service in the district .Mr. Smith responed for Mrs. Smith and himself in feeling terms. They regretted leaving the district where twenty years of their lives had been spent, but decided that a change would be a change would be advisable.
Newbe
