George Printz, Whaler
Born Sydney, Australia 1823/4
Story by George's great grandson, Colin Dean, New Zealand
Story by George's great grandson, Colin Dean, New Zealand
Died 06 September 1898. Buried Riverton Cemetery, Southland, New Zealand, 11 September 1898.
The Death Certificate of George PRINTZ states his age at death as 71. It is very probably 74 or 75. It also lists his father as Armus Lucas Printz. This is understandable but incorrect. It was Herman Lucas Printz. The following obituary appeared in the Southland Times on the 12 September 1898.
"The Late Mr.George Printz.
The remains of the late Mr.George Printz were laid in their last resting place at Riverton yesterday. A special train left Invercargill in the forenoon, but owing to the boisterous weather only 20 journeyed from here. A special train from Orepuki, however, brought a large number of mourners, while residents of Riverton and the surrounding Districts turned out strongly to pay their last respects. The body was conveyed to the Anglican Church, where the funeral service was conducted by the Rev.Butterfield. The pall bearers being Messers T.M.MacDonald, B.A.Dickenson, Henry Hirst, Wm.M.Tarlton and J.R.Stuck. While the cortage passed, the bell tolled at intervals and on arrival at the cemetery, eight of the leading Maoris of Riverton, Colac Bay and Wakitipu carried the coffin to the grave, into which it was lowered by the sons of the deceased.
Death has (says the Western Star) been very busy this year amongst the pioneer settlers of Southland, the last to pass away being Mr.George Valentine Printz, who died at his residence, Havelock Street, shortly after 5 o'clock on Thursday evening at the age of 71 years. He was a strong looking man, always fresh in appearance, but during the last nine months he began to fail, although there was apparently nothing seriously the matter. He took part in the early settler’s procession at the celebration of the Otago Jubilee in March last, and about three months ago was actively engaged, superintending his farm at Pahia. At that time he complained of a chest infection and gradually becoming worse, he took to his bed, but it was confidently hoped he would pull through. The last few weeks however, it became evident that his complaint was more serious than at first supposed, and his medical advisors saw that recovery was impossible. Over half a century ago he came to Riverton, and to an old friend, who had been with him in the early days, he remarked just before his death "It is 58 years since you and I used to run on the beach at Codfish Island."
George Valentine Printz was born in Sydney on 14 February 1823 or 1824.
His father was a German, and died when he was still very young. After his Mothers second marriage he left home at the age of 10 years (more likely 13 or 14 years). Sydney was then the centre for the South Seas commerce, and the Port from where the numerous whaling expeditions sailed. The late John Jones had numerous vessels engaged in this industry, which periodically left for the whale and seal Depots at Preservation Inlet and Waikouaiti.
The Death Certificate of George PRINTZ states his age at death as 71. It is very probably 74 or 75. It also lists his father as Armus Lucas Printz. This is understandable but incorrect. It was Herman Lucas Printz. The following obituary appeared in the Southland Times on the 12 September 1898.
"The Late Mr.George Printz.
The remains of the late Mr.George Printz were laid in their last resting place at Riverton yesterday. A special train left Invercargill in the forenoon, but owing to the boisterous weather only 20 journeyed from here. A special train from Orepuki, however, brought a large number of mourners, while residents of Riverton and the surrounding Districts turned out strongly to pay their last respects. The body was conveyed to the Anglican Church, where the funeral service was conducted by the Rev.Butterfield. The pall bearers being Messers T.M.MacDonald, B.A.Dickenson, Henry Hirst, Wm.M.Tarlton and J.R.Stuck. While the cortage passed, the bell tolled at intervals and on arrival at the cemetery, eight of the leading Maoris of Riverton, Colac Bay and Wakitipu carried the coffin to the grave, into which it was lowered by the sons of the deceased.
