George & Mary Ann Smith

[Kina]

Hi
As I intend to be in NZ next week, can I ask if is it possible to look up records in Christchurch pertaining to this couple who originated in London, married in Melbourne 1852, had at least 4 children before arriving NZ from Australia prior to 1868 when a son Henry was born.  The last child born in  Victoria was in 1859 so voyage must be between 1859 and 1868.  Probably arrived Lyttelton, because they settled Heathcote Valley.  Have not had any luck at Australian end so wonder if its possible to look up at NZ end.
Thank you
Kina

[Canterburynorth]

Hi Kina,

What sort of information are you in need of? Christchurch has an archives office and the Central library has a really good family history section with fiche, church index cards, shipping list etc and very helpful staff.
Do you have the DOB's for George and Mary and DOD - where buried etc?

Regards
Leandra

[Lucy2]

Hello Kina

At the following link you'll find details of all the wonderful resources available.   Canterbury is especially well-served when it comes to family history records - in particular with the unique Church register transcripts (B,D & M) which are housed at the Aotearoa Centre, Christchurch Central Library.

http://christchurchlibraries.com/FamilyHistory/Resources/


~   Lu  

[Lucy2]

Hi again

Re:  Voyage to NZ of SMITH family.

If the family departed from Victoria, then the best available passenger lists can be found at the PROV website - though I'm guessing you've already perhaps viewed these ? 

http://www.prov.vic.gov.au/

>>  Digitised Records and Indexes online >> "Outward Passengers to Interstate, UK, NZ and Foreign Ports" :

You might like to also contact the Canterbury Museum who hold some lists (sadly, it must be remembered though, that many passenger records have not survived.)

~  Lu

[Suzy W]

For burials for Christchurch Council Cemeteries try  http://librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/

I had a look for Smith, just like a needle in a Hay Stack.  You would have a better idea of age and where born, which is listed on the site.

Suzy W

[Kina]

Thank you Leandra, Suzy W and Lu - I appreciate your comments and advice.  I will try the Library etc - the info I am looking for is when exactly the family arrived NZ and name of ship.  They had daughter Sarah b 1853, William 1855, Mary Oliver b 1857, and Joseph b 1859.  At least 2 more were born in NZ and I know about them and their families, also about Mary Oliver and her family.  I haven't found correct details on any cemetery or burial records - of George and Mary Ann.  I know they were born London 1827 and 1835 respectively but can only track them from their marriage in Melbourne in 1853.  I will try the places you suggest, but the Aust sites haven't helped me.
Thank you again.
Kina

[alamar]

I note that the Chch Archives hold the probate file of Mary Ann in 1898, already a widow. "SMITH Mary Ann - Heathcote Valley - Widow"

http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/

Alan

[Canterburynorth]

Good find Alan.

Kina do you know about our papers past website?

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast

Its a very helpful resource, narrowing your search to Canterbury papers might pay with the name Smith.

Leandra

[Kina]

Thank you Alan, my guess is that it is such  a common name.
My biggest problem with this Mary Ann who is a widow in 1898 ( in the right location!!) is that I have a photo of her with daughter, grand daughter, and great grand daughter.  I know the gt grand daughter was born 1903 and she looks about 9 - 12 years old.  I have been puzzling over this for a very long time.  Have even tried matching up blocks and plots in the cemeteries to no avail.  I am convinced that some of the ages shown MUST be wrong.  At least I am not going to Christchurch 'cold turkey' - as it is my home turf and  I know the cemeteries well.  Its just that when I lived there I didn't have the 'genealogy' bug!!!!  But I'm glad I listened to the 'old family stories' as they have helped out many times with just a tiny clue.
Thanks again.
Kina