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Smoliński Family (pronounced Smoleennskee)

SURNAMES & THEIR ORIGINS

MALINOWSKI (Pol) malina. Meaning: raspberry bush.

REKOWSKI (Pol) rak. Meaning: crab, cancer.

SMOLINSKI (Pol) smola. Meaning: tar, pitch, or smolic - to dirty.

Johann Smolinski (1844-1922), the son of Anna Smolinska married (1869 Liebschau) Franciszka Malinowska (1850-1913), the daughter of Thomas Malinowski & Catharina Rekowska.

• Smolenski family 1885:
  Johann Smolinski worked as a farm labourer in and around the village of Liebschau (Lubiszewo Tczewskie), West Prussia, in the ethnic region of Kociewie, in the district of Gdansk, Poland. While living in the village of Klein Malsau (Malzewko) they had the first of their children being: Jacobus (1870-1870) & Marianna Rosalia (1871-1879).

From here they moved to the village of Rukoschin (Rukosin), just north of Malsau. Here they had two more children being: Johann (1874-1905) & Joseph (1876-1878). The family then moved back to the village of Malsau where they had Franz (1878-1940).

In 1879 the family embarked for overseas and it is during this period that things remain a mystery. It has been said that the family were to go to America with a sister to Franciska, but before leaving the small village of Malsau, their daughter Maria fell sick and died on the 14th of July 1879 at 7:00 am. They then had to delay travel and wait for an indirect route instead. It is assumed they left the port of Hamburg for Clyde, Scotland, the trip said to have been rather nerve racking. Franciszka around this time fell ill, wether at Clyde or on board the ship is unclear. On the 23rd of October 1879, Johann and family set aboard the ship "Marlborough" at Clyde for New Zealand, and arrived at Port Chalmers, Otago, on the 7th of January 1880. Since Johann's parents and siblings were residing in New Zealand, it is quite possible the family assisted them there. It has also been mentioned that on the ship "Malborough", one of the fellow passengers nursed a German woman through her illness.

The Smolinski family, spelt Smolenski in New Zealand, travelled south to the town of Waihola where Johann's Mother & step-brothers were residing. Here Johann & Franciszka (Fanny) had their first New Zealand born, Martha (1881-1951).

Back: Johann Snr, Johann, Franciszka,
Front: Franz & Martha Smolenski.

• Right: Smolenski cottage, Allanton:
  

Johann Smolenski purchased land on the 14th of October 1887 in the settlement of Greytown and built their home, which remains today. He was naturalised as a New Zealand citizen on the 14th of November 1893 at 49 years of age.

• Smolenski Family 1902:
  

GREYTOWN SCHOOL ELECTION OF COMMITTEE

A MEETING of householders in the Greytown School district was held on Monday evening. Here was a small attendance, the chair being occupied by Mr. T. Fisher. The meeting was held in accordance with the Act, no committee having been elected at the annual meeting of householders for that purpose.Only five nominations were received - viz, Messrs J. Brown, D. Brocket, W. Lawrence, Joseph Kreft and J. Smolenski. These being the only nominations, the above named were declared duly elected.

Mr. Joseph Brown was appointed chairman and clerk to the committee.

"The Taieri Advocate", 12th June 1895.

Johann was also elected onto the Greytown District Board in 1896:-

Grey Town Board

NOMINATION OF COMMISSIONERS

NOMINATIONS of cadidates for the position of commissioner of the Grey Town District were due on Wednesday. Seven candidates were proposed for the vacancies, so that a poll of the rate payers will be taken. The candidates nominated were: John Black, Thomas Christie, John Ede, Michael Hackett, Alfret Pitfield, Alfred Scrivener, and John Smolenski.

The poll will be taken next Wednesday, between the hours of 9am and 6pm. It is expected that the poll will be a heavy one, as a good deal of interest is being manifested in the election.

"The Taieri Advocate", 12 September 1896.

• Right: Johann Snr with son James Smolenski:
  

RESULT OF ELECTION

As was anticipated, the election of five commissioners for the Grey Town Board, held on Saturday, excited a good deal of interest, and, all things considered, a goodly number of ratepayers recorded their votes. There were six candidates:-Messrs T. Christie, A. Pitfield, A. Scrivener, J. Black, J. Ede, and J. Smolenski. Originally there were seven but one, Mr. Michael Hackett, withdrew his nomination before the polling day. The result of the election was as under:-Thomas Christie 53, Alfred Scrivener 45, Alfred Pitfield 45, John Smolenski 40, John Ede 38, John Black 35.

The returning officer, Mr. James Stevens, declared the first five elected commissioners of the Grey town Board for the ensuing term.

"The Taieri Advocate", 23 September 1896.

Fanny Smolenski died on the 18th of March 1913 and Johann died on the 3rd of October 1922. Both are buried at the Allanton Cemetery. Grave It is to be said that Johann was a pinnicle of the community who befriended anyone always with a helping hand and a favourite with the youth.

Back: William, Johann Snr.,Frank,
Front: Rose, Franciszka, Baby Frank & James Smolenski.

A family reunion was held at Allanton in memory of Antoni Velenski, Martha Smolenski, Arthur Palmer and deceased relatives and friends, on Sunday the 27th of October 1991. The celebration was held at the Sacred Heart Church and followed by a picnic in which 150 family members reunited.

• Smolenski Family 1907:
  
  Back: William, James, Frank,
  Front: August, Franciszka, Rose, Johann Snr. & Martha.
  

• Johann & Franciszka Smolenski with grandchildren 1910:
  
  Back: Eric Velenski, John Smolenski (Folded arms), Frank Velenski,
  Middle: Bill Smolenski, Franciszka, Tom Velenski (on knee), Nellie Smolenski, Min Velenski, Johann Snr., Stan Smolenski (on knee), Frank Smolenski,
  Front: (Twins) Mary & Jack Smolenski.
  

Photos kindly provided by Patricia Clark.

Editorials

Smolinski Family Tree