Death has (says the Western Star) been very busy this year amongst the pioneer settlers of Southland, the last to pass away being Mr.George Valentine Printz, who died at his residence, Havelock Street, shortly after 5 o'clock on Thursday evening at the age of 71 years. He was a strong looking man, always fresh in appearance, but during the last nine months he began to fail, although there was apparently nothing seriously the matter. He took part in the early settler’s procession at the celebration of the Otago Jubilee in March last, and about three months ago was actively engaged, superintending his farm at Pahia. At that time he complained of a chest infection and gradually becoming worse, he took to his bed, but it was confidently hoped he would pull through. The last few weeks however, it became evident that his complaint was more serious than at first supposed, and his medical advisors saw that recovery was impossible. Over half a century ago he came to Riverton, and to an old friend, who had been with him in the early days, he remarked just before his death "It is 58 years since you and I used to run on the beach at Codfish Island."
George Valentine Printz was born in Sydney on 14 February 1823 or 1824.
His father was a German, and died when he was still very young. After his Mothers second marriage he left home at the age of 10 years (more likely 13 or 14 years). Sydney was then the centre for the South Seas commerce, and the Port from where the numerous whaling expeditions sailed. The late John Jones had numerous vessels engaged in this industry, which periodically left for the whale and seal Depots at Preservation Inlet and Waikouaiti.
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"My early days were spent in Sydney, where as a mere lad I was apprenticed to the tannery trade. The way I happened to come out to New Zealand was in this wise. One day I was sitting nursing my employees baby when Mr.Johnny Jones passed by, and knowing me asked how I was getting on at my trade. My answer was doing nothing but sharpening knives and nursing babies. He told me to go to Bunkers Hill, where he lived, and he would see me again. I went out and remember that Mrs. Jones gave me a drink of white wine.
When Mr.Jones came he asked me how I would like to go to New Zealand and be a cooper in his employ. He fired my young ambition by saying I would get cocoanuts and bananas and all manner of nice things. This dazzling prospect delighted me right down to the ground, and of course my reply was that I would like to go to such an inviting spot." (Notes: 1) |
Part of a picture strip story by Ross Gore illustrating George Printz's life in the south seas.
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George Printz engaged to go with him to the Preservation Depot, where he landed in 1837, and was employed at coopering. Mr Thomas Brown of Riverton coming over from Sydney with him. Whales were then plentiful in Preservation Inlet, four boats being constantly engaged catching. He only remained there for one season and in 1838, landed in Riverton, commonly called Jacob's River, the whaling settlement being at Tall's Point, a few natives residing on the opposite shore. There was of course no town and not a single settler in the Western District, now one of the finest agricultural tracts in New Zealand. Here, he engaged with the late Captain John Howell, who was working the whaling station for John Jones. After serving for three years, he went to Bluff to work for the late John Stirling. In 1852, he returned to Sydney, then proceeded to the Victorian Goldfields where he had many experiences, but no luck. Relinquishing digging (gold) he came back to New Zealand on a schooner under Captain Town and joined with the late Captain Stevens in a whaling enterprise of their own.
At this time, while waiting in the bay with a full cargo of oil, a storm came on and the vessel was wrecked. The cargo was lost, but the crew, after many hours battling with the waves reached shore, Mr.Printz meantime being for several hours, dashed about in the surf, lashed to a spar. Dissolving the partnership with Captain Stevens, he purchased a vessel for himself, the Sarah Pile, but decided to give up the sea, and sold out to an advantage. He then took up Burwood Station (farm, ranch) ,near Five Rivers, where he went into largely for stock, and when the Wakapitu gold diggings broke out, he made money rapidly, often getting forty pounds for a cattle beast, which now sell for nine pounds. He was very successful with this Station and sold out to Messers Lowe and Greenslade for the sum of 33,000 pounds, a huge sum of money in those days (other records have it that it was Messers Lowe and McGregor as the purchasers). He then returned to the New River (named by his father in law) where he built a large homestead, his brother who predeceased him by 12 months, managing the farm for him.
Mr. Printz shortly afterwards acquired a large farm at Pahia (Notes 2) where he raised a good strain of “shorthorns", his bull "Oxford Wild Eyes" being a well known prize taker at the various shows. He was a very successful speculator and always very lucky in his dealings. In early life, he did not have the educational advantage, but he made up for this by a natural aptitude for business, in which he showed great shrewdness and foresight. He was always of thrifty disposition, and learned to save in days when the temptation to spend was very great, owing to there being no lack of money. From such small beginnings, he died a wealthy man. He leaves a widow, a daughter of Captain Howell, five sons and three daughters, all grown up."
