THE PASSING OF A PIONEER
Reminiscences of the Past
Late Mr Marx Voss
The death of Mr Marx Voss, which occurred at Karere on Tuesday, further reduces the rapidly diminshing ranks of the pioneers of this district who, by their labours, gradually converted a wilderness into a smiling countryside the present generation knows.
Arriving at Foxton in 1874, Mr Voss proceeded to Karere and there took up a 25 acre block, dividing a section with Mr H. Callesen. A man of splendid physique, the tremendous project of converting this swamp and bush-clad land did not present an insurmountable task to the mind of the purchaser, and as time progressed Mr Voss gradually added to his property. Undeterred by his experiences, Mr Voss purchased from Mr E. Akers some 75 acres, which was described as nothing but "nigger heads" separated by deep water holes. The stupendous undertaking of clearing the property was accomplished by fierce labour on Mr Voss's part and, as the years progressed, in conjunction with Mr Rowlands, he purchased Mr Joseph Nathan's farm and subsequently portions of Mr H McEwen's and the late Mr George McEwen's property, and the splendid block on which the present homestead stands is a tribute to the zeal and industry of the late holder. From the year of Mr Voss' arrival, the district witnessed a steady growth and, by means of industrial developments, the more effective attack on the forest became possible. The clearings were, however, comparatively small in proportion to the area of the country still under bush, and there were miles following miles of primeval forest, with here and there evidence of the enterprise of determined pioneers presenting a view of a rough homestead with cattle or sheep pasturing and patches of wheat and oats. Now and again the traveller would come upon a sawmill, which together with the Public Works policy, gave the district the impetus so much required.
The period between 1879 and 1889 was one of severe commercial depression, but it proved to be only the much advertised darkness which preceded the dawn. The 'eighties were by no means years of plenty, but they marked the foundation of the two industries, frozen meat and butter, which regenerated the North Island, if not the whole of New Zealand.
Many trials faced the early settler, and the damage done by the Manawatu River, which was very subject to flooding, was not the least, for crops were frequently washed out and the land returned to the bog-like nature from which it had been won by hard, continuous labour. The mosquito pest was faced with trepidation each summer, and the combatting of the insects was a task which presented serious difficulties. Mosquito nets were absolutely essential but, despite this protection, cases have been mentioned of the settlers evacuating their houses in preference for the river beds in order to seek relief. Fires of rotten vegetation or tobacco, which was grown for the purpose, were built at either the front or the rear door, and the smoke thus helped to abate the nuisance. The animals on the farm naturally suffered and had to endure much.
Travelling at the time was an exceedingly labourious business for, although fences were little in evidence, the absence of roads and the density of the bush placed limitations on the peregrinations of the traveller.
But a track through the bush connected Palmerston North, which was then but a growing village, with the settlement at Karere. Foxton, however, was then the trading centre, the old tram line with its wooden rails being the means of conveyance from the seaside port. In connection with the original line incidents are quoted of the wooden rails, following the receding of the flood waters, being found suspended in the tree branches.
The year 1876, however, witnessed the passing of the tram and the coming of the train. A little later the railway was extended to Wanganui, and travel was made easy to the rich and growing districts of the north, which had previously been accessible only after weary rides and tiresome drives. The visiting of the sick presented difficulties, and the late Dr. Roskstrow, who was stationed at Foxton, had a wide area under his charge, and his duties naturally involved a great deal of travelling, at times over roads that were up to the horse's girth in mud. Dr. Marrimer's arrival at Palmerston North, however, brought some relief, and marked an important incident in the history of the fast growing town.
Dr. MacIntyre succeeded D. Marriner, who, through ill-health, was compelled to take a sea voyage and died en route to England. It is interesting to note that the residence then occupied by Dr. MacIntyre stood on the site now occupied by a big drapery establishment in the Square.
The bush-clad area was thronged with native birds such as the pukeko, kaka, parakeet, tui and bellbird, but with the march of progress and the clearing of the bush they gradually disappeared or were driven to seek other haunts, and of the numerous birds which made their homes in that area, only the pukeko remains. The mosquitos were likewise affected with the advent of better drainage, while the grasshopper and the caterpillar found a natural enemy in the starling, which had been imported into the country. The little fantail and the grey duck still remain, but the pigeon has been driven into the ranges.