The Partners of George Valentine Printz
His first "marriage" was to Pokurukuru daughter of Huruhuru, Chief at Oue. She was also known as Margaret Pokurukuru. She was baptised/christened by the Rev.Wholers on the 14 February 1855 at New River and was about 35 years old. They refused to be married. Her case is as in Corintheans 7,13. which reads "and a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and yet he is agreeable to dwelling with her, let her not leave her husband". They were living at Sandy Point where he had 4 acres in wheat, barley, and potatoes, 30 head of cattle and 20 pigs. There were also two children in their care. George at this time is aged at about 31 years. The remains of his stockyards can still be seen at Whalers Bay, Sandy Point, Otatara, which is in Southland N.Z.
His second marrige was to Catherine Rissetto nee' Acker. Catherine was born c 1842 and died 26 August 1885. She was the daughter of Captain Lewis Acker and Mere Pi and was born at Acker's house on Rakiura (Stewart Island) which is one of the oldest houses still existing in New Zealand. Acker carted all the rock for the house over from Southland and built his house overlooking Harrolds Bay. Catherine was baptised by the Rev. James Watkin the first missionary to settle in the South Island, on the 04 March 1844, and on the same day Lewis and Pi were married. Catherine had previously been married to Jean Baptiste Rissetto, a boatbuilder from Genoa in Italy. They were married on the 15 December 1860 when Catherine was 18 years old. They had four children. Catherine and George Printz had 10 children in total, the last died at an early age, the last child probably being the cause of Catherine's death.
George's third and last marriage was to Matilda Jane Gordon nee' Howell born 10 September 1857. They married at the house of the Rev. David Gordon, Victoria Street, Invercargill on 07 June 1887. Matilda was the daughter of Captain John Howell, the founder of Riverton, and had the task of raising George and Catherine's family of 8 children. She bore no children to George.
The children of George PRINTZ and Catherine Acker
At this time, while waiting in the bay with a full cargo of oil, a storm came on and the vessel was wrecked. The cargo was lost, but the crew, after many hours battling with the waves reached shore, Mr.Printz meantime being for several hours, dashed about in the surf, lashed to a spar. Dissolving the partnership with Captain Stevens, he purchased a vessel for himself, the Sarah Pile, but decided to give up the sea, and sold out to an advantage. He then took up Burwood Station (farm, ranch) ,near Five Rivers, where he went into largely for stock, and when the Wakapitu gold diggings broke out, he made money rapidly, often getting forty pounds for a cattle beast, which now sell for nine pounds. He was very successful with this Station and sold out to Messers Lowe and Greenslade for the sum of 33,000 pounds, a huge sum of money in those days (other records have it that it was Messers Lowe and McGregor as the purchasers). He then returned to the New River (named by his father in law) where he built a large homestead, his brother who predeceased him by 12 months, managing the farm for him.
Mr. Printz shortly afterwards acquired a large farm at Pahia (Notes 2) where he raised a good strain of “shorthorns", his bull "Oxford Wild Eyes" being a well known prize taker at the various shows. He was a very successful speculator and always very lucky in his dealings. In early life, he did not have the educational advantage, but he made up for this by a natural aptitude for business, in which he showed great shrewdness and foresight. He was always of thrifty disposition, and learned to save in days when the temptation to spend was very great, owing to there being no lack of money. From such small beginnings, he died a wealthy man. He leaves a widow, a daughter of Captain Howell, five sons and three daughters, all grown up."
The Partners of George Valentine Printz
His first "marriage" was to Pokurukuru daughter of Huruhuru, Chief at Oue. She was also known as Margaret Pokurukuru. She was baptised/christened by the Rev.Wholers on the 14 February 1855 at New River and was about 35 years old. They refused to be married. Her case is as in Corintheans 7,13. which reads "and a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and yet he is agreeable to dwelling with her, let her not leave her husband". They were living at Sandy Point where he had 4 acres in wheat, barley, and potatoes, 30 head of cattle and 20 pigs. There were also two children in their care. George at this time is aged at about 31 years. The remains of his stockyards can still be seen at Whalers Bay, Sandy Point, Otatara, which is in Southland N.Z.
His second marrige was to Catherine Rissetto nee' Acker. Catherine was born c 1842 and died 26 August 1885. She was the daughter of Captain Lewis Acker and Mere Pi and was born at Acker's house on Rakiura (Stewart Island) which is one of the oldest houses still existing in New Zealand. Acker carted all the rock for the house over from Southland and built his house overlooking Harrolds Bay. Catherine was baptised by the Rev. James Watkin the first missionary to settle in the South Island, on the 04 March 1844, and on the same day Lewis and Pi were married. Catherine had previously been married to Jean Baptiste Rissetto, a boatbuilder from Genoa in Italy. They were married on the 15 December 1860 when Catherine was 18 years old. They had four children. Catherine and George Printz had 10 children in total, the last died at an early age, the last child probably being the cause of Catherine's death.
George's third and last marriage was to Matilda Jane Gordon nee' Howell born 10 September 1857. They married at the house of the Rev. David Gordon, Victoria Street, Invercargill on 07 June 1887. Matilda was the daughter of Captain John Howell, the founder of Riverton, and had the task of raising George and Catherine's family of 8 children. She bore no children to George.
The children of George PRINTZ and Catherine Acker
Children of George Printz & Catherine nee Acker
R-L top: Airini, Henry, Ellen, George,
L-R middle row: Matilda nee' Howell, Rupert, George,
R-L front: Rachel, William, John.
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1. Annie (Airini) Louise Printz born 09 November 1869, married 12 February 1900, died 26 May 1946, married Gustave Robert Harrison.
2. Ellen (Nellie) Theresa Printz born 10 June 1871, died 20 May 1953, married Percival Bernard Berndston. 3. Henry (Harry) Albert Printz born 1874, married 12 June 1900, died 18 March 1957 married Alice Maud Thomson. 4. George Gosport Printz born 15th Aug 1875, died 12 August 1947, married (1) Lilley Scanlon, (2) Sybil Isobel Wilson 5. William Arthur Printz born 22 August 1877, married 02 February 1902, died 02 July 1955, married Lillian Margaret Bellett born 10 January 1883. |
6. Rachel Matilda (Tilly) Printz born 13 January 1879, died 30 May 1937, married (1) Harold Grave, (2) Arcibald Cambell McGavock born 1873, died 21 July 19
7. John Lous (Barney) Printz born 1880, married 30 December 1903, died 20 November 1918, married Margaret Ethel Bennett. 8. Rupert Leslie Printz born 27 July 1883, died 26 July 1948, married (1) Ada Bennett (2) Alice Victoria Constance Lindsay. 9. Charles Printz born 10 February 1882, died 26 July 1882. 10. Catherine Printz born 26 Augusrt 1885, died 05 November 1885. |
Notes
(1) From Notes of Mr.R.McNab taken down in 1898 just a few months before George PRINTZ'S death
Beattie, H. Pioneer Recollections, Collected by H Beattie. Gore, NZ: Gore Publishing Company ltd., 1909-1956.
(2) George's farm at Pahia was 7,000 acres which after his death was split up among his sons. There still stands today two of the son's houses, one has two turrets and has been altered and the other which has three turrets can be seen from the main road to Orepuki. It is still very much original and has been well cared for over the years. You can still see the remains of the wiring of one of the very first lighting generator sets installed in New Zealand.
(1) From Notes of Mr.R.McNab taken down in 1898 just a few months before George PRINTZ'S death
Beattie, H. Pioneer Recollections, Collected by H Beattie. Gore, NZ: Gore Publishing Company ltd., 1909-1956.
(2) George's farm at Pahia was 7,000 acres which after his death was split up among his sons. There still stands today two of the son's houses, one has two turrets and has been altered and the other which has three turrets can be seen from the main road to Orepuki. It is still very much original and has been well cared for over the years. You can still see the remains of the wiring of one of the very first lighting generator sets installed in New Zealand.