An excellent farmer, Mr Voss by his industry was an object lesson to other farmers, but he was ever ready and willing to lend a hand to the lesser fortunate. In 1905 he founded a Romney Marsh stud; and with his customary thoroughness, soon built up a reputation as a breeder. Although a Dane by birth and sympathy, he had in his youth been a conscript in the ranks of the German Life Guards in the Franco-Prussian war, for his native land, Schleswig, was then under German domination. He was a liberal supporter of all patriotic funds during the recent Great War.
Among the settlers that were resident at Karere at the time of Mr Voss's arrival there (are some) that are still living. Many have, however, passed away, but the following is a list of those and their descendants connected with the district:- Messrs H. Callesen, H. McEwen (now resident at Waverley), Sly, T. McEwen, J. McEwen, Rowland Bros (sons of the late Mr David Rowland), M. Richardson, M. Hamilton and Mrs J. Buick (sister-in-law of the late Mr. D. Buick, the former member for the district). By the death of Mr Voss, the community has lost a valued citizen, and a link has been severed with the early days, while many residents of both town and district have lost a friend, who by his high principles and sterling qualities well merited the high regard entertained for him.
The high esteem and widespread respect in which the late Mr Voss was held
was strikingly evidenced at the funeral yesterday, when amongst the extremely
large cortege were to be found many of Palmerston North's early settlers and
prominent citizens. After a short service at the homestead at Karere, the cortege
proceeded to the Palmerston North Cemetery where the interment took place. The
pallbearers were Messrs E. Akers, T. R. Hodder, O. Monrad, J. A. Mitchell, R.
D. Knight and J. Bett. The Rev. Christensen, Danish Lutheran minister at Palmerston
North, conducted an impressive service at the graveside, upon which were placed
many beautiful wreaths. The principal mourners were the deceased's family and
sisters.
----Basil Voss collection
The Manawatu Evening Standard 15 June 1923 5(1)
Obituary:
Mr Marx Voss
The death of Mr Marx Voss, which occurred at Karere yesterday at the advanced age of 73 years, marks the passing of one of the pioneer settlers of that district. Born in Apenrade, Schleswig, Denmark on July 19, 1849, Mr Voss as a young man was compelled as a conscript in the German army to serve with those forces in the Franco-Prussian war in 1870-71, for at that time Schleswig was part of Germany. A member of the Life Guards he went on service with the Emperor and took part in the engagements of Gravclotte, Sedan, etc., and was present at the fall of Metz and Strasbourg. At the conclusion of hostilities, he was a member of the army of occupation in Paris. On gaining his freedom from the army, he left Denmark for New Zealand on April 28, 1874, and arrived at Lyttleton on September 3 of that year. The ship which carried Mr Voss and a number of other pioneer settlers was the old battleship "St. Lawrence", a sailing vessel, which took 105 days to make the trip from Plymouth (England) to Lyttleton. From this port he journeyed to Foxton in the s.s. Wellington and, thence to Karere in 1875. He was married at the seaside port, the ceremony being solemnised in the old Presbyterian Church by the late Rev. Duncan on May 8, 1875. Mr Voss obtained work in the Public Works Department, which was then engaged in laying that section of the railway, Palmerston North to Wanganui, being a continuation of the Palmerston North-Bunnythorpe line, the late Mr Peter Stewart having charge of the work. For three years he was engaged as bridge carpenter on the railway line between Palmerston North and Foxton. In 1875 he had purchaed 50 acres of land at Karere and this block now marks the site of the present homestead.
Mr Voss thus experienced all the trials of the early pioneers, and asssisted in the converting of a swampy, bush-clad land into the smiling countryside the present generation enjoys. With the advent of modern agricultural ideas, Mr Voss founded a Romney Marsh flock, which gained him a wide reputation as a breeder.
A man of sterling qualities and high principles, his passing will be a sad
loss to the community, and the sympathy of a wide circle of friends will go
out to the deceased's wife and family. There are left to mourn their loss a
family of six daughters, two sons and sixteen grandchildren. One son, Oscar,
predeceased him about three years ago. The daughters are Mrs N. P. Nielsen (Tiakitahuna),
Mrs James Gould (Hawera), Mrs C.D. Fraser (Palmerston North), Mrs W.S Fell (Tiakitahuna)
and Misses E. M. and H. E. Voss (Karere) and the sons Messrs Holger and Max
Voss (Karere). Two sisters - Mrs Burmeister, late of Kairanga and now of Palmerston
North, and Mrs Olsen, of Palmerston North, survive deceased.
-- Basil Voss collection